Optician India

THE ESSENTIAL EYEWEAR TRENDS THAT 2023 BRINGS TO US

As the Earth completes another orbit around the Sun and starts a new one, it is that time of the year where we also start to search for newness in our life and style. That means we can’t help but look towards the future and take a look at the biggest eyewear trends that people will be yearning for in 2023.

There are many different predictions coming to light on various websites and blogs but here at Optician India, we will only focus on the most important international trends for the year.

ATHLETIC EYEWEAR

Unarguably the biggest trend of 2023 is the racer frames. As seen in Fashion Weeks across Milan, Paris and New York the blending realms of fashion and sport will continue and the sporty wrap frames will become an everyday accessory. As the outdoors remain an important influence, many variations of style and color will emerge such as softer color palettes, bold embellishments, mirrored lenses and transparent frames. Luxe wraps will maintain trending power, thanks to the influence of Meta Fashion and Y2K fashion trends gaining popularity.

The top athletic eyewear brands to look for include Oakley, Nike, Puma, Tommy Hilfiger and FILA, among others.

OVERSIZED ANGULAR

The Maximalist fashion trend this season brings about a revival of the chunky oversized frames inspired by the 1970s fashions for a dramatic look. In the 2023 version the looks will be inarguably geometric in neutral hues and tinted lenses in soft hues to bring out the balance. Expect to see a lot of tortoise shell oversized frames in 2023, too.

In a nod to gender fluidity in fashion, this trend, which has been a staple in luxury and high-fashion women’s collections is also being yearned for by men and included in the gender-inclusive collections for the coming seasons.

The reason this trend remains popular is because oversized eyewear lifts any outfit lending an immediate air of sophistication. This easy look can enhance your face shape and features and help you be noticed in any crowd. So be ready to see numerous people from fashion influencers to family members rocking their oversized eyewear everywhere as they become a staple in most eyewear wardrobes.

AN ODE TO NOSTALGIA

Retro Influences are further seen in the continuation of tinted Lenses, especially in hues of red, orange, and yellow, which have been sported by trendsetters and many A-List celebrities. Being touted as the ‘new retro’ metallic frames in round shapes and aviator-style frames paired with tinted lenses will continue to remain popular in 2023.

Another popular retro revival of next year will be the Harlequin Frame – the original cat-eye glasses. Patented in the 1920’s the glamorous shape was created by Ms Altina Schinasi as she found there was a lack of interesting frames for women available. The original design was inspired by the romantic and whimsical harlequin masks worn at ballroom dances of the era. This iconic shape with its classic upturned edges is perfect for all occasions and suits most face shapes. The Harlequin style comes back in embellished styles, and smaller sizes to create a fun, feminine, and seductive appeal.

ECO-FRIENDLY EYEWEAR

With an eye on the future, people are becoming more aware of the environmental impact of the fashion industry and the discussion about sustainability in fashion is coming to the fore. The term Green Frames speaks of collections made from natural wood, coffee, cork, bio-acetate, and recycled plastic made from water bottles. Manufacturers and brands are mindful of their clients’ sensibilities and are choosing to highlight their more eco-conscious efforts such as planting a tree for every frame sold, repurposing old frames to donate to the underprivileged and choosing recyclable packaging for their products.

Eco-friendly eyewear will be all the rage in 2023 as these earth-friendly options do not compromise on style even a bit and are definitely going to give you ‘woke fashion’ moments for your social media feeds.

DOPAMINE DREAMS

As the world limps back to normalcy after the pandemic and reels under the pressures of an economic downturn, regional wars, and environmental crises, people are searching for ways to make themselves feel ‘just a bit better’. This has given momentum to the Dopamine Dressing trend which finds its way into eyewear and accessories in 2023.

The thought behind Dopamine Dressing is to choose certain colors, patterns, textures and pieces that release the feel-good chemical and boost our mood. So whether an individual is going for a confident, sexy or simply comfortable look, it's all about wearing what makes you ‘feel good’.

Styles that give us a sense of optimism will continue to trend with playful designs, vibrant colors, artsy embellishments, sparkles, and maximalist patterns that create a sense of whimsy and bring a smile to the wearers face. A rising sense of individualism and body positivity movements will also mean that Gen Z continues to blur eyewear fashion boundaries with experimental styles.

All in all 2023 is set to be an exciting year for eyewear fashion as we look for inspiration from ‘the good old days’ and boldly march ahead in search of something new. I for one can’t wait to get my hands on some of these trends.

A word of caution as I conclude. Remember, trends are what create fashion but discernment creates true style. When choosing your new eyewear, make sure to select those shapes and colors that flatter your face and personal colors. Choose styles that suit your lifestyle and your job. And know that when you look good, you will feel great.

If you need help in finding eyewear that suits you, there is always the option of connecting with the author of this article who is an internationally certified image consultant and fashion stylist.