Why Vintage-Inspired Eyewear Is Making a Comeback | Visionist

Vintage has been making a major comeback for some time, with retro outfits popular among the young and the refined alike. And while eyewear trends come and go, there are a few styles that continue to get a revisit—and with good reason. From bold frames and oversized cat-eyes to round shapes and aviators, many retro glasses are growing to have a timeless appeal that can’t be ignored. 

At Visionist, we’re lovers of all things eyewear and this retro movement is no exception. That’s why we’re excited to explore the way in which vintage frames are currently making a splash and highlight a few of our favorite throwback styles available today. Get ready to honor the past while looking toward the future with retro glasses here to impress. 

The Appeal of Vintage-Inspired Eyewear 

For many, vintage-inspired eyewear often invokes the spirit of nostalgia, reminding wearers of a different place and time. In addition, these pieces tend to strike the perfect balance of the old and the new, combining a retro feel with the on-trend looks of today. Vintage frames have a timeless appeal, are filled with character, and allow those who are daring enough to try these looks to stand out from the crowd. 

Vintage frames are often both sleek and bold, making them a versatile option ready to elevate an everyday look or take a fancy outfit to the next level. They’re also known for their high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail, taking their rightful spot in the culture of today and continuing to shape trends. In fact, retro glasses and vintage sunglasses are popular staples among the famous and elite, even making their way to red carpets. Take a look at the recent vintage-inspired looks celebs wore at the Golden Globes. 

Top Vintage-Inspired Eyewear Styles

Ready to give a few of these iconic styles a try yourself? Whether it’s your first time buying designer glasses or you’re a frequent shopper, learn about some of our trending favorites destined to take your eyewear game to the next level.

Oversized Square Frames 

These vintage frames are bold, great for making a statement and expressing yourself through your glasses. Oversized square frames stand out but are also stylish as they rely on clean lines and their geometric shapes to complement a variety of faces. They’re versatile and known for comfort, resonating with glasses and fashion lovers. Explore a few of our favorite oversized square frames.

Dealan by Jacques Marie Mage

These frames play homage to Bob Dylans’ iconic black spectacles and are excellent choices for those looking to try out a classic feel that’s still relevant for today. These retro glasses feature thick-gauge acetate frames, a subtle cat-eye, triple spur rivets, and Jacques Marie Mage’s signature arrowhead front pins, making them as high-quality as they are stylish. Learn more about this innovative brand.

Brooks X Sun by Garrett Leight

Calling back to the effortlessly cool vibe of the 70s and 80s, and with a Ford v Ferrari feel, these vintage sunglasses pair with anything and look good on everyone. In colors like champagne, butterscotch, and classic brown, they work with a variety of styles. 

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Vintage Round Frames

Round frames have always been a popular choice for those who wear glasses and with good reason. They provide a sophisticated academic look, calling back to the classic styles of the 20s-50s. Considered a stylish choice by many, today’s spin is inspired by the vibes of the past, finding balance in unexpected ways. 

Classic Round by Lunor

Famously similar to Steve Jobs’ glasses, this classic style has been making an impact throughout the ages. These rimless retro glasses are striking, yet subtle, pairing with buttoned-up looks and casual wear alike. With a metal frame, oval hinge design, and comfortable acetate temple tips, their quality also can’t be beat. 

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Wilson by Garrett Leight

These hip frames are inspired by music legend John Lennon and evoke a 60s and 70s feel. With their round metal frame and tortoise temples, they’re perfect for wearing with everything. In matte black, they’re effortlessly in fashion, making them an excellent choice when it comes to dipping your toes into the world of vintage-inspired glasses. 

Cat-Eye Frames

Evoking the feel of the 1950s, these fun vintage frames are ideal for playing with your look while trying out new styles. They can be dressed up or dressed down, adding a bit of polish to any outfit, giving your eyewear game a boost, and often looking good on a variety of face shapes. 

1012 by Robert Marc NYC

With an old school Hollywood shape and modern see-through frames, these vintage glasses seamlessly blend the best of both worlds. They feature an acetate frame, Robert Marc’s signature 3-barrel hinge design, and tapered temples, creating a cohesive and bold look. 

Gaudi by Blake Kuwahara

Meet the retro-inspired cat-eye glasses with a modern flair. Coming in shades of blue, red, pecan, and black, these statement pieces have a style all their own. Take a walk on the wild side and dress them up with vintage clothes or throw them on with your sleek office look. The choice truly is yours. 

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Aviators

Aviators are one of the most popular styles of glasses and this has been true for quite some time. Perfect for both men and women, they have an 80s feel about them. Top Gun fans will associate this style with the movie as well, adding to their fun and playful vibe. 

Caleb Sun by Mykita

Classic never looked so cool. These squared aviator vintage sunglasses feature a masculine double bridge design, accented color rim detail, Mykita's patented flex hinge, comfortable silicone temple tips, and flexible silicone nose pads, ensuring they’re ready for anything. Coming in tints ranging from classic gray to funky orange, they’re the do-it-all vintage frames you didn’t know you needed. 

7001 by Robert Marc NYC

These aviators stun with their blue tinted shades and black wire frames. These square classic sunglasses also feature a titanium frame, a masculine double bridge, and titanium nose pads, making their mark in the world of vintage sunglasses. 

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How to Style Vintage-Inspired Eyewear

If you’re eager to dabble in the world of vintage-inspired eyewear, but aren’t quite sure how to style them with your everyday looks, we’ve got you covered. Explore our styling guides to get started on your retro glasses journey. 

Styling Guide for Men

If you’re ready to use vintage frames to take your look to the next level, there are a variety of pieces you can experiment with to turn up the sophistication. We recommend trying out tailored suits and loafers to tie your outfits together. If you’re looking to keep it simple, don’t worry. You can pair all of these retro glasses and classic sunglasses with a basic t-shirt and jeans, letting your eyewear shine—and do all the talking. 

Styling Guide for Women

If you’re hoping to go full retro, experimenting with a classic 1950s-era dress or a 1960s mod look can work well with both geometric and cat-eye frames, helping pull together a feminine and timeless look. High-waisted jeans and skirts can feel modern while nodding to the past, ideal for striking a balance when it comes to creating a full outfit. If your glasses are a little more on the eccentric side, you can’t go wrong with an all-black or all-white look. Mix it up by pairing classic sunglasses with a modern-day leather jacket or boots. 

Find Your Perfect Pair with Visionist

While glasses trends come and go, one thing is for certain: vintage frames are here to stay. This blast from the past is pushing boundaries in today’s eyewear landscape and turning up the fun. Whether you want to give this style a try or you’re gravitating towards a different vibe, Visionist is here to help. We’re proud to offer an unparalleled frame selection, customized service you can trust, and top-of-the-line optical care. 

Don’t know where to start? Try on your favorite pairs virtually, learn about your preferences through our style quiz, or reach out to us for a hand. We’re here to help you find the very best fit when it comes to vintage frames—and beyond.