Fashion often takes its cues from the past. Lately, there has been a resurgence of fashion inspired by the 1980s, from shoulder-padded blazers and colorful mom jeans to fuzzy sweaters and neon athletic wear. Many of the trends we see today are heavily influenced by the ‘80s style, including eyewear.
If you’re looking for a pair of stylish glasses that make a statement, it's time to go back to when eyewear was everything! Buckle up because you’re about to learn everything there is to know about 80s fashion glasses.
Why 80s Fashion Glasses Are Back
It’s no secret that fashion trends come and go, but why is it that 80s fashion glasses are making their way back into our wardrobes? For starters, there’s an undeniable nostalgic appeal attached to this style of eyewear. It makes us recall films like Top Gun or Ferris Bueller with both fondness and amusement. There’s also something distinctly retro connected with these glasses—standing apart from the sea of nondescript contemporary frames.
Another reason why 80s fashion glasses are back is because of the content we may be watching. Retro TV shows such as Stranger Things or 80s TikTok content have made people want to go back to styles that are bold and colorful. Besides, 80s eyewear styles are classic and will probably stand the test of time.
The 80s Eyewear Styles You Should Invest In
If you’re thinking of investing in a pair (or two) of retro-inspired eyewear, there are several distinct types you should consider. In this section, we discuss which designs you should invest in, especially if you have 80s-style clothing.
Bright Color Plastic Frames
Brightly colored plastic frames offer an easy way to add some extra color to your look, especially if you find yourself gravitating toward more muted-toned clothing. These thick frames consist primarily of saturated colors like hues of blue and green, as well as more classic black designs for those seeking something more timeless.
Cat Eye Frames
Cat eye frames have surged in popularity over the last few years thanks to their toned-down sassiness. These typically feature a combination of metal accents and brightly colored earpieces that make them statement designs without being overly loud or brash.
One factor that was common with cat eye frames in the 80s is that they were all oversized. The frames came in shiny white, bright red, or even baby pink plastic frames, which is the epitome of 80s-style accessories.
The Timeless Aviator Glasses.
Aviator glasses popularized by Tom Cruise's iconic character from Top Gun remain timelessly stylish. This style of glasses was originally designed for fighter pilots in World War II but remained popular 40 years later. In the 80s, aviator sunglasses were associated with policemen, but iconic celebrities like Michael Jackson also made them widely popular.
Additionally, you can get aviator-style spectacles which were also incredibly popular in the 80s. The frames were usually silver or gold and were incredibly large. These days, celebrities like Jennifer Aniston wear aviator-style spectacles.
This style of eyewear comes in various color lenses but the most popular being brown. They also come in different sizes to suit both men and women. You can also choose metal frames or light plastic ones. If you want to encompass 80s fashion, then accessorizing with aviator glasses is the way to go!
Ray-Ban Wayfarers
Ray-Ban Wayfarers are a classic staple of 80s fashion. The timeless sunglasses hit the market in the 1950s and have been in style ever since with their unique square shape and signature metal accents. The 80s saw the trend experience a revival as fashionable people around the globe began to embrace its modern shape.
These iconic glasses made their appearance in the 1980s classic The Blues Brothers. Tom Cruise also helped popularize them with his starring role in Risky Business back in 1983. From this point onwards, these sunglasses only grew more famous.
So if you want to add an iconic look to your 80s-inspired outfit, you may want to invest in a pair of Wayfarers.
How To Wear 80s Fashion Glasses With Your Everyday Style
You might be asking yourself, “how can I incorporate retro-inspired frames into my everyday wardrobe?” The answer is easier than you might think. All you need is minimal styling! Opt for basic white tees or light-washed denim. Pops of neons can bring an extra touch if you feel like stepping out of your monochrome comfort zone.
Paired with modern sneakers such as Nike Air Force 1 or Converse All-Stars, keeps your style traditional while still keeping up with current trends. You may want to buy more than one pair of glasses in various designs to go with different outfits.
You can also look at pictures on the internet to see how people wore their outfits with their glasses back in the 80s. This will give you inspiration on how to pair different frames with your outfits.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how versatile 80s eyewear truly is – what are you waiting for? Add a touch of 80s coolness to your wardrobe using the tips in this post!