I need new glasses - what styles are current?

[GrandstandingBlueTit]

I can't remember when I last bought glasses - it seems like eons ago.

I have seen this style around a fair bit and while it looks great on some people under 30 it's not really for me.

I'm 39. My style is quite classic, feminine. Dark hair and dark eyes, olive-y skin tone and an oval-shaped face.

Any suggestions would be gratefully received. :)

[Mumelie]

I've just treated myself to some new specs and the opticians are full of similar to the ones you linked to. I'm 40 so had similar concerns! I went with the heavy Black plastic frame but a more cats eye shape. The squarer shape seemed to have lots of lens under the eye therfore showing off my eye bags in their full glory!
I think with an oval shaped face though you can pretty much pick any style and it will suit.

[OneLittleLady]

I'm due new glasses and my approach is not to care what's in fashion but just to pick something that suits me. Go and try on as many pairs as you can in as many stores as you can, if you can, take someone else with you as they can help you narrow down your choices. Don't be suckered in to buying something just because it's fashionable. If it suits, that's fine but classic styles that really suit your face can look just as trendy as something ultra modern and if you know something suits, you'll feel better about wearing them

[CointreauVersial]

Trust me, <a class="break-all" href="http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/3a/Deirdre1980s.jpg&imgrefurl=en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deirdre_Barlow&h=225&w=300&sz=54&tbnid=y_WK_3DnkRCh_M:&tbnh=90&tbnw=120&zoom=1&usg=__kLXsIpuqDRpj0xDlcvB7ELaZZAg=&docid=VLQ2JywUCyZEoM&sa=X&ei=b7xnUvCIKoXL0QXu4YDwDQ&sqi=2&ved=0CDAQ9QEwAQ" rel="nofollow noindex" target="_blank">this is the very latest look.

Honestly.

[gindrinker]

I'm with one little lady.
Try on lots and lots. You'll know the ones when you put them on... Like in the boots advert!
Take a friend/husband who can be bribed with lunch somewhere to assist.

Also don't judge them on the racks, I find there is very little difference between the ones which look ace and the ones which look shite.

[LadyBigtoes]

I go to specsavers which I always assumed would be a kind of basic value, in-and-out-quick kind of deal. But actually they (and maybe other places too) have staff who are trained to help you pick frames that suit your face and your taste.

I was really surprised the first time when the bloke who had been doing my paperwork came over and started advising me on frames and using all kinds of fashiony phrases :o But it really helped. I pointed out things I liked (and they never make you feel silly for what you choose - I really fancied purple frames and pointed at some - the assistant found me some others that were a nicer purple, better shape and suited me more).

I like the ones in your OP but I agree with LittleLady too, what suits you is more important than current styles.

[CMOTDibbler]

I always ask the ladies whats in, and then work my way through the pile of frames they pick out for me

[specialsubject]

forget fashion.

first, the frame style will be partly dictated by your lenses - thicker lenses won't work in some frames.
second, by what you see best with. Rectangles look a lot better on many people but you do lose some field of view. (OK, I admit it - I compromised on this and went for rectangles, such vanity!)
third, consider durability.
fourth, ask for what suits your face shape.
fifth, look at prices.

THEN make a choice!

never a good look - anything showing someone else's name or brand name, diamante, anything a teen celeb wears.

[CointreauVersial]

That brand name thing really gets my goat.

In Specsavers you pay double just to have a garish brand name emblazoned down the side. I mean, who wants to walk around with "Tommy Hilfiger" or "Karen Millen" down the side of your face? I made a point of chosing something from the unbranded range. The assistant muttered something about higher quality, but that's bollocks - you are just paying for the branding. Grrrr....

[LadyBigtoes]

In my specsavers they actively steered me towards the cheaper ones saying "oh you don't want them, they're really expensive"! We are in Scotland! Or maybe I just look scruffy and poor...

[MrsTwgtwf]

Our local SpecSavers is useless wrt staff, but the marvlous thing about SpecSavers is you can go on the website, upload a pic of yourself and superimpose different glasses. You can then just go into a store with a shortlist.

[Fluffy40]

My local specsavers were brilliant, not pushy at all, really helpful (smile)

[niceupthedance]

I believe they wear 50s-shape with rims at top but none below in hipster land right now.

[Corygal]

I am a devotee of Boots and Specsavers - for the geek trend (apparently never dies), try men's glasses as well. I have huge eyes and need the bigger frames, which help. Also the frames are more solid.

[GrandstandingBlueTit]

LOL at the notion of me wearing glasses fit for hipster land.

I hear what you're saying re just getting the glasses that suit you - and that is obviously fail-safe advice which I usually dish out myself. I suppose I just meant that it has been years since I was in the market and I'm massively out of touch.

I should add that I'm not in the UK and so we don't have Specsavers, Boot, et al, but then I googled and it turns out we do have Specsavers, so I guess that is my next port of call.

Thanks all. :)

[GrandstandingBlueTit]

Boot s.

[Floisme]

I prefer to look for ideas online and I then ask my lovely independent optician to get the frames in for me. If it turns out that I don't like them, they just return them (or keep them for someone else). Specsavers and the rest won't do that for you.
Re styles: I think cats eye shapes are flattering as they kind of lift your cheekbones. And personally I always avoid black frames. My last two frames have been from Face-a- Face; sorry, I'm just rushing out but, if you google, you'll find them or I can find the link later. They're not cheap but I wear my specs practically 24/7 so, for me, it's worth it.
Have fun, I love my glasses!

[Bunbaker]

specialsubject You forgot a very important criteria - fit. I have a small face and most glasses are too big for me. This limits my choice considerably and I end up having to look in the teen ranges.