As the New Year unfolds, it's the perfect time to breathe new life into your wardrobe and redefine your personal style. One often overlooked accessory that can make a significant impact on your overall look is a pair of vintage sunglasses.
Timeless, unique and effortlessly cool, vintage eyewear isn’t only practical, but also adds a touch of individuality to your outfit rotations. In this article, we'll explore the appeal of vintage sunglasses, their ability to reinvent personal style and how you can seamlessly integrate them into modern fashion trends.
The Lasting Appeal of Vintage Sunglasses
Vintage sunglasses, with their classic designs and enduring charm, have a unique ability to transcend trends. Unlike modern styles that come and go, vintage eyewear carries with it a sense of history and craftsmanship that can still be appreciated in modern times. Whether it's the cat-eye frames of the 1950s, the oversized styles of the 1970s or the sleek minimalism of the 1990s, each era has left its mark on the world of eyewear.
One of the undeniable appeals of vintage sunglasses is their quality. In past times, eyewear was often crafted with meticulous attention to detail, using durable materials that withstand the test of time, unlike many of the fast-fashion focused production seen today.
Vintage frames are not just stylish, but also often more robust than their contemporary counterparts. When you invest in a pair of these authentic sunglasses, you're not just buying a fashion accessory - you're acquiring a piece of history that can withstand the fast pace of modern life.
Reinventing Personal Style with Vintage Flair
The beginning of the year is an ideal moment to reassess and refresh your personal style. Embracing vintage eyewear can be a powerful way to reinvent your look and make a statement that sets you apart from the crowd. Here are some tips on how to infuse vintage flair into your personal style.
1. Embrace Eclectic Pairings
Pairing vintage sunglasses with modern clothing creates an eclectic and eye-catching ensemble. Consider combining a classic pair of aviators from the 1980s, such as these OCB frames, with contemporary streetwear, or adding a touch of elegance to a casual outfit with cat-eye frames. Mixing eras not only showcases your creativity, but also allows you to curate a style that is uniquely yours.
2. Focus on Fit and Comfort
Vintage eyewear often comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, reflecting the wide array of styles that have been established throughout the years. When selecting a pair, prioritise comfort and fit. Ensure that the frames complement your face shape and that the lenses provide adequate protection from the sun - we’re able to fit all of the frames we sell with both prescription and custom lenses with optional UV tinting.
A well-fitted pair of vintage sunglasses enhances your style whilst adding an element of confidence to your overall demeanour.
3. Make a Statement with Bold Frames
Vintage sunglasses are known for their bold and distinctive frames. Whether it's thick, oversized frames or sleek, angular designs, don't be afraid to make a statement. Opt for frames that reflect your personality and stand out from the ordinary, turning your eyewear into a focal point of your style.
These asymmetric Neostyle sunglasses are an example of the perfect statement accessory that would be sure to express your personality and turn a few heads when you walk down the street.
4. Experiment with Colors and Patterns
Vintage sunglasses often feature a wide range of colours and patterns that may not be as prevalent in contemporary designs. Experiment with bold hues, tortoiseshell patterns or even translucent frames to add a touch of playfulness to your look. Mixing vibrant vintage sunglasses with neutral clothing can create a balanced and visually appealing ensemble.
Integrating Vintage Eyewear into Contemporary Fashion
While vintage sunglasses possess an endless charm, seamlessly integrating them into contemporary fashion requires a thoughtful approach. Here are some practical tips on how to incorporate vintage eyewear into your daily wardrobe.
1. Wardrobe Synergy
Consider your existing wardrobe when selecting your sunglasses. Choose frames that complement the colours, textures and styles you commonly wear. This synergy ensures that your eyewear seamlessly integrates with your clothing, creating a cohesive and polished appearance whilst effectively mixing eras.
2. Mix and Match Eras
Don't feel restricted to exclusively wearing pieces from a single era. Mixing and matching sunglasses from different periods can result in a dynamic and diverse look. For instance, pairing a pair of oversized square glasses from the 80s with a grunge-inspired outfit creates a fashionable fusion of styles.
These vintage Cazal sunglasses, for example, could easily and seamlessly be incorporated into modern fashion trends whilst serving as an homage to fashion icons of the 80s, without being the defining focal point of your entire look or distracting from the rest of your outfit.
3. Occasion-Appropriate Styles
Tailor your choice of vintage eyewear to the occasion. While oversized frames might be perfect for a casual weekend look, a more refined and understated pair could be suitable for formal events or professional settings. Adapting your eyewear to the context of where you’ll be wearing them ensures that your style is versatile and appropriate for various situations.
4. Explore Authentic Frames
Many modern eyewear designers draw inspiration from classic designs and incorporate elements of vintage styles into their collections, offering a convenient way to capture the essence of the past while enjoying the benefits of contemporary craftsmanship and materials. However, if you want to find a pair of frames as truly unique as your personal sense of style, then authenticity is the way to go.
In finding and building your collection of authentic vintage frames, you can be sure that your wardrobe of accessories features original pieces that you won’t see others wearing.
5. Try Before You Buy
Whilst you may fall in love with a specific pair of frames, it can be hard to tell whether or not they’ll effectively contribute to your typical fashion style - especially if you’ve found them online. If you have the opportunity to do so, it’s best to try on vintage frames before you buy them. This gives you a sense of how well they fit and suit your face shape, as well as an idea of whether they’ll add cohesive value to your wardrobe.
We know this can be difficult when ordering online, which is why we offer a collection of frames that you can try before you buy with our virtual try on technology.
Sunglasses Frames: Find Your Perfect Fit with Virtual Try On
As you embark on a new year, consider the ways in which vintage sunglasses can refresh and elevate your style. Beyond being a functional accessory, vintage eyewear serves as a portal to the fashion sensibilities of previous eras, adding depth and character to your look.
Whether you're drawn to the glamour of Hollywood's golden age or the boldness of 80s street style, vintage sunglasses provide a canvas for self-expression and a unique opportunity to stand out in a sea of modern fashion. Embrace the past, experiment with the present and step into the future with a renewed sense of style that is truly your own.
Unsure which frames will be the most complementary to your style? Shop our Virtual Try On collection here at Ed & Sarna, where you can test how well our vintage frames will suit your face and judge whether they’ll contrast with or contribute to your daily ensembles.
Get in touch with us today to learn more about the frames we sell and how we ensure their authenticity, or to enquire about customisations.
