With the rise of the transparent glasses trend, clear glasses – also known as crystal, or see-through – have really shot to fame in the fashion world. They have a modern and versatile design that is ideal for everyday wear. As with other designs, transparent frames come in a variety of exciting shapes and colours.
At Glasses Direct, you can find plenty of crystal-clear styles to suit your personality and even your mood on the day! Find out how to make a statement with your favourite clear glasses.
A brief history of clear glasses
Did you know that clear glasses have existed since the 1930s? Classic round shapes were very popular at this time.
By the 1950s and 60s, clear frames were everywhere! Thanks to advances in manufacturing plastic, transparent glasses became more readily available as designers began to experiment with new shapes and styles. Classy cat-eye and round shapes were a particular favourite of trendsetters during this era.
Are clear glasses trendy in 2024?
Today, clear glasses have not only taken social media by storm but can be seen on virtually every fashionistas face! Celebrities everywhere are being spotted in this sophisticated design. Why? Well, not only are clear glasses bang on-trend, but they also suit virtually every face shape and skin tone. Their classic understated style pulls the focus to your features and makes your eyes the centre of attention. Transparent glasses will add a subtle, cool vibe to every outfit in your wardrobe and are highly fashionable in 2024.
How to match transparent frames with outfits?
Follow our top tips for matching your clear frames to your favourite wardrobe staples! Get some inspiration and don’t be afraid to try out some brand-new styles.
Consider the colours and patterns you are wearing
Lighter-coloured clothes allow transparent frames plenty of time to shine! You can achieve a clean-cut monochromatic look when you pair clear frames with white, cream or muted pastel colours. Keep your style simple and consistent.
If you want to achieve a more toned-down finish, pair your clear glasses with darker shades, like black and navy. Subtle kinds of see-through glasses will naturally contrast with deeper-coloured clothing.
Clear frames also pair very well with bold patterns like plaid prints, florals and stripes. They are especially stylish with bold clothing items because they don’t take any attention away from the design.
Think about what shapes suit you
Always remember to think about your face shape and what type of glasses naturally suit your features. As a general rule, the glasses shape should contrast the shape of your face. If you have rounder features then try a more angular design. Or, if your face is square shaped, then we recommend a circular frame.
If your features are more drawn out, meanwhile, it might be best if you choose a pair of glasses with a contrasting temple design to draw attention away from the length of your face. Our helpful face shape guide will give you a better indication as to what glasses suit your features best.
Accessorise your frames
Clear glasses are complemented well by earrings, necklaces, scarves and hats. Just make sure you stick to lighter colours so the attention isn’t taken away from your crystal-clear frames. You can either choose to pair them with your favourite beanie for a cosy winter look, or give off a more sophisticated vibe in a classic cloche or trendy trilby hat.
It’s also worth considering the occasion. Transparent frames with minimal detailing are ideal for a professional environment, while more playful designs and brighter colours are better suited for casual events.
Enjoy total freedom with your makeup
Clear frames are probably one of the best styles you can wear with makeup because they are naturally very subtle in appearance. Transparent glasses perfectly frame your eyes and work in a similar way to a subtle nude lipstick or eyeliner. We do, however, recommend softer eyeshadow so as not to overpower the subtly of the frame. Try to go for subtle brown or purple colours where possible.
However, if you want to draw attention to your eyes then applying bold eyeliner, bright eyeshadow and some mascara with plenty of volume will make your eyes really pop! Don’t be afraid to be a little more daring with your look.
Do clear frames suit my skin tone?
Your skin tone can be categorised as either having warm, neutral, or cool undertones. People with warmer complexions normally have a green tinge to their veins, while those with a cooler tone will have blue or purplish veins. Meanwhile, if you have a neutral complexion, your veins will appear to be the same or similar colour as your skin.
People with a warm skin colour tend to suit traditional transparent frames that are completely clear, or designs with a hint of green, pink, red, orange, or yellow. They especially suit designs with bright gold accents.
Meanwhile, individuals that have a cool complexion will naturally be complemented by blue and purple colours. Clear frames with a touch of silver or tortoiseshell will really help to brighten your skin tone!
If your skin is a neutral tone, you are very lucky as almost every colour will suit you! Of course, it goes without saying that neutral hues, like nude, peach and subtle pastels, will suit you best. You can also try deeper colours like green, purple, or red. Go for gold or silver accents, or even both! Either will suit your perfectly balanced skin tone.
What transparent glasses should I go for?
Transparent frames have a naturally very toned-down appearance that allows other aspects of the design to take the spotlight. The shape, style and the little details are what really counts! Depending on what catches your eye the most about your favourite eyewear, there is bound to be an element that really stands out for you. Take a look at the examples below and find a style that best conveys your unique sense of style and personality!
Vintage vibes
If you love classic retro fashion, then these clear glasses are the styles you should go for! Try an old-school pair of round glasses, or glam up your look with a chic cat-eye design.
The finer details
Can’t decide between a metal or acetate frame? Why not benefit from both materials in one design? Acetate frames with metal accents have a premium look and feel. The little metallic details glimmer in the light. They will add a glittering edge to your evening wear as well as your office attire.
Trendy tortoiseshell temples
Mix up your style with a pair of transparent glasses that have distinctive tortoiseshell-coloured temples! Go for a funky geometric design, like hexagonal or octagonal, or keep it simple and go for a classic shape with a contemporary finish.
Bold pastel colours
There’s no need to stay clear of colour completely if you don’t want to! Add a vibrant edge to your outfits with a pair of pastel-coloured crystal frames. These bright designs are a great way to add a playful edge to your favourite athleisure wear.
Oversized statement styles
Oversized frames are very trendy and adored for their attention-grabbing style. They add a dramatic edge to your wardrobe and will turn heads in every room! Whether you love a curvy 70s silhouette or a big angular design, there is something for everyone. Large transparent frames also make reliable sunglasses as not only are they fashion-forward, the larger shape provides greater coverage for your eyes.
These extra-large transparent frames are far from understated and will instantly elevate your look without overcrowding your features, hiding your face, or creating unwanted shadows under your eyes.
Do you have a trendy pair of clear frames you love to wear? What are your go-to styles? Let us know and share your pictures with us on Instagram by tagging @glasses_direct and #myglassesmyway.
