The styles that work every year
Each year we’ve been letting you know what’s Coming, Going & Staying in eyewear and there are recurring themes each year for a reason. So, for 2025 we’re cutting to the chase on the un-deniable Classic and Legendary eyewear styles that hold their style and appeal over time.
1. The Original Round
Yes, we should reinvent this classic wheel. A round shape on the right face always works. Especially iconic in metals. Modern interpretations have revived this classic with stunning results.
2. Aviators
First appeared in the 1930’s to protect the eyes of pilots and went on to gain broader military use. Timeless yet incredibly stylish, the Aviator continues to raise style stakes globally and new contemporary takes on this legend are keeping it contemporary and cutting edge. The skies the limit for Aviators in optical and sun.
3. ClubMaster
The legendary brow line design gained popularity in the 1950’s and 60’s becoming a favourite of intellectuals and cultural icons such as Malcolm X. Bruce Willis reignited the power of the ClubMasterin the 80’s with Moonlighting and think Mad Men and Reservoir Dogs. The Ray-Ban Clubmaster sunglass has its own legendary status.
A classic Club-master features a thicker upper brow or cap with the remainder of the frame usually a lighter metal look. While history favours gents for the ClubMaster some contemporary versions around have gained unisex appeal.
4. Cat Eye – The Femme Fatale
The Cat eye shape first appeared in the 1930’s becoming a leading style for women. By the 1950’s it was the height of style, Marilyn Monroe notably sported cat eyeglasses in the 1953 movie Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and actress Brigette Bardot often wore them on and off screen.
While there continues to be many interpretations the basic shape has remained the same – namely, the corners that sweep up dramatically to connect with the temples. It retains vintage glamour appeal and has remained popular as it is a flattering shape for a variety of face shapes. Modern designs offer a variety of options from subtle to dramatic maintaining its timeless appeal.
5. Classic Black
Black rimmed glasses or sunglasses are one of the best choices for day to day wearing since this non-colour never goes out of style. Bold black glasses are also an excellent accessory for formal outfits, such as white shirts and black suits. But don’t underestimate their power in a casually cool outfit. It’s a statement piece in sunglasses or optical and will never be outdated. Our hot tip, hold onto any black frames that you’ve always loved, if they are in good condition they could be given a contemporary flip to optical or sunglasses by an outstanding independent optical boutique like Temple.
6. Tortoiseshell Wins The Race
We know that the ‘Tort’ colour is a winner, we see it every day but this year it is punching up to Legend status extending its appeal to younger audiences. The unique pattern adds a touch of natural beauty and versatility and flatters most skin tones. It’s timeless, it’s versatile, it has true aesthetic appeal.
A light tortoiseshell pattern with soft hues creates balance for fair or light skin tones. Medium to olive skin tones can benefit from a classic tort design with rich, warm colours that accentuate their natural undertones. For darker skin tones, bold tort patterns with deeper shades create a striking contrast that adds intrigue.
