It’s official: glasses are the hottest fashion accessory you can wear this summer, and we aren’t talking about sunglasses.
That’s right, according to Project Runway Australia‘s style guru, Henry Roth, glasses are cool and happen to be a must-have piece for the summer season (even if you don’t need them).
The self-confessed nerd, who has been wearing glasses since he was 13, told Woman’s Day that the days of glasses being “uncool” and “nerdy” are over. In fact, he says he has witnessed people wearing specs, that aren’t even prescription.
The trend is so popular that it is now possible to have frames fitted with glass that is non-prescription, but has anti-glare, just to get the look.
Henry said glasses fashion has come a long way and recalls a time when it was considered daggy and unfashionable to be seen wearing glasses.
“Not only was it daggy to wear glasses, but to add injury to insult you also had to wear a patch on one eye and people were ridiculed,” he said.
“It was the worst news in the world to be told you had to get glasses.”
The stylist, who lives and breaths fashion, is thankful those days are over and welcomes glasses as a way to really reflect your personal style.
“Glasses are all about the reflection of your personality and the expression of self,” he said.
“There are basic rules which are always good to follow but it’s your personality and style that should come through.”
Despite there being the “bread and butter” rules of which glasses suit which face to be followed, Henry’s advice is to take a chance and try something fun.
So what’s in for summer 2009-10? Henry says the sexy secretary look will return for women along with the Clark Kent look for guys.
“Glasses that are all about attitude, that say ‘Here I am I’m confident take a look at me’,” he said.
“In 2010 it’s all about the return of the sexy secretary and all about mystery and being smouldering. Think A-line skirts, a light chiffon blouse or for a relaxed look Havaiana thongs with bright pink mail polish and gold or burnt orange framed glasses.”
Henry says glasses should not be overlooked when getting ready for a night on the town. He said glasses are also a great fashion accessory for evening wear.
“For night time for ladies the little back dress or a chiffon layered dress with high heels and think Swarovski cuffs teamed with diamond framed glasses,” he said.
“You want the look of innocence but there is more to it than meets the eye.”
And for the guys?
“In 2010 for guys the return of the chic/quirky nerd is back,” Henry said. “It’s about short hair with a side shirt part, oversized black rimmed glasses, a T-shirt and lace-up shoes. It’s a very hip European feel.”
When it comes to celebrities rocking the glasses look, Henry says there are definitely some stand outacts to follow.
“Justin Timberlake is the poster child for the Clark Kent look, Simon Baker gives frames a really good name, while Jude Law has a classic conservative look” he said.
“When it comes to the ladies, Scarlett Johansson and Kate Hudson from time to time are the ones to watch.”
Henry says there are three rules which are important to follow, when choosing glasses or any other fashion accessory.
“Firstly, overall the worst thing you can do is not to branch out and not reflect your personality,” Henry said. “The second is to remember that no one has the right to tell you what fashion is, including me. If you like what you are wearing and you feel comfortable in it then you will own it. And specs are a huge new accessory for summer 2010!”
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