If you consider your glasses as much of a fashion accessory as they are a necessity, you’ll be excited to hear about next summer’s trends in eyewear. Many styles for both men and women offer a new twist on eyewear fashions from decades past, but there are also many unusual new designs that stretch the beauty of eyewear forward into bold new territory. No matter what your style, you’ll be sure to find new eyewear for next summer's top designers to accentuate your favorite fashions.
Summer Trends for Women
Retro Prep
If you love to be on the cutting edge of fashion but still want to look professional for work, you’ll love the eyewear options in this category. You’ll find many clean, classic styles that take their influence from the 1950s and 1960s, including softer versions of cats-eye frames. To complement every complexion and hair color, these styles are offered in a wide range of colors, from creamy pastels to dark-tinted two tones.
(http://www.eyecessorize.com/products_photos/Seraphin(Marquette)byOgiEyewearLR.jpg
From: http://www.eyecessorize.com/trend.cfm?trend=39
Seraphin by OGI Eyewear; Style: Marquette)
Disco Diva
If you love the music and fashion of the 1970s, you’re going to love the glasses available next summer. The top designers are offering large, squared oval frames in bright colors, including a pair from Ed Hardy with a psychedelic butterfly motif. If you’re looking for some groovy summer sunglasses, these frames will look best with rose or amber colored tints.
(http://www.eyecessorize.com/products_photos/EdHardy(EHO720)byRevolutionEyewearLR.jpg
From: http://www.eyecessorize.com/trend.cfm?trend=37
Ed Hardy by Revolution Eyewear; Sytle: EH0720)
Urban Edge
If retro is really not your thing and you’re craving something new and bold, you won’t feel left out. You’ll find many mixed media styles of frames in bold colors and strong lines. Several new styles with unusual textures or cut outs on the arms will get you noticed. Sunglasses in this category feature dark tints or mirrored lenses.
(http://www.eyecessorize.com/products_photos/EileenWestBlackLabel(CutOuts)byTandyBrandsAccessoriesLR.jpg
From: http://www.eyecessorize.com/trend.cfm?trend=41
Eileen West Black Label by Tandy Brands Accessories, Inc.; Style: Cut Outs)
Summer 2012 Trends for Men
Modern Heritage
Geeks will get a chance to look sexy this summer, thanks to this year’s eyewear trends. Round frames give a nod to bygone eras, but will be offered in bold, solid colors. You’ll also find thinner frames with only color on the top half that create a unique retro look. Sunglasses in this category feature solid dark tinted lenses in hues of amber and black.
(http://www.eyecessorize.com/products_photos/GeekEyewear(Geek201)byLBILR.jpg
From: http://www.eyecessorize.com/trend.cfm?trend=42
Geek Eyewear by LBI (Lehrer Brillen-Perfection Werks); Style: Geek201)
Street Pop
This category features this summer’s most forward-thinking styles. Shields and frames that wrap all the way around the lenses are common components, and will be available in either metal or plastic frames. Rectangular lenses with curved corners make a bold statement. The top designers are offering sunglasses in a wide variety of tints, including many blue tones.
(http://www.eyecessorize.com/products_photos/WileyX(Zak)byWileyXLR.JPG
From: http://www.eyecessorize.com/trend.cfm?trend=40
Wiley X by Wiley X Eyewear; Style: Zak)
Globe Trotter
If you prefer a distinguished, well-travelled look, check out this summer’s line of internationally influenced eyewear. These designs are inspired by nature, incorporating wood textures and earth tones, but in sleek, lightweight frames that simply exude elegance. Sunglasses predominantly feature gradient lenses in brown or dark grey tints.
(http://www.eyecessorize.com/products_photos/ete(Mollans)byOptyluxGroupLR.JPG
From: http://www.eyecessorize.com/trend.cfm?trend=38
été by Optylux Group, Inc.; Style: Mollans)
Sara Roberts writes for Just Eyewear, a discount eyeglasses and prescription sunglasses online retailer.
