Glasses are a major celebrity accessory these days! You’ll see them all over the red carpet and in candid street photos.
But glasses as a fashion statement isn’t a new thing. There are plenty of celebrities who have been wearing glasses for years.
Don’t think so? Here’s my list of top celebrities from different generations that prove my point!
Glasses Tropes Through the Decades
In the ‘70s and ‘80s, it was a common trope in movies and TV series that the ‘nerdy’ character wore (often oversized) glasses. I mean, in the 1984 movie Revenge of the Nerds, each of the main characters wore glasses.
Even cartoons were subject to this trope! For example, take Velma in Scooby Doo, the brains of the Mystery Gang. There was also Chuckie from Rugrats, who was the brightest toddler in the group.
In recent years, glasses have moved beyond the nerd trope and into the fashion sphere. One of the main reasons is thanks to celebrities who are brave enough to wear their specs with pride.
Let’s go through some of the top icons from different generations! These celebrities have all incorporated glasses into their looks in unique ways.
Diane Keaton: Boomers
I’m starting this list with Diane Keaton, as she sadly recently passed. And so, it’s fitting to recognize her not only for her incredible movies (Father of the Bride, Annie Hall, and my favorite, Baby Boom), but also for her truly original sense of style.
She was a pioneer of power dressing in the ‘80s, and she played with fashion and wasn’t one for following trends. She often wore structured power suits, ties, and masculine outfits in a time when it wasn’t really normal.
Diane also frequently wore glasses on red carpets, showing that they are not just a functional necessity but a stylish accessory. She paired her specs with her outfits, making sure they complemented each other.
Diane’s Signature Style
Diane was often seen in curved rectangular frames, rimless frames, and occasionally in round frames. But they were always classic, timeless, and featured colors such as black, brown, and tortoiseshell prints.
My top pick for Diane Keaton-style glasses is this pair of elegant Coach glasses featuring tortoiseshell frames. They’re perfect for pairing with workwear like Diane’s pant suits.
Jennifer Aniston: Gen X
No list of celebrities with glasses would be complete without mentioning America’s sweetheart. Jennifer Aniston became a household name in the hit series Friends, and she’s been a public obsession ever since. From movies to her personal life, people can’t get enough of her.
While her general fashion sense isn’t bold or out there, she is known to wear relatable, timeless designs. Since the ‘90s, she’s often been spotted both on red carpets and out and about wearing her glasses. In fact, dare I say, she’s one of the celebs who made glasses cool.
Jennifer’s Signature Style
Jen’s signature style seems to be oversized frames and aviator-style glasses. She does not shy away from thicker frames and larger shapes.
These Derek Lam glasses are perfect if you want to copy Jennifer Aniston’s casual yet chic style.
Julia Roberts: Gen X
One of the most popular long-standing celebrities with glasses is Julia Roberts. She’s made hit movie after hit movie, won countless awards (including the Oscar), and cemented herself as America’s Pretty Woman.
Her fashion sense is often practical, modern, and wearable. She’s not about the huge gowns or being seen front row at every fashion show. But she does dress well, and her glasses are just as casually cool as the rest of her look.
Julia’s Signature Style
Julia wears a mix of rectangular frames and oval glasses. The petite shapes suit her small face and frame her bone structure.
My top pick for glasses inspired by Ms. Roberts herself is this pair by Miu Miu. The oval Havana frames are the perfect balance between being understated yet chic. They’re ideal for daily wear.
Anne Hathaway: Millennial
Anne Hathaway’s breakthrough movie was The Princess Diaries, winning the hearts of the nation. In the movie, her character is another example of a classic ‘nerd’ who wears thick, unfashionable specs. When she has her princess transformation, boom, the specs are gone in favor of contact lenses.
Thankfully, in real life, Anne Hathaway is a proud celebrity with glasses. She has worn them in public appearances over the years and while being photographed by the paparazzi.
Anne’s Signature Style
Anne favors thick frames and oversized, rounded glasses, maybe because they bring out her big brown eyes.
These smart black Gucci glasses look similar to the ones she often wears. The thick frame and sleek design are perfect for a geek-to-chic style, no princess transformation needed.
Emily Ratajowski: Gen Z
Even supermodels and influencers wear glasses, as Emily Ratajkowski proves. As one of the reigning queens of trendy fashion (she’s got great street style), she’s often photographed alongside other main celebrities with glasses.
She uses her glasses to enhance her outfits rather than treat them as an invisible accessory. The fact that she’s recently partnered with Tory Burch to front their new eyewear collection proves her credentials.
Emily’s Signature Style
Emily’s signature fashion is glamorous, sultry, and feminine. She makes the most of her best features and uses accessories, including her glasses, to bring out her style.
My top Emily-esque recommendation is this chic pair of berry red Tory Burch glasses. They are especially perfect if you have brown eyes and hair like Emily. These dark red glasses will complement the rich tones of your eyes and hair and add depth.
TL;DR
Celebrities with glasses prove that there’s no shame in rocking your specs with workwear or gowns. Whether they’re on the red carpet or out and about, they prove glasses are a main-stage accessory.
- Diane Keaton, who sadly recently passed, was an icon who loved rocking her signature rectangular glasses.
- Jennifer Aniston is often seen in a variety of styles, but her stand-out glasses are her aviators.
- Julia Roberts elevates her casual yet contemporary fashion sense with sleek rectangular or oval glasses.
- Anne Hathaway became famous from her role in The Princess Diaries, where her character also wore glasses. Anne proves specs are stylish. She favors thick frames and oversized, rounded styles.
- Emily Ratajkowski is a model and fashion it-girl who recently collaborated with Tory Burch for their eyewear line. She loves her oversized chic frames.
Shop celebrity-worthy women’s eyeglasses here.
