Eyeglass chains are in style again!
These chains were once associated with an older generation, but now, Gen Z is making them their own.
Eyeglass chains are a great accessory to add a pop of color to your glasses. They’re also functional. They allow you to express your personal style while keeping your glasses securely around your neck.
If you’re interested in trying this trend, here’s how to go about choosing your eyeglass chain.
How to Wear Eyeglass Chains the Modern Way
Eyeglass chains are back in fashion. Big-name celebrities like Bella Hadid, Rihanna, and Teyana Taylor have been spotted wearing eyeglass chains, showing that they’re very much in style.
Here are some of the eyeglass chains that are trendy right now.
Metal Eyeglass Chains
Metal eyeglass chains are always chic, and they’re very versatile. Some popular options include gold, rose gold, and silver.
Beaded Eyeglass Chains
Beaded chains are also in, and there are tons of great styles to choose from!
If you like a mature, old-money look, go for a pearl chain or one with neutral-toned beads. Or, if you want something whimsical and colorful, try matte ceramic beads. Wooden beads can also give you a Bohemian, minimalist look.
Chunky Acetate Chains
Big acetate chains are also a fun choice. They’re lightweight and made from durable and eco-friendly materials. They often feature large ovals looped together. You can find them in a variety of colors, from sleek black to bright pink to whimsical multicolored chains.
Match the Chain to Your Frames
Now, let’s talk about how to pair your chain with your eyeglass frames. The best results come when your eyeglass chain works with your frames, not against them.
When both feel aligned, your entire look becomes more intentional and visually balanced. Try to treat the chain as an extension of your frames!
Match the Chain Thickness to the Frame Structure
Glasses frames can be either thick or thin. For a thick acetate frame, chunkier chains complement it for a bolder, fiery look. Thin metal frames work well with a slim, minimalist chain.
You’ll want your chain’s thickness to be compatible with your frame. A thick chain would overpower a thin pair of frames. Conversely, a thin chain might get ‘lost’ or look unbalanced with thick-framed glasses.
Thick Frames With Chunky Chains
Let’s take a look at some examples. The Modo 6534, with its thick frame, would pair well with a silver, chunkier chain. That pairing would give off a futuristic aesthetic, which is currently trendy.
Thin Frames With Slim Chains
On the other hand, the Prada PR B55V is a good example of glasses with thin metal frames. Just picture them with a simple, slim gold chain! It’s a match made in heaven.
Coordinate the Metal Finish
You’ll also want the choice of metal to be consistent between the frames and the chains. Gold frames would coordinate well with a brass, champagne, or gold chain. Silver frames would go well with silver, white gold, or stainless steel chains.
If you have a mixed metal frame, choose a mixed metal chain as well!
Styling Your Eyeglass Chain
When you’re styling your eyeglass chain, you’ll want to do so with intention. Give these techniques a try.
Match the Chain With Your Outfit
Match your eyeglass chain to your outfit by treating it like jewelry. If your outfit is bold and patterned, create contrast by choosing a simple eyeglass chain. Or, if your outfit is monochrome, pair it with a bright and colorful chain.
Let the Chain Sit Naturally
Let the chain fall naturally behind the shoulders or rest neatly under a blazer or button-down. Eyeglass chains aren’t meant to sit front and center like a necklace. Their impact comes from subtle placement.
Balance With Minimal Accessories
To create a cohesive look, try to pick a chain that matches your typical jewelry style. If you tend to wear more gold jewelry, go for a gold chain. Or, if you gravitate more toward silver, pick a silver chain.
Choosing Your Eyeglass Chain
Eyeglass chains are a fun and stylish way to keep your glasses secure! When you’re picking your chain, prioritize quality and durability. Sturdy, well-made chains look more polished and last longer than flimsy or tarnish-prone options. By choosing high-quality options, you’ll be able to get more use out of your eyeglass chain.
TL;DR
- Eyeglass chains have evolved from purely functional accessories into modern style pieces that can elevate your overall look when chosen intentionally.
- Some popular styles include metal chains, beaded chains, and thick acetate chains.
- Always match the chain thickness to your frame structure. Thick acetate frames pair best with chunkier chains, while thin metal frames look better with slim, minimalist chains.
- Coordinate metal finishes between your frames and chain. Gold frames work best with gold chains, and silver frames pair naturally with silver chains.
- Treat eyeglass chains as an extension of your frames and outfit, not an afterthought, to create a cohesive and intentional look.
- Style eyeglass chains subtly by letting them fall naturally behind your shoulders or under clothing rather than placing them front and center like a necklace.
- Prioritize quality and durability when picking an eyeglass chain.
