How to Style Cat-Eye Glasses
Ever wonder why cats have that iconic, vertical “cat eye” pupil? Does it help them see better in the dark or help them know exactly which angle to strike a coffee cup to send it careening off the countertop? Or is just meant to make them look really, really cool?
According to a UC Berkeley study, the most likely answer is that cats' eyes help them do the one thing they love more than anything else: hunting! Horizontally slit pupils drastically increase their field of view, which helps them keep track of predators and prey. Their special eyes allow them a 135-399-fold change in the area of pupils, which is significantly more than our measly 15-fold increase1.
But don’t despair! Cats may have us beat when it comes to the incredible eyes department, but we’ve got something they don’t: cat-eye glasses! These distinct frames were developed by American filmmaker- Altina Schinasi Miranda in the 1920s as a stylish alternative to the male-dominated eyewear of the time 2. Since then, cat-eye glasses have become a staple of high fashion, with celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, and—more recently—Kendall Jenner, keeping the style vogue.
But what’s the best way to wear cat-eye glasses? Here are a few tips!
Consider your face shape: One of the great things about the cat-eye’s long popularity is that they come in a range of styles. The easiest face shape to match with cat-eye frames is a round face, though they also look great if you have a distinct jawline since their angular dimensions mesh well with that feature. If you have a square face, opt for a style with more rounded edges, and if you have a heart-shaped face you might find larger glasses are a better fit.
Go Big: Cat-eye glasses are a bold accessory. Couple them with an equally inspired ensemble: whether that’s flashy clothes, an exciting new handbag, or some striking makeup. If you want to match the Cat-eye look, this is a great time to throw in some leopard print!
Get Groovy: Though cat-eye glasses have maintained their popularity over the decades, many still associate them with the height of their popularity in the 60s and 70s. That means a new pair of cat-eye glasses is a great opportunity to try out a new outfit inspired by those eras: think bell bottoms, ponchos, and all things Flower Power. When we say this style has legs and it’s been walking through fashion trends believe us. Here are just a few times we’ve spoken about the stye, Trendy Glasses For 2022, and 6 Trendy glasses for 2019.
Not sure where to start? Here are a few of our favorite cat-eyes on eyeconic.com:
Coach HC6176
These cat-eye glasses from Coach come in two distinct colors: a transparent clear that will pair seamlessly with any outfit, and a more pronounced rose tortoise gradient perfect for making a statement.
Jones New York VJOP153
If you’re looking for a pair of slim, sleek, classic cat-eyes that epitomize the style’s fashionable history, look no further from these bedazzled black frames from Jones New York.
VONTÉLLE STAR GIZAS
Like all of Vontelle’s glasses, these frames, named after the Giza Pyramids, take a classic look and instill it with a new, distinct style. With their sienna coloring and bold angular shading, these glasses are sure to command attention wherever you go.
Be sure to check out the rest of our purrfect collection. And don’t forget you can save up to $250 when you connect your benefits!
Savings and offers may vary depending on brand, type of lenses, and member eligibility. Limitations and restrictions may apply. Savings and offers cannot be redeemed for cash, applied to previous purchases, or combined with other discounts and coupons. Any out-of-network insurance reimbursement is at the discretion of the insurance provider. Federally funded healthcare programs may be exempt from this offer.