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No one has brought optical frames back into the spotlight and, most importantly, off the runway quite like Alessandro Michele at Gucci. His success over the past three seasons comes from his ability to elevate designs from the past for modern-day. The wide-rimmed versions he did for fall 2015 were built around a classic, oversized '80s silhouette, while the dainty, wire-frame aviators he created for spring 2016 screamed 1970's Miami drug lord. He even served us rich grandma vibes by paring diamond-encrusted square frames with brocade coats and floral turbans for his latest fall 2016 collection.
Similar styles from brands like Garrett Leight took off late last year when everyone from Kendall Jenner to Emily Ratajkowski started wearing them. We've rounded up four of the most popular styles this season below with options that range from pilot style aviators from SALT. to round spectacles by Oliver Peoples, below.
'70s-Inspired Metal Frames
You probably owned a pair of wire frames at one point (your 4th grade self will never forgive your parents for it, either), but the dainty minimalist frames got a high fashion makeover at Gucci for spring 2016. You'll find a pair of metal glasses in nearly any style, but the pilot aviators are probably the most popular out of the bunch. Wear them with a simple white T-shirt and flared jeans to truly nail the '70s trend this summer.
Credits: Warby Parker, $145; SALT., (Available in store soon); Ray-Ban, $230: Garrett Leight, $310.
Round Frames
An eyewear specialist would let you know right about now that round frames tend to look best on people with square-shaped faces — something about geometry and opposites, or something like that. Both Rochas and No. 21 sent tinted ones down their spring 2016 runways, while Paul & Joe kept it crystal clear with their see-through versions for fall 2015. Play around with different colors and materials to avoid looking like a Harry Potter cosplayer.
Credits: Moscot, $250; Oliver Peoples, $365; Garrett Leight, $285; Warby Parker, $195.
Classic Square Frames
It doesn't get any more classic than a pair of thick square frames. Michele debuted diamante versions of these for Gucci's spring 2016 show, but people like J. Crew's Jenna Lyons have been wearing them for a few years now. Opt for a pair of red frames by Ciccio for an exciting pop of color this spring or keep it clean and chic with a simple pair of black ones.
Credits: Ciccio, $169; Raen, $300; Illesteva, $165; Warby Parker, $95.
Butterfly Frames
Butterfly frames are as feminine and cute as their names suggests. They're not exactly square, and they're not entirely round either. If you're looking for an everyday way to wear the cat eye trend seen at Moschino and Dries van Noten, then these are your best bet. Wear them with a cute cardigan to give off nerdy-chic vibes.
Credits: Cutler and Gross, $495; Victoria Beckham, $575; Illesteva, $165; Alexander McQueen, $445.