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Whether you're after prescription frames or sunglasses, these are our favourite places to shop

Glasses are arguably one of the most important accessories in your wardrobe. Of course, they’re a practical item whether you’re using them for reading or for sun protection, but they also have the power to define an outfit.

Over the decades, trends have varied greatly. Cat-eye glasses became popular in the Fifties, transparent lenses were all the rage in the Seventies and the Noughties saw the rise of big frames and even bigger designer logos.

When browsing for a new-season set, whether you’re into SS21’s take on the aviator or coloured square lenses as seen on the runway, it’s important to find a brand that offers sturdy frames that properly fit.

Below is our little black book of eyewear brands to browse. You're going to want to bookmark them for summer 2021.

A post shared by Ace & Tate (@aceandtate)

A play on the word “acetate”, this Amsterdam-based brand creates classic styles that are loved by editors and influencers alike. Always ensuring their customers are totally happy with the fit and look of their frames, they offer a slick service where you can order four pairs straight to your house to test drive before having to commit to a particular style.

A post shared by Oliver Peoples (@oliverpeoples)

Established in 1987, Oliver Peoples creates both sun and reading glasses and has gained a legion of loyal fans over the years. Their frames are designed in Los Angeles, made in Japan and Italy, and they are the type you’ll wear season-after-season.

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Worn by the likes of Meghan Markle, Gigi Hadid and Cara Delevingne, London-based Finlay & Co has proved a hit since launching in 2012. Started by four friends, the brand remains independent today and all of their styles are designed in their Soho studio and made in Italy.

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If you’re the type to have multiple new styles of glasses per season, Le Specs is a one-stop shop. It offers fashion-led frames as well as retro classics and simple staples. The price point is low too so you can add to your collection until your heart’s content guilt-free.

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Making impressive progress in the realm of sustainable eyewear, Wires specialises in stainless steel frames and zero-waste 3D printed lenses. The genderless styles are instantly recognisable with their signature single-piece wire body and come in both classic and fun colours.

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As good for spectacles as they are for sunglasses, Cubitt’s aesthetic is totally timeless. Offering prescription and non-prescription lenses, each of their unisex styles are handmade using custom pins and there are 55 frame styles to choose from.

A post shared by Taylor Morris London (@taylormorrisofficial)

London-based Taylor Morris designs vintage frames with a modern twist. Think staple round glasses with the added touch of a gold accent or traditional square reading glasses made in crystal pink. Worn by the likes of Florence Pugh, Emily Ratajkowski, Harry Styles and Poppy Delevigne – if you visit the Notting Hill store you can have a one-to-one consultation to find out which pairs work best for you.

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Incredibly affordable, Meller has a huge range of different collections to choose from including one made entirely from recycled bottles. This is the brand to buy your I-just-sat-on-my-glasses back-up pair from.

A post shared by DMY BY DMY (@dmybydmy)

Look at Dmy by Dmy’s range of glasses and you’ll feel an instant hankering for the Nineties. Worn by Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber and Gigi Hadid to name just a few, the independent brand’s signature style is the petite angular frames that were ultra-popular during that decade.

A post shared by LINDA FARROW (@lindafarrow)

Famed for her statement specs, Linda Farrow’s designs are playful, a little nostalgic and fun. If you love an oversized frame, this is exactly where to shop – there are so many gloriously retro styles to choose from.