Time to get some serious specs appeal

lasses used to be just something one needed to correct imperfect vision, but in the last few decades their rep has done a 180, from drab to fab.

They’re now as much of a fashion accessory as the latest kicks or handbag, a way to express oneself without saying a word.

New eyewear brands have upped the ante to designs stocked in traditional optical stores, bringing new looks, frame shapes and finishes to spectacles. The pandemic forced all stores online as companies looked for ways to reach locked down shoppers - and eyewear labels are no different.

Many now offer virtual try-ons and online chats with opticians to help determine what you want without having to traipse all over the high street. But with so many options on offer, it can feel intimidating trying to decide which ones fit you best.

Enter our roundup on the coolest, chicest specs to buy right now. We’ve searched high and low for a variety of styles to suit all genders and face shapes.

As a general rule, the shape of your glasses should work to bring balance to your face. For instance, square faces should opt for round or oval frames to soften angular features, while rounded faces can benefit from wider squared frames that will add a sense of structure. Oval faces have the most choice as its the most versatile for wearing eyewear (lucky things). Ultimately, as with all things fashion, you can carry off any look as long as its worn with confidence.

The recent House of Gucci movie offered a slew of style inspo, not least in the glasses department. We're Gaga for this branded pair from the Italian fashion house. Although there are gold-hued details on the bridge and arms, the clear frame makes them ideal for anyone who wants to dial back the look of spectacles - they'll feel practically invisible.

If you like the look of designer labels, Superdrug Glasses Online offers a selection of big names at very reasonable prices. This acetate pair from Gant feature spring hinges and are medium-sized, giving them universal appeal. Bonus points for the tortoiseshell and blue colourway to add a pop of colour to your look.

The stockist's name may have a distinctly bargain basement feel, but one glance at SmartBuyGlasses reveals more designer names than you can shake a premium leather IT bag at. There are more than 180 brands to browse, but our money's on this square full-rim Bottega Veneta pair. Constructed from acetate and with a hint of beige yellow in the transparent frame, this design works for all genders and a multitude of occasions.

Available in blue as well as black, this slim frame comes from designer brand Fendi. It's ideal for wearers looking for an everyday pair with a little luxe. Fashion Eyewear offers live webchats with opticians to make choosing your next pair of glasses as seamless as possible.

You may think cat eyes are just for sunglasses, but Calvin Klein has refashioned them for everyday wear, rain or shine. Forged from metal, the glasses come with single vision scratch resistant lenses and a case and cleaning cloth come included, so you can keep them safe for travel. VisionExpress also offers a virtual try-on feature so you can check out how they look without leaving your living room.

If you’re the kind of person who wears glasses everyday, you might be in the market for a new pair to inject a little style into your everyday look. Say hello to Dollis by London Retro, a chic design with a retro-inspired large square silhouette. As well as prescription this style is offered with bifocal, varifocal and blue refect lenses. You can even have them as sunglasses.

Fan of the bookish look? These thick square frames offer an update on classic 60s styles.

Available in a huge range of colours and patterns, Cubitts goes the extra mile by imprinting your name on the inside of the arm as part of its bespoke service (for an extra charge to the standard specs).

A heavy frame like this works well on softer, rounded faces, balancing by adding structure.

Move over Harry Potter, this pair of Viktor & Rolf specs are ideal for injecting a little magic into your look. Chunky and made from hardwearing acetate, the dark tortoiseshell colouring and small round eye shape both nod to classic design. If you're not sure if the design will work for you, try Specsavers' virtual try-on feature first.

Tortoiseshell frames are great for anyone who doesn’t like the idea of wearing one strong block colour. The shape of these eco-friendly bio-acetate frames will work for medium to large, triangular or oval faces; the rounded square adds softness without feeling too severe.

Enhance the look of your blue or grey eyes with a pair of matching frames - although there are five other shades to choose from if this midnight blue isn’t quite doing it for you. The wide fit style offer a vintage aesthetic and each pair comes with anti-scratch, anti-reflective finishes as well as UV protection.

Trust Ace & Tate for a pair of glasses guaranteed to turn heads. The bold and heavy acetate frame offers tons of impact, so it's one to be worn with confidence. Specs comes with anti-scratch lens coating and thinning on prescription lenses. There's also a two year guarantee for total peace of mind.

Add splashes of colour to your eyewear collection with Iolla's Somerville frames. The rounded design lends itself well to a variety of face shapes, and all specs can come with anti-glare and scratch resistant coatings. If you've got a strong prescription, the company will throw in lens thinning for no extra cost.

This pair of round glasses are somewhat of an everyperson design and work on small, medium, and large faces. It’s inspired by the cool Helsinki district of the same name, making it ideal for anyone with a creative streak.

The specs come with a cellulose cleaning cloth as well as a leather case and frame tool kit to keep your glasses up to scratch. Everything comes boxed in recycled coffee cup packaging, boosting the green credentials.

Iconic London department store Liberty has launched a new collection of spectacles for adults and children with Specsavers. The new designs draw from the store's archives with magnificent results. We've had our heads turned by this vintage cat eye design with incorporates Art Nouveau filigree details on the gold-coloured frame. What's more, buy these and Specsavers will give you another pair from a selected range for free.