If you believe that life begins after 50, we have to agree. While getting older comes with its drawbacks (where did THAT wrinkle come from?!), it also has its benefits. There’s nothing like late-in-life confidence that allows you to be just as fabulous as you want to be. Yes, queen.
For a mature fashionista, the eyeglass options are endless. The key is finding a frame that fits your face and your style, while enhancing your natural beauty. We’ve rounded up some of the best eyeglass frames for women over 50, plus a few notes on how to find the right pair (and what to avoid) to make sure you look your best at any age.
Classic Glasses for Women Over 50
Timeless style never goes out of fashion, and neither will these classic frames. Elegant, stylish, and versatile, designer glasses for older women add the perfect polish to any outfit, from casual to formal and everything in between.
Round Glasses
Round eyeglasses are a style as old as optometry, making them a dependable choice for any age and any style. Varying from perfect circles to ovals, and from petite to oversized, the soft curves of round glasses are especially flattering on strong, angular faces.
Try Golden Age, a mixed-material round frame perfect for your own golden age.
Cat-Eye
Cat-eye glasses, with their iconic upward swoop at the outside corner, are a great way to lift your features after 50—without a trip to a surgeon. Whether you go sleek with a full metal style, or bold in a full acetate frame, cat-eye glasses are some of the best glasses for older women.
Try Statuette, a fresh cat-eye frame that will take your look from “meh” to “meow.”
Tortoiseshell Frames
Elegant and understated, tortoiseshell frames are another timeless choice for women of all ages. The mottled style typically features an amber, brown, and black pattern, but that’s far from your only option. Modern tortoiseshell frames come in a variety of colors, like blue and green or slate grey.
Try Biff, in a crimson woodgrain frame with striking fashionableness.
Clear Frames
Modern, chic, and minimal, clear frames enhance your vision without hiding your face. These see-through frames brighten your features and highlight the eyes. Plus, they go with every outfit. No will-it-match dilemmas here!
Try the Waylaid, with a barely-there color that lets you shine.
Bold Eyeglasses Styles for Mature Fashionistas
After 50 is the perfect time to embrace your bold self, not hide it. You’ve earned every grey hair and every fine line, so complement your beautiful, older self with a confident, eye-catching pair of eyeglasses.
Bright Colors
Bright, bold frames in lively green, vibrant red, and brilliant orange command attention. Even better, the right colors not only add a punch to your outfit, but brighten and elevate your natural features. It’s like one of those Snapchat filters kids talk about, but in real life.
Try TV Party, a retro-inspired style that comes in a variety of playful colors for every mood.
Thick Frames
The thicker the frame, the bigger the statement. While chunky frames often look best on round or oval faces, they come in a variety of shapes, from round to square to the classic wayfarer. Bonus: these sturdy frames are great at hiding fine lines and wrinkles.
Try Ubermensch, a thick round frame with bold “yes, I am an artist” vibes.
Modern Styles
You don’t follow the trends—you set them. Modern frame styles are unapologetically and effortlessly chic. Whether you like a fresh take on a classic style, or a totally new perspective, these eye-catching styles add a fashion-forward edge to every outfit.
Try Chutzpah’d, a smart modern frame that wows with shape, color and texture.
How to Choose the Right Frame Style—and What to Avoid
When you’re looking for a new pair of glasses, the first thing to consider is shape and size. This is especially important after 50. The best glasses for older women will elevate your style, helping you look younger and more vibrant. Unflatting and ill-fitting glasses simply won’t have the same effect.
You’ll want to find a frame that fits well (even those intentionally oversized frames) without overwhelming your face, slipping down, or causing discomfort.
When it comes to shape, flattery will get you everywhere, and balance is key. For women with dramatic features, a pair of round or cat-eye frames can help to soften the overall look. Round or oval faces often benefit from structured, bold frames.
If you’re not sure what shape looks best on you, take the eyebobs style quiz. Our virtual try-on tool also helps you see how a particular frame looks on your face (spoiler alert: fabulous).
Eyeglass Styles to Avoid After 50
You’ll want to avoid out-of-date trends—and probably those trends popular with the under-30 crowd too. To look your best, find a pair of glasses for women over 50—one that fits who you are right now.
Classic, timeless styles and bold, trend-defying styles are key to making you look just as stunning and fabulous as you are, no matter how old you are. If you’re ready to shop designer glasses for older women, check out the full collection available from eyebobs.
