The necessity for reading glasses is among the many physical changes that occur during the march to middle age and beyond. Eventually, the need for readers comes for us all, and I think it's something we should embrace. A cute new accessory to add to our sartorial rotation that also makes life better? Count me in. That said, my journey to finding the perfect reading glasses was harder than it should have been.
Right on schedule, I found myself squinting while reading as I approached my 40th birthday. In an effort to still feel like myself, I became fixated on finding a pair of Celine reading glasses, but didn't want to shell out the big bucks. For several months, I staked out my local Nordstrom Rack until they finally got a pair of glasses similar to these in stock. I took them to the eye doctor and had them transformed into readers.
In hindsight, I was doing way too much. I was so afraid of looking old or frumpy that I felt I needed to go to great lengths to acquire the perfect pair of reading glasses. Luckily, now I know that it simply isn't necessary. The internet is awash with actually stylish reading glasses that look youthful, chic and fabulous, like they're an intentional part of your overall outfit.
Below, I've rounded up a carefully curated selection of incredibly cool glasses that no one will ever guess are readers. Find the one that best matches your personal aesthetic and feel fabulous every time you reach for them. You can even make your life super easy and get one for every room in your home and an extra one for your bag!
1. Amazon
A five-pack of glasses from Amazon under $12. If you're looking to stock up, look no further than this five-pack of attractive, rectangular readers. The classic readers' silhouette has an updated look thanks to slightly thicker frames, giving them a stylish edge. The set includes five pairs of glasses and five pouches, so they'll stay safe no matter where you stash them. You can get them in a few different color combinations, but I like the timelessness of the black frames. They're available in +0.5 to +6.0 magnifications. One reviewer confirmed that the lenses are distortion-free, while another pointed out that the glasses are sturdier than the ones for sale at CVS and a fraction of the cost, and a third said they are almost too good to be true.
2. Warby Parker
A pair of Warby Parker glasses with a midcentury vibe. Warby Parker is always a great place to start when looking for glasses in a mid-range price for all your eye needs. I've purchased glasses there before, but never readers. I'm pleasantly surprised by how stylish their readers are and how easy it is to acquire them in the prescription that best suits you, from +0.25 through +2.75. Like all Warby Parker glasses, they are impact-resistant, anti-reflective and scratch-resistant, while also blocking out UV rays. These chic glasses have a midcentury silhouette that will give anyone a timeless professorial vibe without sacrificing style. I am so charmed by them that I've added them to my list. You can get these in three different colors, but this one is the most timeless.
3. Izipizi
A pair of round frames in a sunny color. The glossy finish of these glasses gives them a hint of sophistication, while the round silhouette remains simple and easy to wear and style. I love the warm sandy color of the Golden Canyon hue, but they're available in a wide range of colors, including solid hues and patterns. Prescription strengths range from +1.0 to +3.0.
4. Izipizi
A pair of modern crystal frames. For a more updated spin on everyday readers, try these cool transparent frames. They're comfy and lightweight while still feeling effortlessly stylish and bold. You can get them in a range of colors, but these clear ones are a great option for those who want a more subtle look that matches everything. You can get them in diopters from +1 through +3.
5. Glasses USA
A pair of comfy, lightweight frames with a whole lot of pizzazz. These are giving art teacher in the best way possible. They have a lovely round shape in a beautiful jade green shade with gold accented details like an aviator-style top bar that gives them a bit of an unexpected edge. You can get these Isabel Marant-designed readers in diopters ranging from +0.25 to +4.0.
6. Nordstrom
A pair of square, tortoiseshell reading glasses. One reviewer at Nordstrom said that thanks to the style, design and quality of the lenses, these have become the main readers and the other glasses are just back-up. Not a bad endorsement! I love how the chunky, square shape gives these glasses a vintage feel; they're just on the edge of being eccentric while remaining wearable. They are great for anyone who still wants to feel like themselves while wearing readers. These glasses are available at Nordstrom from +1.0 to +4.0 lens strength.
7. Caddis
A pair of uniquely flattering frames. Perfect for all face shapes, these unique metal frames strike the perfect balance between minimalist and trendy. The gold details elevate the overall look, though you can get them in silver and gunmetal colors if you prefer a cooler tone. You can get these Caddis frames in +1.0 through +3.50 strengths.
8. Warby Parker
A pair of sunglasses-inspired reading glasses. Available in diopters +0.25 to +2.75, these glamorous frames are a nice update to popular retro sunglasses frames. They have ultra-slim rims with a ton of visual impact and are available in three different colors. They're charming, easy and delight-inducing.
9. Amazon
A set of five blue-light readers designed for women's faces. Enjoy screen time without strain thanks to these blue-light reading glasses that are as elegant as they are functional. They come in a few different color combinations or you can get a five-pack of simple black frames. These glasses are available in +0.5 to +6.0 prescription strengths. One reviewer said, I love these glasses. They were so with it! And the style is perfect. This was my second pack! Great quality and durable.
10. Warby Parker
A pair of aviator glasses. I've been hankering for a pair of gold aviator-style reading glasses for a couple years now, and these from Warby Parker are compelling me to take the leap. I'm partial to the gold frames, but these lightweight, airy glasses are available in quite a few hues, like rose gold and even navy blue. They have silicone nose pads to prevent them from slipping and to help even out the pressure on your face. It's a classic silhouette that will never go out of style and will make wearing readers feel ultra-chic. You can get them in +0.25 to +2.75 diopters.
11. Caddis
A pair of glasses with main character energy. Can't you just see these glasses being worn by the whimsical, yet brainy, protagonist in a film? These glasses from Caddis are perfectly designed for those with smaller faces. They have a premium hard coating that makes them more durable and can help to prevent scratches, while also containing a water-, dirt- and grease-repellent coating so your vision is crystal-clear. You can order them in varying strengths, from +1.0 to +3.50 in four colors.
12. Nordstrom
A pair of retro-inspired cat eye readers. It doesn't get more fabulous than these oval cat eye frames from Color In Optics. You can get them in black or tortoiseshell, and both give off a fun, playful vibe. These glasses feature blue light-blocking lenses and can be purchased with prescription strengths from +1.50, +2.0 and +2.5.
13. Warby Parker
A pair of bold readers in joyful colors. If the pattern on these airy square glasses is a bit too much for you, you can also pick up this classic silhouette in a green or classic tortoiseshell hue. These angular glasses look good on everyone and have soft lines that won't make your face look harsh or age you. They include all of the Warby Parker features we know and love, and you can also throw in blue-light-filtering and anti-fatigue lenses.
The original version of this story was published on HuffPost at an earlier date.
