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The style clinic
OT asks optical experts for their thoughts on the perfect eyewear for a wedding guest, an important meeting – and to provide a boost on a gloomy day
24 August 2024
If eyes are the window to the soul, then choosing a frame for that window is no trifling matter.
The choice of which spectacles – or contact lenses – to wear can be influenced by a multitude of factors. What is the weather like? Who will I meet today? Do I want to stand out or blend in?
OT approached a panel of eyewear experts for insight on the eyewear they would select for a range of occasions, from an important meeting to a night out with friends.
Name: Daniel Read
Role: Practice manager and dispensing optician at BBR Optometry, a Hakim Group independent practice
![A man wearing glasses](/ot/-/media/ot/content-images-post-image-optimisation/2024/industry/eyewear-and-lenses/danielread.jpg?rev=e43ff7760d9941b1b838311d87216ebb&hash=3E6FB439B72461656C106F10ED815362)
Occasion: wedding guest
Sunspecs are an essential accessory to add the final touch to a wedding outfit. Something elegant and understatedly stylish (we mustn’t upstage the bride, after all) is called for. This Blake Kuwahara model balances making a statement with some fun. The black and crystal will work with any outfit and the carefully balanced frame is a joy to wear.
![model wearing dark sunglasses](/ot/-/media/ot/content-images-post-image-optimisation/2024/industry/eyewear-and-lenses/danielweddingguest.jpg?rev=8c7b928d2d014fe1af571b12328a3f53&hash=C0D3A12271F7BF22FAB1CB49FFA61B9A)
Occasion: an important meeting
For an important meeting, you may want something that inspires confidence, looks professional, and shows your individuality. With Lindberg you get classic Scandinavian minimalism with the ability to customise colours to give a timeless style your own twist.
![metal framed glasses](/ot/-/media/ot/content-images-post-image-optimisation/2024/industry/eyewear-and-lenses/danielimportantmeeting.jpg?rev=06dbaf6415d54a429adce03463f0fa95&hash=74D96CD587D740DB6032BA3909F2AAB1)
Occasion: a night out with friends
A night out with friends is time to be yourself, and this particular pair is a favourite of my own. With Feb 31st’s wooden frames you can create your unique and personal colour combination to tell your own story. Mine are inspired by a song by The Cure titled Wrong Number. This reflects the fact that Feb 31st is a date that doesn’t exist – it is a ‘wrong number.’
![Wooden frames](/ot/-/media/ot/content-images-post-image-optimisation/2024/industry/eyewear-and-lenses/danielnightout.jpg?rev=24cb7a7b00a7434b881dd6917fd32c7f&hash=8783602143A9C7CD9FCE51EE27266E96)
Occasion: to put a spring in your step on a dull day
There is not much that can change the way you look, and feel, quite as much as a fantastic pair of spectacles. A selection of multiple styles can enhance our lives. Different situations can be matched to specific eyewear, and we can help our patients create their perfect wardrobe.
On a gloomy day you want something to lift your mood. Wearing spectacles that get people to stop you in the street and tell you how much they love what you look like feels great. I’d go for a Kirk & Kirk; the bold, bright colours reminiscent of boiled sweets, to bring a smile to your world.
![Model wearing orange frames](/ot/-/media/ot/content-images-post-image-optimisation/2024/industry/eyewear-and-lenses/danieldullday.jpg?rev=0be6117015d84e3583cbafab39a4cc04&hash=09D651422BA3D7D8732725FF8B7DB813)
Name: Krish Hawabhay
Role: Director of branch development at Leightons Opticians & Hearing Care
Occasion: wedding guest
Choosing subtle eyewear for a wedding is a thoughtful decision that ensures your glasses complement, rather than clash with, your outfit. We recommend selecting understated eyewear to achieve a sophisticated balance, allowing your personal style to shine while honouring the event’s aesthetic.
![Frames](/ot/-/media/ot/content-images-post-image-optimisation/2024/industry/eyewear-and-lenses/krishwedding.jpg?rev=61e539df9e9b4380a2a206e10c0b4c33&hash=987691D699015BAAA20A4CCA254651D3)
Occasion: an important meeting
Selecting minimalist eyewear for an important meeting is a strategic choice that keeps the focus on your ideas and contributions. Opting for simple, classic frames in neutral colours ensures that your glasses are an unobtrusive accessory rather than a distraction.
![metal frames](/ot/-/media/ot/content-images-post-image-optimisation/2024/industry/eyewear-and-lenses/krishimportantmeeting.jpg?rev=6e03ebf4fda64f88ab7cc7f96404359a&hash=3D1D8BFCBAE9000B1D7D135AFEE26C43)
Occasion: a night out with friends
Dipping into your eyewear wardrobe to complete your outfit for a night out with friends is a fun and creative way to express your personal style. Embrace the opportunity to experiment with different styles and colours, making your glasses or sunglasses a standout feature that showcases your unique taste.
![Blue frames](/ot/-/media/ot/content-images-post-image-optimisation/2024/industry/eyewear-and-lenses/krishnightout.jpg?rev=e065da98236a4a03b498e226d2ac8d17&hash=E17425BE4F76ED0B6F617C8FDDA9DAD8)
Occasion: to put a spring in your step on a dull day
Using eyewear to inject life into a basic outfit is a fantastic way to elevate your style, especially when the dull weather leaves you feeling uninspired. A vibrant or uniquely styled pair of glasses can transform a simple ensemble into a fashion statement, adding a pop of colour or a touch of sophistication.
![Pink frames](/ot/-/media/ot/content-images-post-image-optimisation/2024/industry/eyewear-and-lenses/krishdullday.jpg?rev=7346c1c910c947829ac123de2d25c032&hash=8323431587973ACB5ACC444755A02FDC)
There is not much that can change the way you look, and feel, quite as much as a fantastic pair of spectacles
Name: Gill Smith
Role: Dispensing optician, contact lens optician and regional manager at Valli Opticians
Occasion: wedding guest
I absolutely love the cat’s eye shape of this frame. I think it’s glamorous, yet sophisticated. It comes with two fabulous magnetic sunglass clip-ons, making it a frame that gives you three different looks. The classic tortoise shell is something I would go for as it never dates and will go with any outfit.
![black frames](/ot/-/media/ot/content-images-post-image-optimisation/2024/industry/eyewear-and-lenses/gillweddingguest.jpg?rev=b5f24723a7bd4ec0bfe578da1c079a89&hash=F194DA8D0B1DA579313FA108F349041A)
Occasion: an important meeting
I would choose this frame for an important meeting as it’s so minimalist, yet stylish. The lightness of the frame makes you feel as though you aren’t even wearing any glasses. I love how the shape of the lens is different from most rimless designs. It’s modern, but still gives a ‘serious yet professional’ vibe.
![frameless frames](/ot/-/media/ot/content-images-post-image-optimisation/2024/industry/eyewear-and-lenses/gillimportantmeeting.jpg?rev=ebe500fbe6ac4dd49cc21eb1ec7a2788&hash=AC647913674B78DD6536136F34F8FA5C)
Occasion: a night out with friends
I would choose contact lenses for a night out with friends. The reason being, that with all the dancing I’d be doing, I wouldn’t want them to break or fall off. It will also mean more room in my handbag as well for all the make-up I’ll need to take with me to top myself back up again after dancing! On a serious note, I wear my specs all day every day, so when I get dressed up to go out, I like to look and feel different.
Occasion: to put a spring in your step on a dull day
These put a smile on everyone’s face, even when they aren’t being worn. The amount of compliments our patients get when wearing these is the reason why they come back year after year to get another pair. They are hand painted and are available in all sorts of colour combinations. They really are a ‘happy’ frame and this colour combination, in my opinion, is the most joyful.
![colourful frames](/ot/-/media/ot/content-images-post-image-optimisation/2024/industry/eyewear-and-lenses/gilldullday.jpg?rev=dd79bc4653f348b082cbc85eb8fc7970&hash=59229A59FA37FF3DF0DC28AAF938DEEB)
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