9 Eyewear Frame Styles That Became Cultural Icons

Eyewear is about being seen and staying in style. Over the decades, certain glasses have stepped way beyond function and carved out a permanent place in pop culture.

From the runways of fashion week to the collections of leading sunglasses brands, these frames have made their mark.

Whether it’s a signature movie look, a fashion statement, or a symbol of rebellion, some frames have earned iconic status. Here are nine eyewear styles that have become legends.

The Aviator

Originally designed for fighter pilots, Aviators were all about utility before they became a fashion staple. The large, teardrop lenses were made to block out the sun at high altitudes. But when icons like General MacArthur and later Tom Cruise in Top Gun wore them, the style took on a whole new life.

Whether you’re flying planes or just heading to brunch, Aviators still give off serious confidence and adventure vibes. You can find plenty of sleek options in luxury eyewear at SmartBuyGlasses.

The Wayfarer

Ray-Ban’s Wayfarer changed the game when it launched in 1952. With its bold, boxy shape and sturdy plastic frame, it broke away from the wire-rimmed styles of the past. James Dean wore them. So did Audrey Hepburn.

And then the ‘80s happened. Thanks to The Blues Brothers, Risky Business, and Miami Vice, Wayfarers were suddenly everywhere again. They’ve never really gone out of style since. Clean, classic, and just the right amount of rebellious, they’re a safe bet for instant cool.

Round Lennon Glasses

Tiny, wire-framed, and unmistakably round—these glasses will forever be linked with John Lennon. In the ‘60s and ‘70s, they became a symbol of counterculture, peace, and artistic freedom.

With their minimalist design and tinted lenses, they were a statement. Today, you still see them on artists, musicians, and anyone channeling a little boho energy.

The Clubmaster

Half-metal, half-plastic, and full-on vintage cool, Clubmasters have an academic-meets-edgy look that’s hard to beat. Popular in the 1950s and ‘60s, they were favored by intellectuals and civil rights leaders alike.

Malcolm X helped make them iconic. They made a strong comeback in the 2010s, and it’s easy to see why. Clubmasters say “smart,” “stylish,” and “I know what I’m doing” all at once.

Oversized ‘70s Glam Frames

If you wanted to scream luxury and mystique in the 1970s, you went big. Really big. Oversized frames with gradient lenses were everywhere. They’re on celebrities, socialites, and anyone chasing the jet-set lifestyle.

Jackie O made them legendary. Diana Ross took them to diva status. Even now, oversized sunnies are the go-to for adding a little drama (and maybe dodging the paparazzi).

Thick Black “Nerd” Glasses

Once considered awkward or unfashionable, thick-rimmed black glasses got a total image overhaul. What used to scream “bookworm” suddenly became the go-to for hipsters, creatives, and tech insiders.

Celebs like Tina Fey, Rivers Cuomo, and Zooey Deschanel helped turn the look into something charming, clever, and cool. Today, they walk the line between irony and authenticity, and they still work.

Cat-Eye Glasses

With their sharp upswept corners and vintage flair, cat-eye glasses have always been about bold femininity. They first popped in the ‘50s and ‘60s, worn by stars like Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly.

Flash forward, and the style’s still going strong, now embraced by everyone from retro lovers to high-fashion trendsetters. They’re playful, elegant, and just a little fierce.

Shield Sunglasses

Big, bold, and futuristic, shield sunglasses are hard to miss. Originally made for athletes and high-performance activities, they quickly crossed over into streetwear and celebrity fashion.

Think Victoria Beckham, or any red carpet from the late 2010s. These frames shout pure style. Perfect if you want to look like you just stepped out of a sci-fi film or a fashion week runway.

Tiny Matrix Sunglasses

Minimal to the extreme, micro sunglasses surged into pop culture thanks to The Matrix. Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, and Laurence Fishburne made sleek, narrow frames the ultimate cyberpunk accessory.

Though they seemed like a short-lived fad at first, they came roaring back in the 2020s thanks to the Y2K revival and influencers who weren’t afraid to take a fashion risk. They may not block much sun, but they definitely turn heads.