Famous Movie Glasses: Iconic Styles from Hollywood

ByBNW TEAM

If you want to buy the same glasses or shades you’ve seen in a famous franchise, you’re not alone. Our favorite fashion looks often come from movies and TV shows, and eyewear is no exception. But how do you find the right Hollywood-inspired look for you?

In this article, I’ll explore some of the most iconic movie glasses in Hollywood and how you can steal these looks for real life.

Tom Cruise’s Aviators in Top Gun

When Top Gun was released in 1986, suddenly everyone wanted to wear Tom Cruise’s aviators, a style that had previously been worn mostly by the military. Both men’s and women’s styles adopted the double bridge and bottom-heavy lenses that were characteristic of the look.

While popularity has waxed and waned since then, aviators are currently having a moment, largely due to a nostalgia for vintage styles. The 40th anniversary theatrical re-release of Top Gun and its 2022 sequel Top Gun: Maverick may have helped.

Modern aviator styles have a lot of variation, so there are plenty of choices to steal this look. Here are a few of my favorites: 

  • The Ray-Ban Aviator Max ORB3925 sunglasses capture the classic look with multiple lens color options.
  • For a more modern, subtle look with wraparound lenses and softer edges, check out the Maui Jim BABY BEACH or SUGAR BEACH sunglasses.
  • Aviators most commonly come with metal frames, but if you like a thick acetate structure instead, the Salvatore Ferragamo SF3016 eyeglasses incorporate the double bridge and bottom-heavy lenses.
  • Want to combine two big trends right now? The Porsche Design P8478 shades feature oversized, bottom-heavy lenses—oversized glasses are big right now—joined by a double bridge.

Holly Golightly’s Cat-Eye Sunglasses From Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Cat-eye eyeglasses and sunglasses have flitted in and out of popularity through the years. But one of their biggest moments came in the 1961 movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Audrey Hepburn wore a pair of cat-eye sunglasses known as the Manhattan in her role as Holly Golightly, fueling a surge of demand for the slightly upturned style.

Like other retro looks, cat-eye glasses are having a moment, but with modern updates. Today’s cat-eye frames tend to be either sharper and more angular or softer and more subtle than the classic cat-eye look. 

Image source: Unsplash

Here are a few of my favorites:

  • I recommend the Prada PR 14WS for a round or oval face. These Prada female sunglasses feature squared lenses and gently upturned rims.
  • I also love the sleek, subtle angles of the Saint Laurent SL 2769 MICA sunglasses.
  • If you have a square or diamond face, I would suggest a cat-eye style with rounded lenses. I like the understated Maui Jim HIEHIE sunglasses or the Burberry BE4216 shades.
  • For eyeglasses, I suggest the Miu Miu MU 09XV frames. They feature a soft oval lens with a delicate cat-eye shape at the edges.

Clark Kent Glasses

We all know that when Clark Kent yanks off his glasses, he’s about to become Superman. 

The iconic Clark Kent glasses have varied through the years, as different actors reprised the role. Christopher Reeve wore larger, more rounded frames in the 1980s films. In the most recent Superman movie, David Corenswet sported more minimalist, squared frames.

Here’s how to steal Clark Kent’s look, or at least, his glasses. You’ll have to figure out the leotard and cape for yourself:

  • Thick-rimmed, square-lensed glasses are a great look for round or oval faces.
  • If you want to steal the exact glasses David Corenswet wears in Superman, they’re the Oliver Peoples OV5439 Nilos frames.
  • What if you have a square or diamond face shape? Try thick-rimmed glasses with more rounded lenses, like the Tom Ford FT6037-B frames. These Tom Ford mens glasses will make you feel like a superhero.

Looking for other Superman-style glasses? See more Clark Kent glasses here!

Velma’s Glasses from Scooby-Doo

Velma’s thick, dark frames have inspired many Scooby-Doo fans to buy their own rectangular glasses. The sharp angles work best for people who have a round, oval, or heart-shaped face.

Here’s how to steal Velma’s look:

  • I like the Persol P03050V frames, which feature the thick rims and slim, rectangular profile of Velma’s specs.
  • The Ray-Ban RX7017 frames have a similar look with several color options.

FAQs

What if I like one of these looks on a movie star, but I’m not sure if it will work for my face?

The good news is that you can virtually try on glasses and sunglasses to see how they’ll look on your face. If the look you’re considering doesn’t work for you, there may be a similar option that fits better. 

Once you figure out the best styles for your face shape, you can try to find glasses in one of those styles. For instance, if Velma’s rectangular frames don’t work for your face, you might try a frame with thick-rimmed oval lenses.

What if I can’t afford the expensive designer frames my favorite movie star wears?

You have a few options. First, check with your vision insurance carrier to find out if they will cover some of the cost of your eyeglasses or prescription sunglasses. If not, you might be able to use FSA/HSA funds to purchase them.

You can also check around at different retailers to see their prices. For instance, online eyewear retailer EZContacts offers many big-name brands at affordable prices.