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How to Rock Gradient Glasses Frames

Jamie Mendiola

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Jamie Mendiola

Updated: 28 March 2024 •  
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Gradient frames are in, and they’re a cool way to add a pop of color to your wardrobe.
 
That said, they may be intimidating for those who are new to color.
 
Want to learn how you can wear this style without going over the top?
 
We’ve got you covered with these simple tips.
 

First off, learn how to choose the right gradient colors

Let’s start with something simple: choosing the right colors when you’re styling your gradient frames.
 
Color combinations can either make or break your look.
 
To know what works, the general rule of thumb is to choose colors that complement each other.
 
For instance, if your spectacles have a warm-toned gradient, you should pair them with clothes that show off similar warm tones.
 
For instance, maroon glasses will go well with a cactus green or golden yellow.
 
The same goes for cool-toned gradient frames.
 
If you have specs in a pale pink or blue shade, pairing them with winter colors like deep purple will work seamlessly.
 
For a better idea on how to match colors, check out this color wheel.
 
color wheel categorized by seasons and temperature

The color wheel makes it easier to visualize which colors will go well together in an outfit. Source: Pinterest

 
If the thought of having to figure out different color combos still gives you a headache, opt for neutrals like black, white, gray, and beige.
 
You’ll never go wrong by pairing these together, no matter what time or season it is.
 
For more on how to make your glasses work with your outfit, bookmark our guide for later reading.
 

Gradient frames to try out right now

Ivory

 

 
If you’re new to gradient, the Ivory glasses can be a good starter pair.
 
Its gradient flows from a grayish-blue to clear, giving you a more subtle look that goes well with a neutral or cool-toned wardrobe.
 
At the same time, there’s still an element of fun with the cat-eye frames, which work well for a variety of face shapes like square, diamond, and triangle.
 

Apple

 
If your wardrobe features lots of pastel shades and your favorite season is spring, Apple might just be the one for you.
 
The soft pink gradient gives off an eternally fresh and youthful look, and if pink isn’t quite you, this pair also comes in a green gradient variant.
 
Also, these full-rim frames are made out of plastic for a lightweight feel that’s comfortable to wear all day.
 

Glamour

 

 
Want to lean into that retro glam look? Our Glamour glasses can help you with that.
 
Apart from the ultra-feminine cat-eye shape, this pair adds a subtle sultriness via its purple gradient.
 
If you have brown eyes and want to make them pop, you can even get this pair in red.
 

Becky

 

 
Sometimes, you need to mix it up. Instead of focusing on bold colors, why not try a less conventional shape instead?
 
That’s where a geometric pair like these Becky glasses come in.
 
This angular shape works well for face shapes with softer features like round and oval as it will add more dimension.
 
The pink gradient is also subtle enough to work with a wide variety of occasions and aesthetics.
 
Now – let’s look at how to style gradient frames!
 

Know how to match your makeup (but keep experimenting!)

 
makeup tools for gradient frames

Glasses with a bold or colorful gradient can be paired with either clean, simple makeup or a striking, monochromatic look that plays up the shades in the gradient.

 
Makeup should accentuate your beauty, rather than cover it up.
 
However, that might be tricky if you’re applying makeup for glasses.
 
Here’s an easy tip: If your specs feature a bold or colorful gradient, keep your makeup clean and minimal.
 
Let the glasses do all the work for you and stand out on its own.
 
Having bright makeup on top of statement-making glasses may throw your whole look off-balance, but simple makeup can make you look more polished and put-together.
 
Priyanka Chopra wears gradient glasses with clean and minimal makeup

Priyanka Chopra letting her gradient glasses stand out with a full face of clean and minimal makeup. Source: GQ India

 

If you do want to play with color, try matching the shades in your gradient glasses to your makeup, whether it’s your eyeshadow or lipstick.
 
This method makes for a cool, monochromatic look that is still cohesive.
 
If you want, you can even do the monochromatic vibe from head to toe, e.g. red-toned gradient glasses with red lips and red shoes.
 
Saweetie wearing red gradient glasses that match her bold red lips

Saweetie matching her bold red lip to her red gradient glasses, creating a strong, monochromatic look. Source: Rolling Stone

 
Most importantly though, never stop experimenting because makeup is supposed to be fun at the end of the day.
 

Get into playing with patterns

three pairs of eyeglasses

Learn how to work with the patterns in your outfits. If your glasses have a busy pattern, match them with a simple outfit.

 
Here’s the slightly more challenging part of fashion: learning how to work with patterns.
 
It can be easy to overdo them if you’re not careful.
 
If your gradient glasses feature a complex or busy pattern, let that be the centerpiece of your OOTD.
 
The rest of your outfit should have simpler patterns, like stripes or little polka dots.
 
Busy patterns can also go well with minimal blocks of color, for that cool juxtaposition.
 
So, if you’re wearing gradient zebra print glasses, pairing them with a clean black and white outfit can work.
 
Mira Rajput Kapoor wears her bold zebra-striped glasses with a classic white blouse featuring bright orange piping

Mira Rajput Kapoor pairing her bold, zebra-striped glasses with a classic white blouse that features bright orange piping. Source: Vogue India

 
On the other hand, gradient glasses in a simple pattern or muted tones will match so well with a boldly patterned outfit.
 
For instance, understated gold and white gradient specs can look good with an eye-catching animal print like leopard.
 
Ultimately, it’s all about balance.
 

Pick a hairstyle that shows off your gradient frames

woman with glasses covers her face with hair

Let your gradient frames stand out by putting your hair up in an updo or matching them with a short, edgy haircut.

 
A great OOTD wouldn’t be complete without the right hair.
 
Gradient frames are usually the standout accessory of a look, so if you have long hair, consider pulling it back into a neat updo to show off your specs.
 
If you’re dressing up for a special event, you can even add volume or curls.
 
Mariah Carey wears gradient glasses

Mariah Carey glamming it up with gradient glasses and elegant curls. Source: RTE

 
Short hair, on the other hand, is great for adding some edge to your look, especially if it’s a pixie cut or quiff.
 
Determined to make waves?
 
Match your hair color to your frames!
 
If you’re just dipping your toes, start with temporary streaks of color.
 
Once you’re more confident, you can try a balayage dye, which refers to hair color being painted onto the hair to create a graduated, more natural-looking highlight.
 
Justine Marjan matching her blonde balayage to her gradient glasses, creating a cohesive and harmonious look between her hair and eyewear

Justine Marjan matching her blonde balayage to her gradient glasses. Source: Who What Wear

 
If you’re wearing gradient glasses for an upcoming event, try out a few looks here and there, at least a few days prior.
 
This allows you more time to experiment and figure out what you like best, so you won’t have to rush anything and will know exactly what look to go for on the day itself.

 

Gradient frames don’t have to be intimidating

Wearing gradient frames doesn’t have to be an unfamiliar, intimidating affair.
 
In fact, you can play around and match them with bright colors and cool patterns.
 
When in doubt, just layer neutrals over neutrals and you won’t be able to go wrong.
 
We’ve got eyewear styling tips and guides on our blog, so be sure to check it out after this piece!
 
If it’s glasses you’re looking for, click here to browse our online shop.

Jamie Mendiola
Jamie is a writer and non-profit volunteer advocating for mental health. When not typing up a storm at work, you'll find her binge-watching Netflix or meditating like Yoda.

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