Last Updated on April 14, 2023 by amy
Square glasses don’t have the best reputation. In movies and TV shows, square specs are typically reserved for shy, bookish types or characters who have not yet undergone their rom-com makeover montage.
This negative rep is undeserved because wearing square glasses have become a popular trend and not just a necessity. A pair of square glasses can complement your facial features and give everyday and dressy outfits some edge.
Don’t believe us? Here are 8 celebrities who make square glasses look high fashion.
1. Anne Hathaway
It’s not every day you see an A-lister rocking big square glasses on the red carpet. But Anne Hathaway did exactly that at the Los Angeles premiere of the animated musical comedy film Rio in 2011.
The Les Misérables star didn’t let her specs be an excuse to ignore her eye makeup either. She wore purple eyeliner but kept the eyeshadow to a minimum to really make her eyes pop behind the lens.
On an oval face like Anne’s, big square glasses help balance prominent cheekbones and jawline and create more harmonious proportions. Steal Anne’s look with Classic Specs’ Darcey in Brandy Tortoise!
This oversized square frame is designed to fit round, heart, and oval face types, and against fair skin like Anne’s, the tortoiseshell colorway stands out. Darcey also comes in other colorways, including Travertine, Tidal, and Marble Streak.
2. Julia Roberts
Julia Roberts looks every inch the Pretty Woman (1990) in a pair of square black-rimmed glasses.
When you think of Julia Roberts, you probably think of her megawatt smile and great hair. But the Notting Hill (1999) star has also been known to sport a pair of specs in interviews, fashion parties, and other official appearances. She especially loves wearing her glasses with a suit set for a decidedly business-chic look.
Emulate your inner Julia Roberts with Classic Specs’ Prescott in Carbon Black!
A no-nonsense frame, Prescott will suit round, heart, and oval faces. It is also available in Smoulder, Whiskey Crystal, and Brandy Tortoise if you want a pop of color.
3. Gigi Hadid
There are few models as prolific and iconic as Gigi Hadid.
One of the most recognizable faces in the fashion industry, Gigi has walked the runway for many high-profile brands, including Chanel and Versace, and appeared in numerous magazines, most notably Vogue.
In 2019, she launched another business venture: a third drop of glasses in collaboration with Vogue Eyewear. The collection was inspired by New York City and offered a sneak peek into Gigi’s whirlwind life, with each style named after a person or place of importance to her.
We especially love 23rd street (shown above), a must-have, NYC-inspired frame for those who want to make a statement.
4. Jay-Z
A pair of simple black square frames gives rapper Jay-Z a dapper look he’s been known to rock in recent years.
Jay-Z, a highly successful songwriter and record executive, has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including a whopping 24 Grammy Awards from 88 nominations. For his untouchable discography and contribution to hip-hop and pop culture, Jay-Z was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2021.
The “Holy Grail” singer’s style has never been better than right now, and he doesn’t shy away from spectacles and sunnies these days.
Get Jay-Z’s look with a pair of Todd frames in Carbon Black from Classic Specs. Trends come and go, but bold black frames like these will always be in style. You can also get it in Brandy Tortoise and Jade Crystal if you prefer a more vibrant look. Todd is available with Classic and Light-transitioning lenses.
5. Stephen Colbert
Stephen Colbert was once inseparable from his rimless pair of Kazuo Kawasaki’s. But in 2014, the famed late-night talk show host switched up his glasses style, opting for some thicker matte frames.
Though the switch may be Colbert’s attempt to appeal to his younger viewers, his square specs are on point and fitting. What’s more, a frame like Colbert’s will work on any face shape.
Switch up your glasses style with a pair of Beacon frames in Brandy Tortoise.
Tortoiseshell is a classic, timeless pattern for both men’s and women’s glasses. Featuring a mottled mix of dark brown, amber, and black colors, the pattern mimics a real tortoiseshell.
Get Beacon in Havana Tortoise to steal Stephen Colbert’s smoking business style. You can also get Beacon in Dove Gray, Brown Gradient, and Matte Black for a more modern look. Beacon is available in single-vision and progressive prescriptions.
6. Jennifer Lopez (D&G)
How stylish does Jennifer Lopez look wearing these black square frames? Paired with a strappy black dress and a messy updo, this look incites serious outfit envy.
Throughout her career, singer/actress J.Lo has been the face of many well-known brands of clothes, cosmetics, and accessories — including sunglasses. In fact, she admitted in a 2022 interview with the fashion magazine Harper’s Bazaar that she was a “big fan” of sunglasses.
In the above photo, she can be seen sporting a pair of black square frames with gold temple arms. The pair is from luxury brand Dolce & Gabbana, which chose Lopez as the face of its new luxe eyewear collection.
7. Henry Cavill
English actor Henry Cavill is an eyewear icon in his own right, at least when he’s playing Clark Kent.
Best known for his portrayal of Superman in the DC Extended Universe films “Man of Steel,” “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” and “Justice League,” Cavill wore a pair of black oversized square glasses to bring Clark Kent to life.
The style is reminiscent of Christopher Reeve’s take on Clark Kent. The late actor wore oversized tortoiseshell glasses throughout the four Superman movies he starred in.
Whether you want to recreate Cavill’s Clark Kent look or simply love the style, Classic Specs’ Ashford in Matte Black easily fits the bill. This universally flattering square frame is also available in Tokyo Tortoise and Whiskey Crystal.
8. Lady Gaga
Although Lady Gaga is all about pushing the boundaries of fashion and expressing herself in bold and creative ways, she knows when to dial things down.
In the photo above, the 13-time Grammy Award winner wore simple square frames to complete her subdued attire.
Lady Gaga has an oval face with distinctive features, allowing her to pull off virtually any frame shape. But square glasses look particularly striking on her because the glasses’ lines and angles provide contrast.
Even if you don’t have an oval face, you can still nail Gaga’s look with Classic Specs’ Meritt frames in Matte Black Horn.
Meritt comes in other colorways, including Brandy Tortoise, Moss Crystal, and Brown Gradient, and is available in single-vision and progressive prescriptions.
Why Choose Classic Specs?
High-end glasses typically demand higher prices. Many designer brands sell their frames well beyond the $1,000 price point when lenses and add-ons are included. Superior materials and construction account for some of this price premium, including Italian acetate and features like premium barrel hinges and branded engraving.
Classic Specs boasts timeless designs that many high-profile personalities prefer. Our frames are made of premium Italian acetate sourced from a family-owned northern Italian factory, featuring high-end construction and branded engraving. These aspects rival other brands. The main difference is the price: Classic Specs frames and lenses can often be purchased for less than $500. We offer virtual try-on and an online vision test, so the process is hassle-free (factors that celebs tend to prefer).
About Classic Specs
Classic Specs is known for its contemporary eyewear inspired by its designers’ favorite retro silhouettes. Born in Brooklyn, New York, the brand seeks to revive classic designs from every decade to create unique and iconic pieces for discerning consumers. Their frames feature high-quality craftsmanship with reinforced, stainless-steel hinges. Sourced from the famous six-generation Mazzucchelli family factory in northern Italy, Classic Specs frames are made of premium hypoallergenic cellulose acetate in unique, eye-catching chromotypes. Many lens options are available for reading glasses, distance, progressive, sunglasses, or fashion frames.