Last Updated on May 10, 2023 by amy
Picture this: it’s 2001, and you’re sitting in a movie theater, popcorn in hand, as the rags-to-riches story of Mia Thermopolis unfolds on the screen.
For those who lived through the iconic era of “The Princess Diaries,” one accessory stands out in our collective memory — Anne Hathaway’s dorky glasses.
That’s right, we’re talking about Mia Thermopolis’ pre-makeover montage eyewear, the epitome of quirky chic!
In this blog post, we’re taking a closer look at Princess Mia’s glasses and how they became a symbol of hope for every awkward teen navigating the jungle that was the early 2000s.
Anne Hathaway’s Glasses in “The Princess Diaries”
Anne Hathaway’s endearingly nerdy glasses in “The Princess Diaries” played a key role in bringing her character Mia Thermopolis to life.
Coupled with her frizzy hair and clumsy demeanor, the thin oval glasses visually reinforced Mia’s status as a socially awkward teenager struggling to fit in. They also symbolized her transformation as she eventually shed them to embrace her newfound identity as the Crown Princess of Genovia.
More than that, the glasses resonated with audiences, particularly young girls, who could relate to Mia’s insecurity and her desire to find her place in the world. The glasses also encapsulated the quintessential “nerdy” look of the early 2000s, reminding audiences of a time when teen movies celebrated self-discovery and characters like Mia showed us it’s okay to be imperfect.
Ultimately, Anne Hathaway’s glasses in “The Princess Diaries” are a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of being true to oneself.
Embrace Your Inner Dork
If there’s one thing the Princess of Genovia taught audiences, it’s to embrace your true self. And if nerdy glasses are a part of that, we’ve got the pair for you!
Introducing the Dunham in Black Crystal, a fabulous fusion of retro charm and modern sophistication.
These strong oval eyeglasses are universally flattering, designed to accentuate a variety of face shapes. Dunham features a solid black rim that adds a bold touch to your look without going overboard.
What’s more, Dunham is crafted from premium Italian acetate, ensuring top-notch quality and durability for those busy days when you’re juggling work, play, and everything in between. So, what are you waiting for? Bring out your inner geek chic with Dunham in Black Crystal!
How to Look Less Nerdy in Glasses
Nerdy glasses like Anne Hathaway’s in “The Princess Diaries” have experienced a significant resurgence in the fashion world.
But if you want to look less nerdy in similar glasses styles, consider these helpful tips to find and style a pair:
- Choose the right frame shape. Choose a frame that complements your face shape to avoid a nerdy appearance. Understanding your face shape can help you find glasses that enhance your features, not detract from them.
- Choose thin or minimalist frames. Thick, oversized frames can sometimes give off a nerdy vibe. To counteract this, choose thin, minimalist frames that are subtler and more sophisticated. This helps create a more modern look.
- Match your glasses to your outfit and hairstyle. You can also use nerdy glasses to create a cohesive and stylish ensemble. For example, pair bold frames with simpler outfits or choose a colorful pair to add an unexpected element to your look.
- Keep your glasses clean. Smudged, dirty, or scratched lenses can make your glasses look unkempt and contribute to a nerdy appearance. Regularly clean your lenses and keep them in good condition to ensure a more polished look.
- Wear them with confidence. Confidence plays a crucial role in how you look in any clothing or accessory. Nerdy glasses look best when worn with self-assurance, so embrace the look!
When chosen and styled thoughtfully, nerdy glasses can be a fashionable and attractive addition to any wardrobe. Get a pair from Classic Specs today!
Reliving Anne Hathaway’s Iconic Early 2000s Style
As the 2000s dawned, a fresh-faced Anne Hathaway emerged as a rising star, capturing audiences’ hearts with her unforgettable performances in movies like “The Princess Diaries,” “The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement,” and “The Devil Wears Prada.”
Alongside her acting chops, she also made waves with her fashion choices in the early 2000s, which were a time of experimentation and bold fashion statements.
Here’s a closer look at her style evolution through her early 2000s movies:
- “The Princess Diaries” (2001): As Mia Thermopolis, Anne rocked a nerdy-chic aesthetic with her glasses, frizzy hair, and quirky outfits. The movie’s makeover scene showcased a transformation to a more polished and sophisticated look, featuring elegant gowns and tasteful accessories.
- “The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement” (2004): In this sequel, Anne continued to showcase her royal style as Princess Mia, wearing stunning ball gowns, sleek updos, and refined accessories. Her wardrobe featured a mix of glamorous and playful ensembles, capturing her character’s growth and maturity.
- “The Devil Wears Prada” (2006): As the ambitious Andy Sachs, Anne’s fashion journey in this film was remarkable. Starting with her frumpy, mismatched outfits, she eventually transformed into a high-fashion devotee, sporting designer pieces and runway-ready looks.
In real life, Anne’s early 2000s style featured some of the era’s most memorable trends, such as the boho-chic aesthetic, statement accessories (think chunky belts and layered necklaces), and the dress-over-pants trend.
While some early 2000s trends have faded away, Anne’s fashion journey continues to inspire fans. Today, as a celebrated actress and style icon, she dazzles on red carpets and movie sets alike, proving that her fashion legacy is enduring and ever-evolving.
What Glasses Does Anne Hathaway Wear?
Throughout her illustrious career, Anne Hathaway has consistently captivated audiences with her remarkable acting skills, elegant fashion sense, and of course, her unforgettable eyewear choices.
Anne’s eyewear game has always been on point, from bold statement frames to chic, oversized sunglasses.
Here are five styles she effortlessly pulls off:
Anne Hathaway loves a pair of geek chic glasses, as evidenced by her red carpet look for the Los Angeles premiere of the animated musical comedy film Rio in 2011. The oversized square frame suits Anne’s oval face perfectly because its strong lines and angles provide contrast.
If you have an oval face like Anne, follow her lead and grab some big square glasses, like our Darcey in Brandy Tortoise. Darcey suits any face shape, while its tortoiseshell colorway complements any skin tone and hair color.
Darcey comes in other colorways, including Travertine, Tidal, and Marble Streak, and has anti-reflective and scratch-resistant coatings.
2. Waverly – Dusty Rose Crystal
Not a fan of solid-color frames? Classic Specs has got you covered with our Waverly in Dusty Rose Crystal!
An oversized round frame with beautiful pin and rivet hinges, the Waverly is a popular style for any face shape. Crafted from high-quality Italian acetate, the Waverly is available with both prescription (single vision and progressive) and non-prescription lenses.
A translucent frame like Waverly complements a wide range of skin tones, hair colors, and personal styles. Its subtle appearance means you can wear it with practically any outfit, making it a versatile choice for everyday wear. And unlike bold or dark frames, Waverly won’t draw away attention from your facial features, allowing your natural beauty to shine through instead.
But you don’t have to take our word for it. Anne Hathaway can’t resist the allure of translucent specs either, having been photographed and spotted wearing a pair on numerous occasions. Take a cue from Anne and embrace the translucent trend with Waverly!
Waverly is available in other colorways, including Aqua Crystal, Caramel Horn, Smoulder, and Matte Black, and has anti-reflective and scratch-resistant coatings.https://www.classicspecs.com/eyeglasses/Women/Lindsey/gold/
Metal aviators are a classic and versatile eyewear style, and on an oval face like Anne Hathaway’s, they look especially stunning.
People with oval face shapes are considered to have balanced proportions, making them well-suited for a wide range of eyewear styles, including metal aviators. The classic design of aviators can complement the harmonious features of an oval face.
If you want a similar silhouette that’s more wearable, try our Lindsey frame in Gold!
The color brightens up the face, while the horizontal bar running across the top of the rim gives the frame a retro vibe.
Lindsey is also available in Silver, which suits cool undertones best. You can get this frame with both prescription (single vision and progressive) and non-prescription lenses.
Black square glasses may have a reputation for being a more classic and understated choice, but they’re far from boring. Just look at how Anne Hathaway pulls them off!
If you want a pair to elevate your everyday outfits, our Prescott in Carbon Black won’t disappoint you.
One of our all-time favorites, Prescott is a universally flattering square frame designed to fit all face types. Made with premium acetate and reinforced hinges, Prescott Carbon Black is available with both prescription (single and progressive) and non-prescription lenses.
All Classic Specs eyeglasses and sunglasses are 99.9% UVA/UVB protective and feature anti-reflective and scratch-resistant coatings.
Prescott is also available in other colorways, including Brandy Tortoise, Whiskey Crystal, and Smoulder.
BONUS: Edie – Carbon Black
Anne Hathaway keeps busy these days doing filming for her upcoming psychological thriller “Mother’s Instinct” with Jessica Chastain.
Set in the early 1960s, the story revolves around best friends and neighbors Alice (played by Chastain) and Celine (played by Hathaway), both of whom enjoy an idyllic, traditional lifestyle. Their friendship deteriorates after a tragedy turns their seemingly perfect lives upside down.
While filming a scene in New Jersey last July, Hathaway stepped out in a modest dark blue dress evidently inspired by housewives’ styles of the ‘60s. Finishing the outfit was dark cat-eyed sunglasses, white gloves, a pearl necklace, and a structured handbag.
If you want a similar pair of oversized sunnies, try Edie in Carbon Black! Edie provides enough coverage to shield your eyes from the sun and adds a touch of drama to your look.
Edie is available in other colorways, including Brandy Tortoise, Dusty Rose Crystal, and Mediterranean Gradient. It is also available with 99.9% UVA/UVB protective lenses that feature anti-reflective and scratch-resistant coatings.
Where Can I Get Anne Hathaway’s Glasses?
Channel Anne Hathaway’s style with our collection of Anne Hathaway glasses!
Whether you’re looking for a bold or understated frame, Classic Specs has got you covered. With a wide range of frame styles and colors to choose from, you can find the perfect pair that matches your style.
Don’t miss out. Shop Classic Specs today!
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.
If you enjoyed this celebrity glasses post, check out our similar post on Julia Roberts’ glasses!
