Iconic artists aren’t just loved and remembered for their songs, but for their fashion choices that shape their identity as a musician and influence trends.
Stars like David Bowie and Lady Gaga have made a massive mark on fashion; even if you aren’t familiar with much of their music, you’ve likely seen their avant-garde outfits before. One important part of the fashion formula in pop music is eyewear. Even if a musician isn’t always wearing outrageous looks, they can create a signature aesthetic and a recognizable element with glasses or sunglasses alone. Think Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘90s-style shades or John Lennon’s circular specs.
Here’s why eyewear is a pop music staple and how you can rock the look:
Why eyewear and pop music go hand in hand
Creating a signature style
Creating a signature style can make a musician more recognizable and familiar, and eyewear is one of the best elements to take advantage of. A star who established an iconic aesthetic through eyewear is Elton John, who donned flamboyant outfits throughout his career. His sunglasses were equally grand; he wore massive frames, dramatic details and patterns, unconventional shapes, and many more. His eyewear became such a huge part of his look that he eventually established his own sunglasses collection. While his wardrobe has toned down in the present, his shades are the main way he expresses his love of opulent looks, sporting funky-shaped frames and tinted lenses. Not many artists have matched his flair for the dramatic, making him a lasting fashion and music icon.
Matching the music
Fashion is a fun way of embodying a music genre, from the streetwear-meets-luxury style of hip-hop to the edgy and dark rockstar vibe. The popstar look can be done in many ways thanks to its many subgenres, offering a lot of creativity for artists to explore an eyewear style that matches their music. Charli XCX, who recently gained massive popularity with the release of her album “brat” in the summer of 2024, has a style that matches the aesthetic of her music. Her grungy, club-rat style approach to hyperpop fashion highlights her rebrand to her current sound, drawing a link to her outfits and the music scene she’s in. Her black, wraparound sunglasses are a constant fixture in her looks, matching the ultracool and fun music she makes. Eyewear is a great way for artists to create synergy with their pop persona and music.
How to rock the look
Find a flattering frame
If you want to find a signature eyewear style like your favorite pop stars, a crucial factor in deciding on frames is how they flatter and fit your face. Styles like square, round, cat-eye, horn-rimmed, and many more options can be difficult to navigate, but knowing what suits you can narrow down your choices. You can try measuring your face shape with measuring tape or drawing the outline in your mirror and find which style complements the shape, such as the unique Aviator-style frames worn by Dua Lipa in her “New Rules” music video that flatter her heart-shaped face. High-tech tools like virtual try-on features can also help you determine the best glasses frames for face shape with more accuracy. The frame advisor tool on LensCrafters analyzes your face shape, size, and facial features to give you a personalized selection. It can also consider your skin’s undertone, hair, and eye color to showcase flattering colorways. A flattering frame can help you stand out and look your best.
Try a bold style
Pop stars often showcase personality through their eyewear choices, so opting for a bold choice can give people a better idea of who you are. There’s no problem with going for a subtle option, but a fun and funky frame can better suit the pop vibe. Play with bright colors, dramatic angles, unique shapes, and more. You can go for oversized frames for a touch of glam without going too overboard. Add some visual interest with charms or details like rhinestones; Blackpink’s Jennie and her collection with eyewear brand Gentle Monster is a great example of a bold yet cute and feminine aesthetic. Sporty sunglasses typically seen on athletes can amp up a casual look. The mirrored polarized lenses and the goggle-like, wraparound style also create a futuristic vibe. Up-and-coming artist Kru showcases their fun look in her music video for her song “Don’t Miss” with Cha Cha Malone.