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Round-framed glasses are back

South Korean celebrities are wearing these once-nerdy frames and have made them cool again

A model presents a creation from the Spring/ Summer 2017 collection by Dolce & Gabbana during the Milan Fashion Week on Sunday.
A model presents a creation from the Spring/ Summer 2017 collection by Dolce & Gabbana during the Milan Fashion Week on Sunday. PHOTO: EUROPEAN PRESSPHOTO AGENCY

How do I style round-framed glasses?

Round-framed glasses, associated with the hippie era of the 1970s, used to be deemed as old-fashioned. But with more South Korean celebrities donning the accessory recently, it is safe to say that they are cool again.

South Korean actor Lee Jong Suk and Thai-American pop star Nichkhun from South Korean boyband 2PM have made the once-nerdy frames chic, having been spotted wearing wire-rimmed versions of the round frames.

Apart from oval-shaped faces, which can carry off all sorts of spectacle frames, round-framed glasses also suit those with square-shaped faces - the roundness of the frames helps to balance out a strong jaw.

Mr Eddie Tan and Mr Jerial Tan, co-founders of home-grown eyewear brand Visual Mass, share some tips on how to pull the accessory off:

• Round-framed glasses go with any look - match the colour of your glasses to your outfit. A stark black frame is simple and evergreen, and is a statement accessory.

• Round stainless-steel frames go best with denim as the pairing has a timeless casual vibe, while dark tortoiseshell frames are more businesslike.

• For a modern take on the 1970s hippie vibe, opt for round-framed sunglasses with tinted lenses.

Here are some product suggestions:

1. Thin gold frames, $158, by John Dillinger, from Owndays

Those with round-shaped faces can pull off round-framed glasses - make sure that the frames are as thin as possible.

2. Black-rimmed spectacles with gold nose bridge, $145, from Visual Mass

These black-rimmed spectacles are for a serious, business look.

3. Round-framed Holtby sunglasses, $24.90, from Call It Spring, from Zalora.sg

Lightly tinted with a flattering rose-gold hue, these sunglasses are a modern take on the hippie look.

4. Black spectacle frames, $170, from Ray-Ban

The thick and solid black frames of this pair has a 1960s-Mod feel - whether worn as spectacles or sunglasses. Swop the clear lenses with black sunglass ones to change the look.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on September 29, 2016, with the headline Round-framed glasses are back. Subscribe