Glasses are no longer just a necessity for those who need them for vision correction: they’re now a style statement in their own right. With more people choosing clear lens fashion glasses without a prescription, the frames you wear can say a lot about your personality, style, and even your perceived traits. But what exactly are your glasses communicating to the world?

We’ve explored insights from psychology expert Susan Krauss Whitbourne, Ph.D., to uncover some of the subconscious messages your fashion glasses may be sending…

There’s a long standing association between glasses and trustworthiness. Think about Hollywood: many celebrities wear bold, statement glasses at award shows to give the impression of their 'real' selves when they’re not playing a role. 

Psychological research suggests that glasses can indeed influence perceptions in a positive way. A review by Michael J. Brown at SUNY Oneonta found that glasses wearers are often seen as more honest, dependable, and sophisticated. If you want to give off an air of honesty, sincerity, and professionalism, a stylish pair of fashion glasses could do the trick.

In legal settings, defendants wearing glasses have been found to appear friendlier and less threatening to jurors, making them more likely to be seen as innocent. (The anomaly to this is when the crime is intellectual in nature, where looking too intelligent can backfire and glasses wearers in this instance are more likely to be seen as guilty.)

Interestingly, the type of frames you choose also plays a role. A study by psychologist Helmut Leder and colleagues at the University of Vienna found that people wearing rimless glasses were perceived as less distinctive and memorable, but also more trustworthy.

If you want to appear both reliable and memorable in the workplace, a sleek full-rim pair of fashion glasses might be your best bet.

There’s a reason why the ‘intellectual’ stereotype includes a pair of glasses. Historically, poor eyesight was associated with reading and studying: activities that require extended focus. While this isn’t necessarily the case anymore, glasses continue to signal intelligence. Whether you opt for a classic tortoiseshell frame for your fashion glasses or a bold fashion forward design, your glasses with no lens strength could be subtly boosting your perceived IQ.

Glasses with prominent brand logos can indicate that you’re highly fashion conscious. Research by Riza Casidy at Swinburne University found that people drawn to high end fashion labels tend to be more extroverted, agreeable, and conscientious. However, some individuals wear branded frames due to a fear of social rejection, suggesting that the bigger the logo, the greater the concern about impressing others.

If you’re drawn to a designer label, consider what’s driving your choice. Are you making a bold fashion statement, or are you subtly seeking approval? Either way, your frames may be speaking volumes about your style and self image.

Whether you wear glasses for necessity or style, your choice of frames can shape how others perceive you. From trustworthiness to intellect and even social confidence, the right pair of glasses can make a powerful statement. So next time you pick up a new pair of fashion glasses, consider- what message are you sending?