By Gal Shapiro, EyeBuyDirect Fashion Stylist

Fashion trends often repeat themselves, and eyeglasses trends are no exception. Eyewear designers constantly look back over eras in history to find past trends that they can reinvent into something new and exciting.  Here are 7 trends to watch out for next year, some of which pay homage to styles of yesteryear.

• Cut-out details

Cut-out details have been spotted all over the fashion world, from cut-outs in leather and suede shoes, to cut-out patterns in gold dangly earrings. Such a feature is incredibly attention-grabbing especially if the color showing through the cut-out pattern is of a contrasting color to the material itself. For instance, a pair of black glasses with sidearm cut-out details would look stunning on someone with blonde hair, as the light hair peeking through the cut-out would highlight the dark-colored glasses.
How to wear: If you’re a woman, wear these glasses with your hair up, as most cut-out details on glasses occur on the side arms. You don’t want your hair covering your glasses’ best feature.
EyeBuyDirect picks:  Brooklyn, Mara, Marbella, Mexico, Miami, New York.

• Cubic

Characterized by boxy forms and 90 degree angles, cubic eyeglasses are inspired by sharp edges like in the square and rectangle. This style of eyewear not only has undeniably chic and modern qualities, but also projects a professional and intellectual air. Angular frames in black and silver with chunky side arms are fashion forward with a cutting-edge, futuristic feel.
How to wear: Cubic eyewear is at its sensational best when paired with suits or edgy outfits. If these looks aren’t your style, then pair them with them with something plain white, to really make the eyewear stand out.
EyeBuyDirect picks: Cube, Donna, Glow, Aztec, Philly

• Oversized

These days everything oversized is cool. Oversized handbags, oversized t-shirts, and now oversized glasses. This type of eyewear is celebrating a surge in popularity due to the current ‘geek chic’ trend among hipsters ― making everything that was once nerdy or unpopular, fashionable again. Those wanting to project themselves as bold, super-hip people should try their hand at big glasses and sunglasses.
How to wear: Wear these glasses with anything you want – as long as it’s funky. These geek chic glasses are best worn to casual occasions and arty affairs like film screenings, parties, lunches, museums and galleries.
EyeBuyDirect picks: Frank, Henry, Carlton, Louis

• Retro-inspired

Retro-inspired pieces harking back to the 60s and 70s (and even as early as the 40s and 50s) are particularly fashionable of late. These eyeglasses are similar to what you might find when sifting through your grandparents’ or parents’ closets. However, it’s likely that your grandmother won’t want to part with her antique eyewear, and we know that buying vintage glasses in op shops today can be an expensive exercise, so it seems only reasonable to buy a more affordable, retro-inspired pair online.
How to wear: Retro chic fashion is also all the rage these days, so why not pair your eyeglasses with a 50s knit cardigan, high-waisted wide leg jeans, or a tweed or plaid suit jacket to emphasize create a cohesive vintage look.
EyeBuyDirect picks: Iris, Lass, Monique, Rose, Winnie

• Aviator

Trends come and go, but for the past five years or so aviator glasses have held a strong presence on runways and shopping strips – and aren’t showing signs of fading anytime soon. Created in 1937 by Ray-Ban, this style has been imitated and reinvented by myriad eyewear designers and made popular by classic films like Top Gun. If you’re looking for a style of glasses that will remain stylish for a while to come, aviators are a solid choice.
How to wear: Aviators look great with military jackets, short leather biker jackets and fitted blue jeans, but are also extremely versatile and work with a wide range of outfits.
EyeBuyDirect picks: Cox, Carrera Flag 13, Carrera Flag 8, Carrera Flag 19, Emporio Armani -EA9352/S

• Lennon-inspired

As seen recently on Mary-Kate Olsen, the pint-sized style whiz who is constantly setting global trends, round lens glasses are coming back into style in a big way. Popularized by The Beatles’ John Lennon, these eyeglasses are not only an iconic fashion accessory, but are the epitome of rock star cool.
How to wear: Wear these glasses anywhere you like. Don them to a concert to look hip and edgy, and wear them at work to make yourself look ― would you believe ― incredibly intelligent.
EyeBuyDirect picks: Lily, Beach, Bounce, Swank, Lyn

• Wide arm

Eyeglasses’ side arms or temples are just as important a feature as the front lens rims. Wide side arms in bold colors or patterns are striking, drawing attention to a person’s glasses and often projecting them as extroverted and assured. Plain wide side arms can simply achieve the purpose of making the wearer seem intellectual and confident. Whatever image you’re after, be assured that this trend is cutting-edge, and with a pair of wide-armed glasses there’s no way you can be branded as frumpy or passé.
How to wear: Wide arm glasses are extremely versatile and can be worn almost anywhere, however they look especially good with slick, clean and sophisticated outfits.
EyeBuyDirect picks: Kato, Kansas, Las Vegas, Imax, Dallas