Here is something worth thinking about the next time you reach for your glasses. They sit right in the center of your face. They are often the very first thing someone notices when they look at you. That makes them one of the most powerful accessories you own.
For those of us with gray or silver hair, the right pair of frames can genuinely brighten our whole look. The wrong pair can wash you out without you ever knowing why.
Celebrity stylist Emily Gray has spent 20 years working in editorial and commercial styling. She has dressed notable clients, including Lori Loughlin and Janel Parrish. And she says eyeglasses are one of the most personal style choices a woman can make.
“My mom, growing up, played a pretty big style influence in my life, especially when it comes to eyewear. She’s in her 70s with silver hair,” Gray told Parade. “She’s actually always treated glasses as her signature accessory. I’ve always been able to see firsthand how much glasses, in particular, can elevate and become part of someone’s identity.”
Gray says she hears two questions more than any others from women her clients’ age. Are bold frames too much? And what shapes are most flattering on a mature face?
Her answer to the first question is clear. Bold frames can be “very empowering” and give women real confidence. “I’ve seen women in their 70s absolutely come alive from a strong frame,” she says. “It becomes part of their identity.”
Regarding shape, she explains that faces tend to soften a little as we get older. The goal is to find frames that “bring out a bit of our structure back.” She points to Meryl Streep’s character, Miranda Priestly, in The Devil Wears Prada as an example. Streep wore clear frames with darker side arms in the original film, then switched to a bold black cat-eye in the sequel. Gray’s take? “She actually looks younger.”
And her overall message? “I think the biggest mistake people can often make is playing it too safe. Fashion should be fun, especially in today’s world.”
What Colors Work Best With Gray Hair?
Gray explains that silver and gray hair tends to cool down your overall complexion. That means the colors you choose for your frames really matter.
If you have a darker complexion or dark eyes, she loves jewel tones. Think cobalt blue, cherry red, plum, and emerald green. “I always feel like those types of color palettes always bring a great energy and contrast,” she says.
Rich, deep tones like burgundy and deep blue also bring life to the face, she notes. For a lighter, more modern feel, she suggests champagne, blush, or translucent frames.
What she cautions against is choosing frames that are too close to your hair or skin tone. “Anything too close can sometimes just make the face feel really washed out,” she explains. “The frames just kind of disappear, and they’re not really enhancing anything.”
7 Frame Styles That Look Great on Gray and Silver Hair
With all of that in mind, here are the seven frame styles Emily Gray recommends most for women with gray or silver hair.
- Bold-colored frames. This is one of Gray’s favorites for silver-haired women. She recommends cobalt, cherry red, plum, or emerald. “They tend to add life and vibrancy to cool-toned hair,” she says.
- Warm tortoiseshell. These frames bring warmth back into the complexion, according to Gray. “They’re also youthful and playful,” she adds.
- Translucent or clear frames. A go-to for anyone who wants a lighter option. Gray says they are “light and modern, and don’t compete with features.”
- Ombré frames. These let you explore color trends without going all-in. “You can play with various color transitions to suit your personality,” Gray says.
- Metal frames. Gray calls these the “artistic” choice. They are lightweight, open up the face, and add personality without taking things too seriously.
- Cat-eye frames. As faces soften with age, cat-eye glasses offer a subtle structural lift. “They’re great for softness over time,” Gray explains.
- Classic black frames. You really cannot go wrong here. Gray calls them “clean and timeless” — a style that never goes out of fashion. “Find a style that suits the face shape that you will love for years to come,” she says.
The bottom line from Gray is simple. Your glasses are not just a vision tool anymore. They are part of who you are. And at any age, they can be one of the best things you put on in the morning.