Not only have It bags and shoulder pads got bigger over the past year, but sunglasses and specs have too. The minimalist, tiny frames of the past few years are fading into the background, as frames get bigger and bolder. We’ve had a few mails about this, so we thought we’d put some of those fears to rest…..

I had big frames a few years ago and they were really heavy! I love the new look but I don’t want dents on my nose again!

Frames back in the Seventies and Eighties were super huge, and the weight was often an issue. Thankfully, things have moved on in the past few years, and there are several improvements that will help you to stay in fashion and out of pain! Firstly, frame materials are now lighter and stronger, so you get durability without bulk. Nose pads made of silicone provide comfort and better support without gouging holes in your skin. Lenses also come in a greater range of high density materials, so you can save the weight with lighter lenses too.

I love big glasses but my face is really tiny. Can I stay trendy and pick something that suits me?

As with any aspect of fashion, it’s important to find the middle road of something that fits you and your lifestyle, while staying up to date. Fashion is presently more flexible than it was twenty years ago – there are large and small frames, so go for something a size up from your present specs, but not enormous. Frames that are too big will make your eyes look closer together – not a flattering look! With dark lenses in sunnies you can afford to go as big as you like, as your eyes won’t be visible through the lenses. This may be a good compromise to make you feel funky and comfortable too!

I’m quite short sighted, and my optician said I need to pick small frames, but I don’t want to look frumpy!

Your optician is quite right in that bigger frames mean thicker lenses. You can however make some wise choices that should help. Firstly, a plastic frame adds size, and the thicker rims camouflage thicker lenses. So choose something plastic, preferably with a chunky temple area. Secondly, a thinner material lens will cut down the lens thickness and the weight. Thirdly, find a frame with a fairly even shape, don’t pick and Aviator with an exaggerated drooped lens. A square or round frame will give you a more even lens edge.

I love rimless, but they don’t seem to be made very big. Can I still have them?

The problem with rimless is that the lack of rim means the lens edges are vulnerable, and the bigger the lenses the more weight you need to support. So if you have to go for rimless, always pick thinner lenses, and do listen to your optician’s advice – only go as big as they suggest. Any rimless can be scaled up to the size you require, you just need to be sensible!