23 March 2025
With so many frames to choose from, knowing which spectacles to wear for a given day or occasion can be a tough choice.
Acetate or aviator? Striking or subtle? Tortoiseshell or titanium? Amid an array of options, experienced dispensing opticians can provide welcome guidance on eyewear that will help customers to put their best foot – and frame – forward.
OT approached two experienced dispensing opticians for their eyewear picks in three scenarios: a job interview, a Sunday drive and an optical holiday wardrobe.
The style clinic panel
Name:Daniel Read
Occupation:BBR Optometry practice manager and senior dispensing optician
Name:Sarah White
Occupation:Bawtry Eye Academy director and dispensing optician
Occasion: a job interview
Daniel Read (DR): In a job interview you want to be taken seriously but show some personality and stand out from the crowd. ‘Osvaldo’ from Anne et Valentin is a classic shape but the bold combination of metal and acetate and the splash of colour will ensure you are remembered.
Sarah White (SW): For a job interview where you want to make the best first impression why not ‘dress to impress’ with a classic tortoiseshell from Saint Laurent. There’s only one answer… you got the job!
Occasion: a Sunday drive
DR: Out on a Sunday drive, I want my vision to be comfortable so the quality of the tint matters. Maui Jim have some of the best tints out there and I love panto sunspecs. The polarised lens gives great contrast definition, so that it won’t be too gloomy when the sun inevitably goes behind a cloud!
SW: A Sunday drive ‘must’ is wearing a beautiful oversized sunglass, giving great sun protection but also giving a decadent feel with a timeless Tiffany. Even better with the top down on a sunny day.
Best in glass: expert eyewear picks
A classic yet bold shape: ‘Osvaldo’ from Anne et Valentin was Daniel Read’s job interview pick
Perfect for a city break or beach promenade: Daniel Read suggests packing a pair of Ahlem’s ‘Les Halles’ for a holiday
Sarah White recommends a classic tortoiseshell from Saint Laurent to ace a job interview
Oversized opulence: Sarah White’s pick for a leisurely drive through the countryside
Sun and see: Sarah White’s optical packing checklist includes frames by Tom Ford, Tiffany’s and Jimmy Choo
Occasion: an optical holiday wardrobe
DR: Additional spectacles are the first thing I pack when going on holiday and are essential for spec wearers. Blake Kuwahara has some of my favourite sunspec designs at the moment and the ‘Coates’ is a beautiful feminine model. Ahlem, ‘Les Halles’, is timeless and chic, with beautiful detail from the 22-carat gold reinforcing wire in the translucent acetate creating understated glamour perfect for city or beach promenade. And, finally, you need a pair for watching the sun disappear, cocktail in hand; wearing this retro Moscot ‘Gazeektal’ with a lightly tinted lens you can complete your day in style.
SW: The best way to enjoy a holiday? Make sure you pack the essential eyewear. For a beach holiday in the sun all aspects just have to be covered to make the most of your time out. Let’s start with a stunning Tom Ford sunglass for around the pool and sightseeing around the temples and local landmarks. Then, switch to a stunning pair of Tiffany’s with just a touch of sparkle in the temples to walk through the local markets, making a few heads turn. In the evening a switch to a glamorous pair of Jimmy Choo with enough sparkle to you help dance the night away.
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