New Year, New Frames: The Prescription Eyewear We’re Wearing in 2025

The fashion set has spoken: Prescription eyewear has officially transitioned from a functional necessity to one of 2024’s top accessories. We’ve seen everyone from editors to celebrities incorporate tortoise round frames into street-style moments, press events, and on-trend everyday outfits. As a glasses wearer, I feel seen (no pun intended), and it has inspired me to take a deep dive into the world of stylish prescription eyewear. I fully intend to keep this “accessory” in my daily outfit rotation for 2025, so selecting my next pair requires getting the fashion set’s approval. I’ve tapped my fellow editors to share their current selects from Walmart. Not only does this retailer have the fashion, beauty, and home necessities that so many of us rely on, but its vision options include a range of brands we know and love at accessible prices. The proof is in my colleagues’ range of selects below. To shop everything from classic tortoiseshell frames to wire-rimmed glasses with a hint of glam, keep scrolling.

“Confession: I’ve avoided wearing prescription eyewear for about four years (don’t tell my optometrist). Although I know it’s imperative to wear glasses to protect your eyesight, I’ve never felt pressured to pick out a pair of glasses until recently. In part, I could attribute my inaction to the fact that my day-to-day life in New York City isn’t too impacted by being nearsighted, as I can still move about the city with the ability to see most things clearly. However, if I’m being honest, the real reason why it took me so long to get prescription glasses is that I’m pretty picky about my personal style. What I love about these Walmart frames is that the rectangular frame shape can be styled effortlessly, making them the perfect everyday staple. The rectangular silhouette is far more approachable to style for everyday life compared to the super-thin bayonetta or oval-shaped options that we saw all over the runway.” — Jasmine Fox-Suliaman, fashion editor

“I’ve been wearing glasses for most of my life. Yes, I’ve tried becoming a contact lens wearer, but I much prefer glasses on a day-to-day basis. It’s so important to have frames that feel fun, fashionable, and in line with my personal style. As a fashion person, it’s an absolute requirement for my frames to mesh well with my wardrobe and personality. My Calvin Klein glasses from Walmart are a trendy deep red, which matches my reddish hairstyle perfectly. Not only is this hue one of the most-watched fall color trends, but I’ve been eager to switch things up with a more angular frame. This pair is perfect.” — Chichi Offor, assistant shopping editor

“As someone whose screen time is downright scary, wearing proper eyeglasses is important. Most of the time, I don’t take off my glasses at all—I wear them with nearly every outfit. It’s important for my glasses to be neutral, understated, and minimal—a great foundation to match with anything in my wardrobe on the fly if I need to head out for a work cocktail or runway show. This DKNY pair is just neutral enough (with tones of vintage blue and tortoise) that it can go with my everyday outfits. I’ve been loving smaller, sleeker frames, similar to the pairs seen on early-2000s models and celebrities. With the rise of the office-siren aesthetic, which relies on workwear, angular frames fit perfectly into that sartorial vision. Trust me, they’ll be on repeat with my oversize blazers and pencil skirts for the rest of this year and the next!” — Ana Escalante, associate shopping editor

“Tortoiseshell eyeglasses are both trendy and timeless, so they’re the best of both worlds! My style is pretty low-key and simple, so these frames are right up my alley. They’re really easy to dress up or down. I didn’t realize how loose my old eyeglasses were until I put on these new ones. They fit so much better and I don’t have to push them up constantly! Besides the flawless fit, the tortoiseshell print and the cute round shape also sold me. Plus, Calvin Klein is a company I know and trust, so I was happy to learn that Walmart stocks the brand’s eyeglasses.” — Erin Fitzpatrick, associate director, fashion news

I am a total novice when it comes to selecting glasses, so when I was given my first prescription this summer, the world of frame styles opened up to me. Walmart’s wide offering of brands I know and love made my selection even more difficult, but I’m pleased to share the results. Stylistically, I am drawn to more traditional wire-rimmed frames, but with an element of interest. From the front, these Bebe glasses are sleek and simple. From the side, they offer a subtle hint of glam that amps up the style and trendiness. If you’re looking for a fun pair that sits comfortably on the nose and adds a feminine touch to any outfit, try these.