Glasses are one of those accessories that manage to be both practical and an important part of your personal style. If you wear glasses every day, they are something you probably put on without giving it much thought – but they can also make quite a difference to how you look.

Finding a pair that suits your face, works with your wardrobe and feels comfortable enough to wear throughout the day isn’t always easy. That’s why I was interested to discover Aoolia, an online eyewear brand with a wide range of glasses and sunglasses in different styles, shapes and colours.

Finding your style with Aoolia

One of the first things you notice when browsing Aoolia is the sheer choice available. Rather than being limited to a few fairly conventional frames, there are plenty of different styles to consider.

You’ll find familiar shapes such as rectangular, square, round and oval frames, alongside cat-eye, aviator and geometric designs. So whether you prefer something understated that blends into your everyday look or want your glasses to make more of a statement, there should be plenty to browse.

There are also a variety of frame materials, including acetate, titanium, metal, TR90, steel, plastic and mixed-material designs. The choice of material can make a difference to both the appearance and feel of a pair of glasses, so it’s worth considering what works best for you.

Browse Aoolia glasses

Glasses for work, weekends and holidays

I like the idea of having glasses that work for different occasions. A pair that looks right with a smart outfit for work might not necessarily be the style you’d choose for a weekend away or a casual day out.

Aoolia’s collection gives you the opportunity to experiment with different looks. A simple metal frame could work well if you prefer a minimalist appearance, while acetate frames can add a little more character. If you want something more noticeable, there are also bolder cat-eye and geometric styles.

And if you enjoy changing your accessories depending on the season or your outfit, the range of colours and designs means you don’t necessarily have to stick to one style.

Prescription glasses and reading glasses

Of course, looking good isn’t much use if you can’t see properly. If you need prescription glasses, Aoolia offers a range of lens options, including single-vision, bifocal and progressive lenses. There are also non-prescription and reading glasses available.

The options vary between frames, so it’s important to check the details of the particular pair you’re interested in before ordering.

If you’re not used to buying glasses online, the website also provides information to help with some of the terminology and measurements involved. There are guides covering subjects such as understanding your prescription, measuring your pupillary distance (PD), choosing frames for different face shapes and understanding frame measurements.

That last one is particularly useful when ordering glasses online. A frame can look completely different on a model or in a photograph, so checking the measurements against a pair of glasses you already own and like the fit of can give you a better idea of the size you’ll need. It makes it much easier to order with confidence.

Can you try the glasses before buying?

One of the disadvantages of shopping for glasses online is that you can’t simply pick up a frame and look at yourself in the mirror.

Aoolia offers a Virtual Try-On feature on many of its frames, allowing you to get an idea of how different shapes and colours might look on you before making a decision. I love playing around with this, it makes it so much easier to decide on a style.

It’s not quite the same as trying on a pair of spectacles in an optician’s, but it can be useful when you’re faced with a large selection of styles and aren’t sure which ones will suit you.

Don’t forget the sunglasses

If you’re looking for something for sunny days as well as everyday glasses, Aoolia also has a collection of sunglasses.

There are plenty of classic shapes to choose from, including aviators, squares, rectangles, round and oval frames, as well as cat-eye and other styles. Some options are also available with polarised lenses.

Sunglasses can be treated as much more than something practical to protect your eyes from bright sunshine. The right pair can become part of an outfit, whether you’re heading off on holiday, spending a day exploring somewhere new or simply enjoying a sunny afternoon at home.

A discount for Nine to Three Thirty readers

If you’ve found a pair of glasses or sunglasses that you like, there’s also a discount available for Nine to Three Thirty readers.

Use the code EricaH15 at checkout to receive 15% off your Aoolia order.

That could be a useful saving if you’re looking for a new pair of prescription glasses, reading glasses or sunglasses.

The verdict

Glasses don’t have to be something you simply wear because you need them. They can be part of your personal style too, just like your shoes, handbag or jewellery.

What appeals to me about the Aoolia collection is the choice. With so many different shapes, colours, materials and styles available, you can look beyond the standard pair of spectacles and find something that better reflects your personality.

The Virtual Try-On feature is another useful addition when shopping online, particularly if you’re undecided about which shape will suit you.

So, if you’re due for a new pair of glasses, it’s worth taking a look at what Aoolia has to offer. You might find that the perfect pair of spectacles isn’t necessarily the one you would have chosen from the high street.

And don’t forget to use code EricaH15 for 15% off your Aoolia order.