We style our hair, put on makeup, and choose footwear to dress up or dress down, so why do eyeglasses feel like the last frontier of fashion?

Since the 1950s, designers have been creating striking and interesting pairs of eyeglasses. Unfortunately, society’s perception of bespectacled people as boring and buttoned-up meant that there was a large divide between those who wore glasses for fashion and glasses for necessity.

After decades of being regarded as an implement for nerds and frumpy girls, the humble pair of glasses is finally having its renaissance. As we embrace geek chic and individual expression, glasses are now having their moment in the spotlight as a staple accessory for the style conscious.

Individuals with vision issues will be glad to know that there are now tons of designer eyeglasses to choose from. Meanwhile, those with 20/20 eyesight are probably wondering, “Is it okay to wear glasses just for looks?”

Increase Your IQ

Something strange happens when you put on a pair of glasses; Suddenly, you appear a little cleverer than everyone else. Just as Clark Kent was the silent and smart persona of the comparatively dull Superman, your glasses-wearing self will come across as sharper and more refined.

According to research by the College of Optometrists, a third of adults perceive people who wear glasses as more professional, while 43 percent feel that spectacle-wearers seem more intelligent. Therefore, you are more likely to be successful at a job interview if you wear glasses.

This is just one example of how society’s biases can work in your favor. The right pair of glasses can amplify your seniority and command attention. By putting on a pair of spectacles, you can add a touch of seriousness to your style and help you gain that extra edge in the classroom or boardroom.

Appear Approachable

Another interesting change that occurs when you don those frames is that you instantly become more approachable. Aside from letting you look smarter, eyeglasses humanize you. Your glasses indicate that you are imperfect—just like everyone else—and help others open up to you.

Along with the relatability of imperfection comes other positive traits such as honesty and dependability. As long as you are not planning to use your newly-discovered powers of attraction for evil, wearing glasses can help you to overcome social obstacles or meet new people.

The trustworthy image of the bespectacled individual is one of the reasons why many salespeople choose to wear glasses, even if they do not need to. In fact, some defense lawyers swear by the hack of having their clients wear glasses in court so as to appear more harmless to a jury.

Feel Fashion Fabulous

These days, numerous celebrities from Justin Timberlake to Kylie Jenner rock glasses to elevate their look. Eyeglasses are a way to completely change your image or to add emphasis to your signature style. If you don’t like to wear overstated jewelry pieces, they are a perfect subtle accessory.

A signature style is not reserved for the likes of celebrities and models. Glasses can help you to define your unique personality and style. For instance, a pair of chunky black frames scream geek chic, while translucent pink acetate frames say that you are playful and trendy.

Loved by the likes of Cate Blanchett and Idris Elba, glasses are making more appearances at Hollywood award shows and red carpet events. While we may not be as famous, a stylish pair of Gucci eyeglasses will help you stand out in a sea of unadorned faces at any gala dinner or wedding.

Flatter Your Face

The human mind is programmed to be attracted to symmetry. Yet, our faces are slightly asymmetrical in general. By wearing glasses, you increase the overall symmetry of your face and bring that symmetry to the forefront, making yourself more appealing on a subliminal level.

The pair of spectacles that you wear can also accentuate your face. Geometric frames with bold lines will help to add angles to round faces, sharpening your facial features. Round or oval frames will similarly help to balance the sharpness of pointy or square faces.

Oversized frames can bring attention to your eyes and make your pupils appear bigger, creating more charm and connection with anyone that you are talking to. Choosing a frame with a complementing color can also make the color of your pupils really pop.

Gone are the days when it was embarrassing to wear eyeglasses. Thanks to fashion trends, we now have a myriad of spectacle styles to help express our distinctive personalities. From thin gold wireframes to sassy cat eyes and bubble gum acetates, there are choices for every age and lifestyle.

While some staunch anti-fashion advocates may balk at the idea of wearing eyeglasses as an accessory, it is no different from wearing earrings or shoes. As long as they make you feel good about yourself, there is no need to distinguish whether you wear glasses out of necessity or fashion.