Hello Spring! January was long and full of rain; February wasn’t much better. Everything crossed then for a brighter March (the signs are hopeful so far). Now is a great time to start planning your wardrobe for the key social events that kick off this Spring. And stylish eyewear is a great place to start!
Glasses are one of the most versatile outfit accessories around; on days when your outfit is simple or monochrome, statement glasses can be the star accessory. On busy prints or vibrant colours, more subtle frames keep the look balanced. Whether it be horse racing, cruising or the boat race, we have stylish eyewear ideas to keep you looking fantastic.
Off To The Races 🐎
The world-famous Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse takes place between Tuesday 10 March and Friday 13 March 2026, marking the start of the Spring at the races.
- The pinnacle event of the jump racing calendar; there is nothing quite like Cheltenham, famous for its Gold Cup
- There is no formal dress code, but think smart and iconic. Country-inspired, elegant racing style is popular: tweed jackets, tailored coats, smart trousers, dresses, and heritage pieces
- Weather-ready layers are wise! March can be chilly, wet, or windy. Jackets, scarves, gloves, and sensible shoes/boots make for a much better day
- Stylish Eyewear tip – Chopard is pure luxury and perfect for a day at the races. For ladies, some of their new releases offer a luxurious, bejewelled, cat-eye style featuring a metal, often metallic rose gold. The Men’s Range features modern, sporty-chic designs with carbon fibre, rubber, or wood accent.
A Life On The Ocean Wave 🛳️
Spring also marks the start of the 2026 UK cruise season as ports around the UK start welcoming cruise liners back after a Winter cruising in warmer parts of the globe.
For many, a cruise is a longed-for trip of a lifetime and you want to look the part!
The good news is, your frames can take your cruise wear from casual to chic. Daytime deck & shore excursion wardrobes that often comprise linen shirts and sundresses, tailored shorts and swimwear, work perfectly with classic subtle eyewear like Silhouette.
Known for its extraordinary lightness and customisability, the range includes everything from sleek rimless frames to stylish full-rim and half-rim options.
If water sports are your thing, try Maui Jims. Vivid colour, sharp detail; their exclusive PolarisedPlus2® lens technology eliminates harsh glare and enhances colours that the sun tends to wash out.
Last but not least… your evening wear. This may stretch from formal evening dress and black tie, to cocktail dresses, jumpsuits, chinos, and blazers. Chopard is your go-to for glamour frames, but also look at Porsche frames. The high-quality manufacturing and striking design you would expect from the premium automotive is also evident in its glasses.
Not Forgetting: The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race 🚣
Established in 1829, the world-famous sporting event has established itself as the epitome of amateur sport, raced by student athletes who combine academic rigour with elite physical prowess. This year it is sponsored by Chanel.
For riverside spectating, the classic boat race crowd dress casual – chinos, neat tops, light jackets/sweater, sundresses or casual tailored outfits.
Some people embrace a nautical/preppy look or colours that reflect the crews (e.g., Cambridge light blue or Oxford dark/navy)
Remember to layer for the weather, even in the Spring sunshine, the Thames winds can be chilly.
Top Frame Shapes for a Preppy Aesthetic: Silhouette glasses are known for their extraordinary lightness and customisability, and have some great metal frames which will be perfect for this look. Porsche also has some elegant tortoiseshell frames which will offset a nautical or navy/powder blue wardrobe.
5 Stylish Eyewear Tips For All Occasions
- Match frame intensity to outfit intensity: bold frames for simple outfits, subtle frames for bold prints
- Consider face shape + hat choice: Wide-brim hats and large frames can compete. Balance is key.
- Switch day vs. evening frames: Lightweight frames for daytime ease, more structured/glam for dinner and evening events
- Let your glasses tell your style story: They’re as much about attitude as aesthetics. What is the mood you want to channel? If it’s fierce, you want Chopard; if it’s quiet luxury and understated elegance it’s Porsche or Silhouette
- If you are wearing mirrored sunglasses; let them be the star. Keep your outfit simple; avoid clashing prints or flashy accessories that may fight with the glasses. Let them shine!
Whatever The Occasion, We Are Here To Help
Why not make 2026 the year you try something new and allow stylish eyewear to add an extra “Je Ne Sais Quoi” to your outfit?
Make an appointment with one of our trained dispensing opticians. They’re not just here to make sure your specs fit like a dream. They’re also trained to help you find the perfect style and colour frame for any event.