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Glasses are one of the first things people notice about you. Although they are a necessity for those with vision problems, they can also be worn to create a particular look or make a certain statement. They often become an essential part of a person's persona. Many people are unaware of the impression they make and what they reveal about themselves without even speaking. Body language and fashion choices, including our choice of glasses, play a role in how we present ourselves to the world.
There are a number of studies that have found that people's perception of someone can be determined based on the glasses they wear. Glasses have even been incorporated in comics, cartoons and movies to portray certain attributes of the characters. Do we make particular judgements about people's qualities, interests or personality because of the frames they're wearing? People tend to perceive those wearing glasses as being more intelligent, successful and representative of a higher social class. In fact, there has been research to show that a person with glasses is more likely to get a job because "employers want to hire intelligent people". One researcher found that when a person wearing glasses appeared in court accused of a crime such as fraud, the jury found them guilty because such crimes required intelligence and cunning. However, overall glasses wearers were more likely to be seen as innocent of the crimes they were accused of. Is this because people with glasses are also perceived to be more honest, industrious and dependable?
While one observation of people wearing glasses is that they are more approachable, some have commented that they are "hiding behind their glasses", making them less approachable. In the film Superman, glasses are worn by Clark Kent to literally hide his secret identity. The eyes are an important feature in non-verbal communication. They have been found to be an indicator of whether someone is being truthful or not. Do glasses make it more difficult for us to pick up non-verbal cues? Half-moon glasses leave the eyes clearly visible, projecting trust and sincerity. Rimless glasses have been reported to have a similar effect. We all have our individual look, and glasses help us to create that unique signature style which makes us recognisable to others. Glasses, and even fake glasses, have become a fashion accessory which adds to a person's style. People who take particular care with their fashion choices and choose glasses to help cultivate and complete the look they want to convey are perceived as being conscientious and sociable. On the other hand, they may be judged as insecure, lacking in confidence and overly concerned with how the world sees them. |
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The style and colour of the frame may say something about the wearer. Trendy thick black frames that say "look at me" are typically worn by young, bold opinionated people. People who are logical, pragmatic and more concerned with function than style may choose a simple look. Glasses that have a bold upper frame and thin bottom frame are a compromise between being bold and simple. They are both smart and stylish and create an impression of the wearer being professional and quick-thinking.
Glasses frames are available in almost any colour imaginable, and the choice of colour can enhance the colour of the eyes and accentuate your best features. It is thought that different colours can have different effects on the way we are viewed and the way we view the world around us. Usually, creative outgoing people gravitate towards bright bold colours. Women tend to opt for colourful patterned frames, often with detail on the temples. Those who wear the colour blue evoke feelings of calm and inner security, as well as a sense of reliability. As well as being the perfect colour for the spring and summer months, green is an emotionally positive colour. Fierce and fiery, red stimulates feelings of high energy and encourages people to take notice. Those who wear it are perceived as powerful, determined and confident. Yellow is the colour of the creative thinkers. It is energetic and fun, yet intellectual and practical. People wearing pink are generally seen as compassionate, kind and caring. |
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The choice of sunglasses, too, reveals something about the wearer. Aviators, which were introduced almost a century ago, have stood the test of time and remain popular today with both men and women. Showcased in several iconic movies and worn by stars including Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson, they project a free-spirited adventurous spirit. Retro style sunglasses make a statement about their wearer being trendy and creative. Oversized glasses like those worn by Jackie O are perfect to hide behind, giving the impression of mystery with people wondering what lies behind them. Classic and versatile with their black frames and dark lenses, wayfarer sunglasses are a suitable stylish accessory for men and women and for any situation. Just like in the real world, glasses in our dreams have been interpreted as reflecting an aspect of ourselves. Are they a sign that all is not right, that we are not seeing clearly, that our perception is clouded and our vision of our lives troubled? |
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