Eyewear THAT WORKS

Building your boards for business people

By Amy Spiezio

In a world where the editors of Elle magazine recently tweeted the question “Are basketball games the new fashion show?” it's easy to forget that all the world is not a casual place. Though employment numbers may be down, the majority of adults have to report to work every day looking like they are ready and able to get the job done.

That includes looking put together and businesslike. According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Dress Code, “In general, an employer may establish a dress code which applies to all employees or employees within certain job categories.” In fact, after a period of casual dress ruling the day, many businesses are returning to more formal looks. One important way to stay looking professional is through eyewear. But what works for one, does not necessary work for all.

The Society for Human Resources Management suggests that good eyewear is a part of good business etiquette in its report “Business Etiquette: Proper Attire, Language, and Behaviors During the Job Search” by Shelly Trent, SpHR; SHRM field services director. “Your handshake, eye contact, body language, posture, listening skills, clothing, grooming, and accessories tell [employers] a lot,” Trent notes. For eyewear in particular, she suggests, “Clean your glasses, including the nose grips.”

Consider the following categories when planning your professional product mix.

Full Size Spectrum
Professionals come in every size and shape, and increasingly, eyewear manufacturers are providing options that are both appropriate and fitting for every face size.
	1. Petite ladies have colorful choices in flattering shapes from Ogi, style 7145.
	2. The big man has a chic semi-rimless option, XXL Thrasher from A&A Optical.

The Blues Sing
Whether for men or women, eyewear in blue hues is professional with a touch of stylish edge. Particularly flattering for those with blue eyes and/or gray hair, blue offers a softer alternative to black or brown frames. The range in shades and shapes for blue frames runs the gamut.
	1. Geek chic Kenmark Original Penguin style The Melvin.
	2. Kirk Originals Beam style Flare in sapphire.
	3. An ombre look in black and blue, style Rad from LBI.
	4. An elegant touch for the work day, Robert Marc style RM 280.
	5. Jones New York from REM Eyewear style J515.

The Best Man
Men's looks at work tend to be more simple and formal than women's office eyewear. But subtle detailing and a color palette that pushes beyond black and brown are adding some appropriate spice to the equation.
	1. Silhouette Titan Impressions style 7774 is a timeless rimless look.
	2. Brushed metal model Avedon from Smith takes a sports brand and makes it office friendly.
	3. Jeff Banks style JB028 from FGX International sports a metal texturized detail at the temple.
	4. Safilo Boss style 0432's translucent front and carbon fiber temple detail shows a techy style.
	5. Kaenon style 601 pushes the double bar bridge to a more creative place with matte coloring and a rejuvenated shape.

NEW TRADITIONS
Eyewear can be a great way to individualize an office wardrobe. By drawing from—and building upon—traditional looks, patients make edgier looks work at work.
	1. Updated tortoise colors, such as olive, are a fresh take. Kata style M1.6.
	2. The strong retro updated look in a subtle color can make a work-friendly style. ClearVision Izod LX style 406.
	3. Best Image Plume style Yves is a traditional shape in decidedly nontraditional colors.
	4. The ClubMaster look is updated for a cool new take. Hemingway style H4629 by New York Eye.
	5. A eco-friendly frame may look like an everyday style but it bucks tradition in invisible ways. Modo style 212.

A Woman's Work…
Soft and professional, eyewear for women working in the office offers a chance for personalizing the sometimes plain looks of business apparel. Flattering hues, uplifting shapes, jewelry finishes, and a hint of sparkle are a few office-appropriate looks.
	1. Wescan Fysh style 3463 features a textured look with a hint of animal print.
	2. Vera Bradley from McGee Group style Nina in Happy Snails has a hidden pattern inside the temples for extra fun.
	3. Marchon Calvin Klein style CK7294 has a hint of shine on the side.
	4. Sydney Love style 3018 from Eye Q flatters in a rosy plum hue.
	5. Viva International Group's Rampage style R167 blends colors and materials for a youthful but professional appearance.