Shopping for spectacles is no easy task. After all, you need to find something that suits your face shape, personal style AND makes you feel confident and comfortable.

Because glasses should do just that – rather than an accessory that hides who you are, they should be treated as another opportunity to highlight your personality and features.

The high street is awash with chains stocking exactly the same options in exactly the same colours, vying for your custom with promises of free eye tests and UV/anti-scratch/anti-glare/anti-everything coatings. But do you really want to look the same as everyone else? And does the optician telling you that those Tom Ford frames look fantastic, even though you’re not sure, really just want your commission?

Independent eyewear brands not only have a whole host of shapes and silhouettes that you won’t find on every optician’s racks, they are often also better made, using premium, hard wearing materials.

With that in mind, I have pulled together a list to point you in the right direction. New year, new glasses, new you.

Moscot

Possibly NYC’s most prominent eyewear export, Moscot has been a firm favourite with celebrities and us mere minions since they opened their first store in 1925.

Having always been a family business, the brand is now owned by Harvey Moscot, who has continued to platform the vintage style frames they are known for. Accessibly priced, well-made and carefully shaped to suit a variety of face shapes, Moscot are an excellent option.

Felix Gray

Felix Gray has both a smart and stylish edge. Shortly after a successful launch with quality and trendy frames, they are now emerging into the sunglass realm. They are not only making a reputable name for off their styles but also lens technology. That means longer work days with no eye-strains.

By filtering Blue Light and eliminating glare, their glasses combat Digital Eye Strain.

You can’t beat the reasonable price of $95.

EYE RESPECT

A modernist range of own brand products sits amongst the multiple options from other glasses makers on the Eye Respect online store.

Often using contrasting colors and blocky shapes, Eye Respect’s own offering happily competes with its counterparts on both price and quality.

They are a leading British eyewear company and all styles are created and influenced by unique British styling and Britishness.