10 Reasons Bayonetta Glasses Are the New Fashion Trend
July 28, 2024 • 2:00 PM
When it comes to fashion trends and microtrends these days, it can be difficult to stay in the know — but it’s also fun to be aware of what people are talking about and loving in the fashion world.
That’s why, in this guide, we’re going to break down one of the hottest trends in eyewear: Bayonetta glasses.
If this name doesn’t ring a bell, don’t worry. In the sections that follow, we’re going to take a close look at what Bayonetta glasses are and why they are the newest fashion trend you need to try.
What Are Bayonetta Glasses?
Before we dive into why these frames have everyone talking, let’s define what they are exactly.
Bayonetta glasses are known for their thin, rectangular shape and sharp edges. They’re often associated with a certain air of confidence and professionalism (which we’ll talk more about later).
Bayonetta glasses can have thin or thick frames, but they’re pretty much always on the smaller side. In terms of color and material, you can find Bayonetta glasses in every color (from tortoiseshell to hot pink) and in plastic, fiberglass, and metal.
Essentially, if you want them, there’s definitely a perfect pair of Bayonetta glasses out there with your name on them.
Where Does the Name “Bayonetta Glasses” Come From?
Bayonetta is the name of a video game character from a popular Japanese game that came out in 2009. She was known for being fierce, talented, and coquettish.
Famous for being as beautiful as she was dangerous, her glasses became a defining part of her character’s aesthetic, and so the style has been rightfully named after her.
Why Are Bayonetta Glasses the New Fashion Trend?
Now that you know what Bayonetta glasses are and where they get their name from, it’s time to break down why this style has taken the fashion world by storm. Here are our top 10 reasons why Bayonetta glasses are the hottest trend in eyewear right now.
1. They’re a Devil Wears Prada Throwback Piece
We can’t talk about why these glasses are taking over the eyewear scene now without looking at where they came from.
Arguably the moment that catapulted the Bayonetta style to stardom for the first time was the movie The Devil Wears Prada.
Miranda Priestly, played by the iconic Meryl Streep, famously pulls her clear Bayonetta glasses down to talk to the interns when they come into her office. Supermodel Gisele Bündchen makes a brief but memorable cameo in the movie, wearing none other than thin-rimmed black Bayonetta glasses.
Long story short? In a movie that defined an era and set the tone for its style, Bayonetta glasses were the accessory of choice.
2. They’re TikTok Approved
Like most trends today, Bayonetta glasses made their comeback on TikTok last year. Users began posting videos wearing these frames, and they started to pop up more and more.
Things really took off once the Bayonetta glasses filter was released. This filter allows users to see what they’d look like in these statement rectangular frames. From there, they have only continued to grow in popularity on the app.
3. Bayonetta Glasses Are Y2K Chic
As with everything in fashion, Bayonetta glasses coming back to the scene is part of the larger return of the Y2K aesthetic.
Y2K as a fashion trend was popularized on social media in 2020 as people began to wear the clothing, shoes, and accessories that they associated with late ‘90s and early 2000s style.
If you want to get a feel for the Y2K aesthetic, think ballet flats, bedazzled shirts, baggy jeans, tiny shoulder bags, and, of course, Bayonetta glasses. This aesthetic is a callback to the mainstream style staples that were popularized by movies like 10 Things I Hate About You and Mean Girls.
Without a doubt, when you’re looking for the cherry on top of any Y2K outfit, look no further than your favorite pair of Bayonetta glasses.
4. They’re Celeb Certified
Along with the Instagram posts and TikTok videos that helped make Bayonetta glasses cool again, there’s a slew of celebrities who’ve started incorporating them into their looks both on and off the red carpet.
Originally worn by celebs like Megan Fox in the early 2000s, some of today's fashion icons are falling for this style. Bella Hadid, Gabriette, and Julia Fox are a few of the models and influencers who are reviving this sleek shape.
You can see Bella Hadid wearing her Bayonetta glasses with everything from an elegant dress and updo to a casual sweatshirt and sweatpants set, proof that you can wear these glasses anywhere, at any time.
5. They’re Famous in High Fashion, Too
If you thought Bayonetta glasses were just another TikTok trend, think again. This style was originally made famous by Miu Miu. Those lucky enough to be in the right vintage store at the right time might still be able to find one of the early 2000s pairs floating around.
Other designer brands like Burberry, Prada, Coach, and Gucci have also taken up with the trend and released versions of their own.
However, you don’t have to pay designer prices to hop on this trend. Check out The Finley, one of our most effortlessly cool frames at Pair Eyewear. Undoubtedly a member of the Bayonetta glasses family, this frame is on the narrower side which makes it ideal for petite to average-sized faces.
6. You Can Dress Them Up or Down
Part of what makes Bayonetta-style glasses such an attractive choice is their versatility. You can dress these glasses up to make them suitable for a cocktail party or even a more formal event like a wedding.
However, if you’re putting together a more casual outfit, they look just as good with a pair of your comfiest jeans and a knit sweater.
This functionality means that Bayonetta glasses can transition seamlessly from day to night, which makes them appealing to people with busy schedules who are still looking to make a style statement with their frames.
If you want to find a frame that will feel like a true enhancement to your outfit rather than just a necessary addition, look no further than the Bayonetta frame.
7. Bayonetta Glasses Fit the Officecore Aesthetic
When we talk about something being a “core” aesthetic, it’s an aesthetic that matches a specific place or time.
Bayonetta glasses are so beloved because they fit into the “officecore” aesthetic. This is another way of saying they feel slightly professional, like they wouldn’t be out of place paired with a crisp pair of trousers and a blazer.
Although you can match them with any kind of outfit, Bayonetta glasses are part of the “officecore” aesthetic which means that adding them to your outfit will automatically give it an elevated, office siren feel. This association between Bayonetta glasses and a more professional look means that you can toss a pair on to instantly elevate your outfit and create a more put together look.
8. They Come in the Form of Both Reading and Sunglasses
If you fall in love with the shape of Bayonetta glasses, you’re in luck because you can get them as reading glasses, blue light glasses, bifocal eyeglasses, sunglasses, and more. Just as chic with a clear lens as they are with a tinted sunglasses lens, Bayonetta glasses can be your go-to anytime you’re shopping for a new frame style.
9. They’re An Alternative to More Classic Frame Styles
There’s an undeniable charm to more classic, retro frame styles like circle glasses, cat eye glasses, and square glasses.
However, it can be fun to use your eyewear as an expression of yourself and your personal style. That said, mixing up your glasses game with a more daring frame like a Bayonetta style can be fun, especially if you are looking to experiment with your wardrobe more.
10. They Work on Every Face
Last but certainly not least, Bayonetta glasses are a beloved fashion trend because they are a unisex style that works on every face. Although it is more common to see Bayonetta glasses marketed toward women, there are frames in this style available for men and women alike.
Wrapping Up
Bayonetta glasses are one of the hottest trends in eyewear right now and for good reason. This distinctive frame style, named after a famous Japanese video game character, was a defining part of late 90s and early 2000s style.
Given the recent obsession with everything Y2K, it’s only fitting that Bayonetta glasses have made their comeback, too. With celebrities like Bella Hadid and fictional characters like Miranda Priestly rocking them, there’s plenty of outfit inspo you can draw on to make your Bayonetta glasses debut.
At Pair Eyewear, we believe you should be able to customize your eyewear to use it as a form of self-expression. If you think the Bayonetta style is the one for you, try out our new Addison frame or the classic Finely frame and live out your Y2K dreams.
Sources:
54 outfits that cemented The Devil Wears Prada in fashion history | Vogue Australia
Y2K Fashion 101: How 2023 Got the Millennium Bug All Over Again | Vogue
A complete history of the cat-eye sunglasses | Vogue Scandinavia
Bella Hadid Does Y2K Style With A Sporty Low-Rise Look | Elle