Whether they’re blocking UV rays or just adding flair to an outfit, glasses are a staple with personality. From ironic statement frames to sleek performance gear, Andover students prove that eyewear is as much about identity as it is about utility. These shades don’t just protect your eyes, they complete the look.
Dr. Martinez
“These are red, wide frames with a bowl cat eye style. They are progressive lenses, combining both function and flare. I got them five years ago at a sea eyewear store in Boston… Five years ago, I had to update my prescription, and honestly I wasn’t really excited about it. But instead of staying in that negative mindset, I chose to see it as an opportunity, not just to improve my vision but to express myself. I wanted glasses that were not only practical but also fun and uniquely me. I truly believe that within any challenge, there is room to find a positive angle… I like standing out, and these frames help me to do just that… They have become part of who I am.”
Maddy Lehman ‘27
“The glasses I’m wearing are called Oakleys, and I use them during crew. They look like vipers and have blue prism lenses. On the crew team, they’re definitely super popular, and almost everyone has a pair. They’re super helpful because they shield your eyes from the sun when you’re rowing so that you can really focus and dial in. They also have grip on the sides so that they don’t slip or fall off when wet. My dad got them for me freshman year, right before NEIRAs. I was actually wearing a visor to all my races before because I was like, ‘I don’t need these glasses and also they’re expensive.’ I didn’t want to get them until I knew I was really going to love crew and stick with it. When I made the G2 boat for NEIRAs last year, my dad was like ‘Why don’t you get these really cool glasses,’ and so I got them, and they’re just amazing. We wear them for psyches a lot, and it’s a lot of fun because they’re rainbow tinted and a nice pop of color that completes any crew uniform or shorts and tank top.”
Maggie Fulop ‘26
“These are the Jeff blue light glasses from Gentle Monster. I got them at a mall in Osaka, Japan. The trip was short, and we planned it super last minute… We were already running late to our flight, but my sister wanted to go to Gentle Monster since it’s cheaper in Japan. I wasn’t planning on getting anything, but when I tried them on I really liked them. I have never been able to find a pair of frames that look good on my face. We almost missed our flight though because of how long the VAT refund took. I love clothes that are a little bit ironic, and the huge 70s-ish frames definitely fit the bill. I love that they’re comically huge, probably the biggest glasses I’ve seen, and a really interesting greige/brown color, [making them a] fashion statement!”
Ollie Kim ‘26 (right)
“I’m wearing these brown glasses, they’re kind of screw shaped, and they have a semi-thick rim on them. I got them from a brand called Moscott [and] I got them because I needed something to help me see… Funny story, I was in an Uber on Saturday, heading to my brother’s place. I left at 5 p.m. with my sister from Andover… and we were sitting at the Uber and the driver was eating Cheeto puffs, he was a pretty cool guy. He had glasses on too, actually. They’re more round than mine. We were sitting there. I was listening to music, and I opened the window a little bit. He opened his window, and then he said, ‘I like your glasses.’ I said, ‘Thank you.’ It just shows that glasses bring people together.”
Maddie Shin ‘27
“I’m wearing the Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses. They have black and shiny, cat eye looking frames. I got them at the Ray-Ban Store when I was back home for Christmas. My mom actually saw them through the store window, and she was the one who thought they were really cool. We ended up getting two pairs, one for me and one for her. They’re really cool because they have speakers so you can listen to music off of them, and other people can’t even hear it. You can also ask Meta AI questions by saying “Hey Meta”. They are super cool and honestly a really incognito way to be listening to music. I love how functional they are and that I can throw them on when I just want to wear comfy clothes for the day.”
Sophie Liang ‘26
“I’m wearing these Miu Miu sunglasses. They are tinted greige, have a thin oval frame, and pink temple tips. I got them when I was staying with my family in Singapore. I really like the lenses, I like how they’re a unique oval shape because it really gives off Hailey Bieber, influencer vibes. They’re really cute, and have this pink vibe that fits a lot of my clothes. I like how they’re not your classic black sunglasses, but more oval and tinted. I wear them when the sun is out, especially if it’s over seventy degrees. I have really sensitive eyes, so they can be super helpful and stylish at the same time… These sunglasses are really fun and unique, which makes them a super versatile statement piece.”
