Last fall’s focus on Sarah Palin’s starkly modern, rimless glasses made us lose sight of our city’s own trend in eyewear: the return of old-school plastic frames. Whether vintage or inspired by retro design, the style has a gutsy panache that’s a perfect fit for our fearless fashion aesthetic.

“Plastic frames don’t recede on the face, like rimless or wire styles do, so they have the bold look that Portlanders like,” says John Cosgrove, owner of Decades Vintage Company, which gets its eyewear stock from optometrists who’ve closed their doors. Retailers like Visage Eyewear and Reynolds Optical Co also have the trend squarely in sight, offering fresh takes on classic styles for visionary men and women.

Looking to expand your worldview? Cosgrove suggests fitting plastic frames with sunglass lenses, or even nonprescription glass, when the goal is straightforward specs appeal.

Pictured from top:

INhouse round tortoise frames

$225, Reynolds Optical Co
800 SW Alder St; 503-223-8813

Blinde clear plastic frames

$235, Visage Eyewear
1046 NW Johnson St; 503-944-5475

Women’s vintage tortoise frames

$99, Decades Vintage Company
328 SW Stark St; 503-223-1177

Men’s vintage wood-grain frames

$99, Decades Vintage Company
328 SW Stark St; 503-223-1177

Cutler & Gross black-and-clear plastic frames

$420, Visage Eyewear
1046 NW Johnson St; 503-944-5475

LA Eyeworks horn-rimmed frames

$365, Visage Eyewear
1046 NW Johnson St; 503-944-5475