Glasses.

Four eyes, nerd, geek, dork.

These were just a couple names kids would yell at you as you tried to hide the hideously huge pair of spectacles.

However, fashion has a funny way of changing the minds of what people find trendy. Celebrities and classmates have discovered that wearing eyeglasses without a prescription makes you look more intellectual, calls attention to your eyes and goes with pretty much everything in your closet.

Forty years ago, thick-rimmed frames were standard issue. No one wanted to wear them, but people ended up buying them anyway because they were the least expensive option.

After celebrities (including a pair of performers calling themselves LMFAO) began to sport fake glasses, fans started queuing up to buy them, too. Large, clunky glasses are worn, not because they are cheaper, but because they have come into style. People have even started to wear glasses without lenses. You can buy them at a local mall, with nothing in the frames. There’s no longer any need to buy regular glasses and take out the lenses.

Fashion perpetually recycles itself. What was thought hideous only a couple years ago, is now the height of fashion. Take skinny jeans. Just a couple years ago, if a guy would wear skinny jeans, people would think it was unattractive. Now however, who doesn’t wear skinny jeans? Spandex with long shirts is back in style and we are seeing more and more floral and colorful attire again.

While touring colleges around the east coast, I noticed that Vermont students aren’t the only ones to have jumped on the fashion bandwagon; teens all over the country have climbed aboard. Everywhere I went, the majority of girls wore leggings and most guys wore skinny jeans. I even saw several people bearing faux glasses. A fashion accessory, not a seeing necessity. Fashion is ever-changing and you never know what’s coming next.

Some tips for wearing faux glasses:

• Too lazy to put make-up on? Faux glasses are the next best thing. The thick frame will draw attention to your beautiful eyes.

• Black glasses getting too boring and want to stand out, but don’t want to clash with your outfit? Faux glasses come in all different colors. Wear bright color glasses with a simple colored outfit and you will have the confidence to look your best.

• Unlike real glasses, faux glasses can cost less than $10 at your local mall or shopping spot: Claire’s, Hot Topic, Forever 21.

• Feel like jewelry is too much hassle to coordinate with your outfit? No need to worry. Faux glasses go great with everything in your closet.

• Have you been unjustly accused of a crime you did not commit? Faux glasses can fix that, too. On the day of your court appearance, appear before the judge wearing a pair of faux glasses. The judge is likely to perceive you as a smart person who could never have committed a crime.