Jenna Lyons has basically spent the last two decades as the unofficial patron saint of "nerd chic." You know the look—part librarian, part high-fashion mogul, and entirely intimidating in the best way possible. When she joined the cast of The Real Housewives of New York City (RHONY) in 2023, the internet didn't just care about her apartment or her relationship drama. People wanted to know about the specs. Specifically, the jenna lyons glasses 2023 era brought a new level of obsession because, honestly, the woman is never seen without them.
But here is the thing: they aren't just a fashion choice. Jenna has been very open about her genetic condition, incontinentia pigmenti, which affects her skin, teeth, and hair (or lack thereof). Glasses are her armor. They are her signature. And in 2023, she didn't just wear the frames; she literally made them.
The Big Reveal: What Brand Does Jenna Lyons Wear?
For years, if you saw Jenna Lyons on a red carpet or in a J.Crew catalog, she was likely rocking Moscot or Garrett Leight. She famously wore the Moscot "Mensch" to the Met Gala back in 2016. But by 2023, the game changed.
The most prominent frames she wore during her debut RHONY season were a result of her own persistence. She had a favorite pair of DITA sunglasses that she’d converted into optical frames. She loved them so much she bought every pair she could find. When the brand discontinued them, she didn't just move on to a new trend. She cold-called them.
The DITA x Jenna Lyons Collaboration
That's how we ended up with the DITA x Jenna Lyons collection. If you're trying to track down the exact 2023 look, you’re looking for the LYONS frame.
- The Silhouette: It’s a rounded, slightly cat-eye acetate frame. It's chunky but not "heavy" in a way that overwhelms the face.
- The Colorways: In 2023, she leaned heavily into a shade called Desert Peach. It’s this warm, translucent neutral that doesn't wash her out but still feels bold.
- The "Secret" Detail: These frames are handmade in Japan. If you've ever held a pair of DITA glasses, you know they feel like a piece of precision machinery.
Why 2023 Was Different for Jenna's Style
Before 2023, Jenna's glasses were usually black or dark tortoise. They were the "punctuation mark" at the end of a sentence. But in the 2023 season of RHONY, she started playing with transparency.
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Transparent frames can be tricky. Usually, they look a bit "medical" or like safety goggles. But Jenna’s version—the Desert Peach—actually adds a glow to the skin. It’s a more sophisticated way to do the "clear frame" trend that was everywhere a few years ago. She also wore the Dita Sequoia, a much larger, boxier frame that gives off total "boss" energy during her confessionals.
The Aviator Phase
We also saw her rocking wire-frame aviators in 2023. These are the DITA Flight.004. She wears them with clear optical lenses, which is a total power move. Most people wear aviators as sunglasses to hide; Jenna wears them as eyeglasses to be seen. It’s a very 70s-inspired look that somehow feels completely modern when paired with her tailored blazers.
How to Get the Look (Without the Designer Price Tag)
Let's be real. A pair of DITA frames will set you back about $600 to $700. That’s a mortgage payment for some people. If you want the Jenna Lyons glasses 2023 vibe without the heartbreak of a drained bank account, you have to look for specific design markers.
- Size Matters: Jenna's glasses are almost always slightly oversized for her face. This is intentional. It creates a focal point.
- The Bridge: Look for a "keyhole" bridge if you're going for the Moscot/vintage look, or a thick, straight bridge for the DITA look.
- The Finish: Jenna avoids "shiny" cheap plastic. Look for high-quality acetate with a slightly muted or "milky" finish.
Brands like Warby Parker (try the "Haskell" or "Durand") or Zenni Optical have frames that mimic the LYONS silhouette. You’re looking for a "thick-rimmed round" or "chunky cat-eye."
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Why We Are Still Talking About These Glasses
It's rare for an accessory to become as famous as the person wearing it. Think Karl Lagerfeld’s gloves or Iris Apfel’s... well, everything. Jenna’s glasses in 2023 became a symbol of her "new" life post-J.Crew. She wasn't just the "Woman Who Dressed America" anymore; she was a reality star, a beauty mogul (LoveSeen), and an interior designer.
The glasses stayed the same because they are her identity. It’s a lesson in "uniform dressing." Find what works and never let it go.
If you're looking to upgrade your own eyewear, the big takeaway from the 2023 Jenna Lyons aesthetic is to ignore your face shape. Seriously. The old rules say "round faces shouldn't wear round glasses." Jenna ignores that. She wears what makes her feel powerful. That’s the most "Jenna" thing you can do.
Your Next Steps for a Style Refresh
If you're ready to channel your inner Jenna, don't just buy the first pair of black frames you see. Start by looking for translucent acetates in amber, peach, or smoke grey. These colors provide the "chunky" look without the harshness of solid black.
Next, check your local vintage shops for old-school aviators. You can take them to any optometrist and have them swap the sun lenses for your prescription (or just "clear" lenses if you have 20/20 vision). It’s a cheaper way to get that high-end DITA look.
Finally, remember that the glasses are only half the battle. Jenna always pairs her frames with a bold lip or perfectly groomed (if sparse) brows. It's about the whole face, not just the eyes. Check out her brand LoveSeen for lashes that actually work with glasses—they're designed to be shorter so they don't hit the lenses every time you blink.