Every glasses-wearing woman will have been compared to at least one of the following stereotypes in their time: nerdy geek, sexy librarian, or stern schoolmistress.

That’s because when you’re of the optical-framed persuasion, glasses become your identity.

Any random celebrity who’s donned a pair of specs in the name of fashion suddenly becomes your twin.

Helena Bonham Carter? Check. Saffy from Absolutely Fabulous? Check. Hermione Granger? All the way.

Now that I’ve freed my face, I’m no longer beholden to people’s perceptions about glasses-wearing women. Sure, my hair might still be wild, but at least now my personality can shine through.

From preppy to hipster, bohemian to high-fashion, my lens-free face has opened up a world of sartorial possibilities, that I can try on any day of the week at whim. I’m still all about practicality though, and utility shirts, cropped jeans and sneakers still feature highly in my day-to-day uniform.

But I’m more confident about trading my slouchy sweatshirt for a tailored blazer, and stepping out of my kicks into a pair of ankle boots when I want to channel a little Parisian poise. And if I’m really feeling myself, my wide-brimmed fedora helps me walk a little taller too. I’m not retiring my specs forever, but it’s good to know I can mix things up as and when I feel like it.

5 ways my style changed when I stopped wearing the thing that made up my style ID