Kelly Ripa’s New Look: The Story Behind Her Giant Reading Glasses

Let’s talk about Kelly Ripa’s latest fashion moment. The beloved talk show host has a new accessory that’s stealing the spotlight—her oversized reading glasses. And her husband, Mark Consuelos, can’t stop teasing her about it. During a recent episode of Live With Kelly and Mark, Mark jokingly gave his wife a new nickname inspired by her glasses.

A Trip to Iceland and a Library of Dreams

It all started during an episode that aired on February 15, when the couple discussed their unforgettable trip to Iceland. Kelly, now 53, couldn’t stop raving about the stunning hotel they stayed at, particularly its impressive library. “It was like something out of a dream,” she said. “Books everywhere, and such a beautiful space.” But despite the literary paradise, Kelly admitted she didn’t get much reading done. “We were so active,” she explained. “There was no time to sit down with a book.”

The Glasses That Remind Mark of Sherlock Holmes

Mark, 52, revealed that his wife wears what he calls “trifocals,” which have sparked some playful teasing at home. “They remind me of Sherlock Holmes,” he said, laughing. Kelly chimed in, explaining that her family—including their kids, Michael, Lola, and Joaquin—loves to joke about her “Sherlock Holmes glasses.” “They’re kind of like the magnifying glass he carries around,” she joked. Mark even teased her further, saying, “Pretty soon you’ll need a monocle!”

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A Rare TV Appearance in Glasses

For those who haven’t noticed, Kelly doesn’t often wear glasses on her show. But there have been a few exceptions. Back in 2017, during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen, she opened up about a cringe-worthy moment involving her poor eyesight. “It was an embarrassing celebrity interview,” she admitted. “Glenn Close was on the show, and I asked her how long she’d been the mayor of Connecticut.” Kelly laughed as she recalled Glenn’s confused reaction. “She looked at me and said, ‘What the heck are you talking about?’ I had misread a cue card because I couldn’t see it clearly.”

Fast forward to November 2020, when Kelly donned a pair of stylish Gucci glasses during an episode of Live. In a backstage video, she joked about her appearance. “Who knew I could look so good in glasses?” she quipped. But then she admitted, “I’ve been happier not wearing them. Sometimes, it’s just better not to see what’s happening to me personally.”

A Bold Fashion Statement

Kelly’s not one to shy away from making bold fashion choices. In December 2023, she posted a Christmas photo with Mark that left fans scratching their heads. In the picture, Kelly was wearing… well, let’s just say she wasn’t wearing pants. Instead, she opted for a swimsuit, and fans quickly noticed. “Kelly forgot to put on pants!” some commented. But others came to her defense. “People!!! It’s a swimsuit!!! Can’t you see the cabana in the background?” one fan wrote. “If it was underwear, it’s her Insta, and she can post what she wants! Good grief.”