This post was most recently updated on February 29th, 2020
With thousands of attractive frames on the market in every imaginable color and shape, it can be a little overwhelming to walk into an optician’s shop and wonder which glasses you should choose. Although everyone should wear whatever makes them feel comfortable and happy regardless of shape and color, there are a few guidelines you can follow if you just can’t make up your mind. Here are our best tips for how to choose a frame that fits your face shape, skin tone, and personal style.
Face Shape
Your face shape can help determine which shape of frame you should be gravitating towards. Many individuals have had the experience of feeling attracted to a certain frame only to try it on and find it does not look as good as expected. When searching for a good frame, think about balance. How can the frame accentuate your favorite features and balance out the shape?
A good rule of thumb when choosing a shape is to find a pair that contrasts with the lines of your face. For example, an individual with sharper features and straighter lines might want to choose rounder or softer glasses to balance this out. Those with round and soft lines may look great in rectangular glasses with more defined edges.
Oval
Those with oval face shapes may have the most flexibility when it comes to frames. An oval face is considered to be versatile and there are very few frames that do not flatter this shape. However, as this face shape can be a bit long, it can be good to choose wider frames that do not lengthen the face.
Square/Rectangular
Individuals with this face shape can have strong jaws and angular lines in their face and jaw. Some individuals may want to soften these lines. Browline, round, oval, or cat-eye frames may look great with this shape. Of course, those who wish to accentuate these features may find that an angular frame makes them feel strong and confident.
Diamond
Although diamond-shaped faces are less common, there are many different styles that look great with these features. Because the face is narrower at the top and the bottom, many choose oversized or even uniquely shaped frames to draw attention to the top half of the face. Fun shapes to choose from are the cat-eye, aviator, or horn-rimmed. A popular choice for this shape is also a rimless or half-rimmed frame that draws the attention away from the glasses and back to the face.
Round
In contrast to angular shaped individuals, those with round faces may want to choose glasses with sharper lines. It is also a good idea to find a narrower frame that does not go lower than the cheekbone to help lengthen the face.
Heart
The heart-shaped face can also be extremely versatile. This face shape often looks best in wider, more dramatic frames with sweeping corners and bottoms that sink below the cheekbones. Rounded or oval eyeglasses also look great with this shape.
Pear/Triangle
The pear and triangle shapes both have a shape that widens as it reaches the bottom. To help balance out this shape, individuals often choose frames that draw attention upward. Glasses with rims only on the top, or cat-eyes that add some flair towards the eyebrows and forehead can do a great job of balancing. A D-frame in a striking color can also make a great impact.
Skin Tone
The undertones of your skin can help to determine which colors you should gravitate towards when choosing glasses. There are two basic types of undertones, although there can be variation and crossover between the two. Warm undertones are colors that fall in the gold, yellow, and red category. Individuals with these rich and warm undertones often wear warm colors to match. Striking gold frames, deep amber or honey-colored frames, brown and tortoiseshell, and even olive or jade green frames can look fabulous with these skin tones.
Cool undertones are those that are pink, blue, or olive. These individuals can look great in darker frames such as black, blue, or magenta, as well as lighter colors such as pink, grey, and silver.
Personal Style
Personal style as well as lifestyle can help you make decisions on what to choose. Those with big, bold personalities look wonderful with brightly colored glasses and large, unique frames. Other frames are made to look classy, business-like, casual, playful, or graceful.
After considering your face shape and skin tone, the best thing to do is to consult your desires and your personality. What type of eyeglasses does your heart truly gravitate towards? Go with your instinct and you are sure to choose frames that will make you brim with confidence.