How to choose the best glasses (and sunglasses!) for your face
I have received many questions about how to choose eyeglasses in the past months. They included all kinds of topics, such as shapes, colors, as well as the best styles to wear when we attend special occasions.
Even if you don’t wear glasses, you have to remember that we are all spending too much time looking at the computer screen, so it's a good idea to consider wearing the blue light blocking glasses at least. The same rules sort of apply to sunglasses, which are also vital to protect our eyes.
As you can imagine, our face is very important in our communication with the world. As a personal stylist and trained image consultant, I don’t advise my clients only about clothes, I also help them to know the best colors for their complexion including hair, makeup, and accessories.
In fact, it's not only about colors, I advise the best accessories' shapes for them, too.
However, it's not that simple. There are rules.
On the photo above: There are options of cat-eye sunglasses with geometric lines, with a futuristic look. It will definitely work for a fashionista that wants to send a message of modernity, strength and power. Also consider the temples details, specially if you wear earrings.
I believe that the best thing to contemplate is how we would like to feel and to be perceived by others. That’s why those criteria that you see in the magazines are not so great to follow.
Here's an example: my face has a squared shape. It sends a message of strength, power, rigidity, masculinity. On the other hand, my curly hair is the opposite: it has a rounded shape, it's soft and feminine, conveying a message of approachability.
How can I follow such contradicting guidelines?
So here are my tips to help you pick the best glasses for you:
1. KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
Find out your style, your personal preferences, but always be aware of the message you are going to send. As I always say, the more knowledge you have, the more power of decision you have.
On the photo above: Although we can not see the images perfectly (I can’t see her face shape), if we consider color, the first one is much better for her complexion. If we consider style, both are not the best for her delicate features (nose, mouth). The stylist repeated the round shape in the accessories, which helps. But he didn’t repeat in the clothes that have only vertical / horizontal and diagonal lines.
2. REPETITION BRINGS HARMONY
In general, repetition brings harmony.
This works for colors and shapes.
For example, if you have small features in your face, delicate accessories will look good. If you have a rounded face, choosing eyeglasses with a rounded shape will look harmonic.
On the photo above: Different shapes send different messages and look different in our faces. Just compare the last ones, the cat-eye x the aviator. Can you imagine how different they look on a woman’s face?
3. COLORS ARE EVERYTHING
Colors are very important here, since you will be wearing your eyeglasses or sunglasses on your face. If black is a color too strong for your complexion, and you look better wearing softer colors, you should avoid black framed glasses. Unless you are looking for character instead of harmony.
On the photo above: Starting from the left: The frame color is perfect for her complexion, the shape also reinforces the femininity and softness. The second model looks beautiful with these black eyeglasses, that would be too heavy for the first one. The third model has a soft complexion and features with curve lines. The eyeglasses shape creates harmony. If she wanted to send a different message, she should look for a different shape with vertical and horizontal lines.
4. LOOKING FOR GLASSES FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS?
Unless you want your eyeglasses to be the focal point of your look, my suggestion is to choose a simple style in a metal color that looks good on you, or even a transparent frame. Choose a shape that creates harmony with your features, and you will be able to play with other accessories.
5. WHAT ABOUT SUNGLASSES?
It's pretty much the same: consider the color, sizing and shape. The direction of the lines are also important.
There are sunglasses’ shapes that have the power to make the most of us look, let’s say… older.
It's the famous aviator. Because of its lines that create an illusion of a sagging face. I said most of us because, depending on your face, this line may have a positive effect. For example, if you have a much wider front than your jaw line.
On the photo above: The same style, two different colors, perfectly choices for the models. The model on the left has a high contrast in her complexion, light skin x dark hair. The sunglasses on her skin repeats the same contrast level. The model on the left has a lower contrast and more softness in her complexion, the sunglasses creates harmony
This sounds a bit complicated, right?
That’s why I don’t believe in those magazine rules.
Even though professionals need to know the rules, they also need to understand their clients' goal and then translate it to them.
What about the best eyeglasses and sunglasses for me since I have a square face and curly hair?
I think because of the way my hair is cut, it becomes more important than my square face. And consequently the message I send.
I always choose glasses with a squared shape and rounded angles. Or a cat eye because it brings attention to the upper part of my face. I never had aviator glasses for the same reason.
Talking about colors, I love black, and although it isn't in my color palette, I do wear black clothes. But I never wear black sunglasses, it's too strong for the message I want to send.
Do you see what I mean about having the power of knowing and deciding?
If you would like to know more about choosing your eyeglasses and other accessories, drop me a line at hello@marciacrivorot.com. We can work both in-person or virtually!
Disclosure: Keep in mind that I link products and companies based on their quality, my personal opinion, my experience and professional expertise. Some of the links in my posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a small commission. The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you.