Choosing the Perfect Eyeglass Frames

Although eyeglass styles vary from year to year there is a standard set of principles that can help you select the perfect frames. Besides serving a primary function of allowing people to see clearly eyeglasses also allow wearers to express their sense of fashion. Although eyeglass styles vary from year to year there is a standard set of principles that can help you select the perfect frames. These guidelines work mostly according to the shape of your face but they also consider your eye colour hairstyle and skin tone. People are usually overwhelmed when they must choose a pair of eyeglasses from a large collection; this guide will save you time and frustration by narrowing down your alternatives.

There are three key notions to bear in mind when selecting eyeglass frames. First the shape of the frame should complement the shape of your face. Second the size of the frame should be proportionate to the size of your face. Finally the frames should emphasize your best facial feature.

Face Shapes

While each face is uniquely composed of various angles and contours seven basic face shapes have been identified. These include: oval oblong round square base-down triangle diamond and base-up triangle. Below is a description of each face shape as well as the type of frame that balances each shape. Once you have determined your face shape it will be easy to predict how the eyeglass frames will effect your overall look. You should consult your eyecare practitioner if you are unsure of your face shape or would like assistance in selecting a frame style.

Oval

An oval face is considered to be ideal as almost any frame shape is complementary. Due to the face’s balanced proportions you can choose from large or small frames and square or round ones. You should select frames that are at least as wide as the broadest section of the face.

Oblong

The oblong face is longer than it is wide so that it appears long and thin. The forehead cheek and jaw have similar widths. To make the face appear shorter and wider choose frames that extend beyond the broadest part of the face ones with strong horizontal lines or with decorative or contrasting colour to draw attention to the temples. Frames with low temples and bridges can also shorten the face.

Round

A round face appears full with few angles and proportional width and length. Square or angular frames can offset the roundness by looking crisp and sharp while oval or round frames can soften your face. You should select frames that are no wider than the broadest part of your face.

Square

A square face has a strong jaw line angular cheekbones and a broad forehead. Oval or round frames will downplay your face’s geometric lines and elongate your face while rectangular or triangular frames will create a stark modern look.

Base-down triangle

The triangular face has a narrow forehead that tapers out at the cheek and chin areas. To add width and emphasis to the upper part of the face select slightly curved frames that have colour weight or detail at the top of the frame.

Diamond

Diamond shaped faces have narrow foreheads that widen at the eye line and cheekbones and narrow again to a small chin. Slightly top-heavy curved frames that are no wider than the tip of the cheekbones can accentuate the eyes.

Base-Up Triangle

This face shape has a broad forehead that narrows to a small chin. Frames that are wide at the bottom or that are manufactured from light colours or materials can minimize the upper width of the face.

Other Facial Considerations

The colour and proportionality of your eyes the shape and placement of your eyebrows you hair colour texture and hairline and the outline of your nose are all secondary physical features that you should consider when selecting frames.

Eyes

You can coordinate or contrast the colour of your frames with you eye colour. However this might be difficult to do as there is such a variety and mix of eye colours.

Hair

Dark frames blend well with brown or black hair and they provide a stark contrast for light hair. Metal frames blend with any hair colour while transparent and light-coloured frames are best for fair haired people. People with bangs should avoid large or heavy glasses that can conceal too much of their face. Short hair emphasizes the shape of the eyeglasses as the face is left open and clean-cut. Long hair is best counter-balanced with smaller frames.

Skin

All skin tones can be divided into two categories; cool complexions with blue or pink undertones and warm complexions with yellow or beige undertones. The frame colours should complement your skin tone.

Nose

By wearing eyeglasses you can balance your nose with your other facial features. If your nose is narrow you should fit the bridge of your glasses high on your nose; if your nose is low and wide you should fit the bridge low on your nose.