I think colouring is probably the most important choice you can make – Ranging from “barely there”? rimless to bold statement frames making the right choice can be difficult.
If your natural (hair, skin and eye) colouring is strong and dark you’ll easily be able to carry darker bolder frames. They’ll compliment dark hair and eyes. Black or dark brown frames in plastic or heavier metal will complement your features, and although striking, the glasses are unlikely to take over your face. Rimless or delicate semi-rimless frames will be your choice if you really don’t like the look of wearing glasses, but why not be bold- choose frames that make a statement! Why not invest in a number of different coloured specs, to tone with outfits.
With light or medium natural colours, dark bold frames could be too much of a statement. These are great for an “intelligent reading or working look”? but really will dominate your delicate colouring if you choose these for every day. Opt for rimless or more delicate frames. If you do want a bolder frame then choose a more complimentary colour such as caramel or tortoiseshell.
Silver and white hair tones need a very elegant look. Change gold tones for silver, pewter or rimless. Go bold only if you have an effervescent personality. As you loose colour from your hair you also loose colour from your skin and your complexion is generally paler so ensure your glasses don’t dominate your face too much. Keep lens tints very gentle otherwise they’ll look dated.
Face Shapes
Supposedly the most aesthetically pleasing face shape is oval, but who am I to tell you that your square jaw should be softened or your heart shaped face is too wide at the temples? If you love your face shape I can tell you how to emphasise it, if you don’t like it I can tell you how to soften it but whichever, the choice is yours.
Firstly find your face shape
Oval
An oval is longer than it is wide, coming round to a gentle point at the chin. With this face shape you really can wear what-ever frames you choose, although do consider scale – a petite face will suit smaller frames and a larger facial structure will benefit from a more dominating frame
Round
A round face is almost as wide as it is long. Rounder frames will accentuate your face’s roundness whilst more angular frames, particularly with bold side edges will help to lengthen your face and add a contrast to your softer rounder features.
Square
Similar to a round face, a square face is also as wide as it is tall, but with much more angular features. Angular features can be very attractive in a man, but may need softening for women. Choosing glasses with a slight oval lens, this will soften angular features. Do take care though, as very rounded frames are not really fashionable at the moment. Choose a squarer frame with rounded edges.
Long
If you have a long face then you may want to avoid frames that have a very long hard edge at the side. Perhaps look for glasses that only have emphasis at the top or bottom of the frame.
Heart/Triangular
A heart shaped or triangular face may be quite attractive for women, but men generally favour a stronger jaw line so if you have a triangular shaped face then you may not want to put too much emphasis across the temples. Frames with top edges should be avoided if you don’t want to emphasis the delicateness of the jaw.
And finally a note about your hair
Consider hair proportions – big hair, big glasses, heavy fringe – often leaves none of the face on show. If you have longer hair consider whether you normally wear it up or tied back when you try on your glasses. With prices like these there is no reason not to have different colours and style for work, rest and play.
