3 Tips for Choosing the Frames that Will Complete Your Look
Whether you think about eyeglasses this way or not, your glasses are one of the biggest fashion accessories you can wear. While having a different pair of frames to complement every outfit and mood would be ideal, most people only own a pair or two of prescription glasses. Since the frames you select will be on your face for a variety of occasions, review these three tips for choosing the frames that will complete your look before you head to the optician.
1. Color
While there may have been a time when your frame choices were only black or silver, you now have virtually every color of the rainbow – and some that aren’t included – to choose from. Unfortunately, not every color will be appropriate for your lifestyle. For instance, working in a professional office can mean sticking to black, brown, grey, silver or perhaps a dark burgundy to keep your eyeglasses from clashing with your suits.
As a rule of thumb, shiny frames will draw more attention to your glasses than matte finishes, so the color that’s too over the top for you in a shiny finish could be perfect in matte. Also, choosing colors that complement and highlight your hair color or eye color is usually a safe bet.
2. Shape
Since every face shape has a list of dos and don’ts regarding the type of glasses it can wear, it can get a little confusing to remember which shape is best for you – especially when you first start wearing glasses. To keep it simple, look in the mirror and determine whether your face is more angular or rounded. Does the top half of your face attract more attention than the bottom half?
In order to complete your look with your eyeglasses, you need frames that will provide a sense of balance and harmony to your face. If your face is round, look for boxy or angular frames. Have an angular face or a strong chin? Try on glasses that will provide some curves. When your lips demand all the attention, choosing larger or wider frames could help to draw people’s eyes up to the top of your face instead.
Also, pay attention to the shape of your eyebrows. A boxy frame that sits an inch under an arched brow can look strange.
3. Style
If you’re the type of person who gravitates most often to understated accessories, choosing more dramatic frames can provide balance to your overall look. On the other hand, you may need to consider more muted frames when you often wear big pieces of jewelry or eye-catching scarves most of the time. Also, remember that retro frames have come back in fashion, so if you have the leeway to make a bold statement, cat-eye frames or intricate metalwork could provide the perfect finishing touch to your signature look.