Sunglasses are a staple when it comes to summer, so it’s good to pick a pair that will look fantastic on you. But how do you know which pair will accentuate your best features? It all depends on your face shape. Much like certain clothes emphasize the best parts of your body, certain shades emphasize the best parts of your face.
1. Figure out your face shape
Before you can purchase flattering sunglasses, you have to know your face shape. Pay attention to your hairline, chin, length and width. Most people fall into one of six categories: heart, long, oval, triangle, square or round.
- Heart: wide forehead, narrow jaw, pointed chin
- Long/Oblong: longer length than width, equal width in forehead, cheeks and jaw line
- Oval: longer length than width, rounded jaw, wider forehead
- Triangle: wide forehead, even hairline, pointed chin
- Square: defined jaw, even with your forehead
- Round: length and width are about the same, round jaw line
2. Detract attention from your face shape
The key to being able to choose sunglasses perfect for your face is finding a pair that bring a nice balance to your features. As a general rule, look for frames that are opposite your face shape.
Heart and Triangle: Look for sunglasses that have the same shape as your face, a wider top and a narrow bottom. These include wayfarers or aviators. Avoid large frames that emphasize your wider forehead and hide your jaw line.
Long/Oblong: With a longer face, you want to bring some width into it to balance things out, so look for wider frames that run from medium-sized to large.
Oval: It’s your lucky day! You can make almost any shade look good with your face shape, so it’s more a matter of personal preference with you. Just be sure to avoid frames that make your face longer or swallow your features.
Square: Again, it’s all about balance when it comes to those angles. Your strong jaw line needs a softer touch, so look for round frames like some of the vintage ones below. Avoid square frames which only highlight those sharp lines.
Round: Like a square face looks for round sunglasses, a round face looks for square sunglasses. You’ll want to add some angles to your face to detract from the fullness.
3. Pick your color and design
As with any accessory, you get multiple colors and patterns to choose from. If you’re working on your tan this summer, try brighter colors like orange, pink, or yellow to accentuate your skin tone. If warm colors might wash you out, look for cooler colors like blue, purple, and green.
If you prefer something practical, go for the classic black. Those shades will match just about anything. White is also a nice choice for a classy, clean look. Of course, your wardrobe is a big factor, so if you need sunglasses that you can wear all the time, consider your outfits and what matches your colors and style. Additionally, blue light glasses can be a smart choice for those who spend a lot of time in front of screens, offering both style and eye protection.
4. Wear what you like!
It’s important to feel good about yourself when you slip on a pair of sunglasses, so once you find shapes that work with your face, pick one that suits your personality. You’ll feel much better rocking some frames that not only suit your angles and curves but reflect who you are as a person.
Images: Tony Blay | Lucky | Sharon Galvin
