How Do I Know What Frames Look Best?

Traditionally, speaking, we're taught to offset and balance out a person's overall face shape while accentuating certian attributes (ie high cheeckbones, pouty lids/lips, eye color, etc). Obviously, we all have different combinations of face shapes and features we would like highlighted so while this is what was taught in optician school; results may very and there are can be acceptions to the rule, of course.

Round face shape: To make a round face appear thinner and longer, try angular narrow eyeglass frames to lengthen the face. Frames with a thin or lighter bridge and rectangular frames that are wider than they are deep typically represent good choices.

Triangular face shape: In order to highlight the eyes and soften the cheekbones, try frames that have detailing or distinctive brow lines. Rimless eyeglasses and thinner frames with oval or cat-eye shapes also can be good choices for women.

Square face shape: To make a square face look longer and soften its angles, try narrow frame styles, frames that have more width than depth, and narrow ovals.

Oval face shape: In an effort to try to  maintain the natural balance of an oval face shape, look for eyeglass frames that are as wide as (or wider than) the broadest part of the face. Walnut-shaped and Cat-Eye Shaped frames that are not too deep or narrow are a very good choice as they tend to not disrupt your natural balance.

Heart-shaped face: In an attempt to reduce the width of the top of the face, choose frames that are wider at the bottom. Thinner, lighter-colored frames and rimless frames that have a light, airy appearance also should be good choices.

Oblong face shape: To contrast an oblong face and make it appear shorter and a little more balanced, try frames that have more depth to them than width. Geometric frames and/or with a more offset temple or temples that contrast can, usually, be helpful.

Base-down triangle: To add width and emphasize the narrow upper third of the face, try frames that are thicker on top or more heavily accented with color and detailing on the top half (brow) of the frame. Frames with cat-eye shapes can be good choices.

Hopefully, this helps and serves its purpose as a guide at least. Because fashion is quite often all about breaking boundaries and pushing limits these “rules” can all go right out the window dependent upon a look or style a person is after. For instance; I intentionally break these most everyday in an effort to accentuate a certain femininity or masculinity as opposed to contrasting it. I for one don’t think it’s always about offsetting the way God made us but rather a bit of balance of both contrast and accentuation. Same rules typically apply to colors and finishes a good contrast can really bring out a person’s eye color but too much can sometimes be unflattering.

Like most things objective; there may be exceptions to the aforementioned rules. Nevertheless, we hope this helps!