Choosing the right frames can be frustrating. That pair of frames you fell in love with on the display won’t necessarily wow you as much once you actually put them on. One reason this could happen is because the frames you selected are not the right style for your face shape.
Determining Your Face Shape
To determine your face shape, and figure out which frames suit you best, pull your hair away from your face and look at yourself head on in a mirror. Note the overall shape and contours of your face. There are seven general face shapes, each of which are flattered best by different frame shapes.
The Seven Basic Face Shapes
Oval
Oval faces are the most proportionally balanced. In order to avoid detracting from this natural balance choose frames that are as wide (or even wider than) the widest part of your face. Frames that are walnut-shaped are usually a good choice for oval faces as they are neither too deep nor to narrow.
Oblong
Oblong faces are similar to oval faces, but more pronounced. Oblong faces are longer than they are wide, and feature long, straight cheek lines. Frames that work well on oblong faces are those that make your face look shorter, giving it a more balanced look. Choose frames that are taller than they are wide. You may also want to consider frames with decorative temples, as this can give the sides of your face more visual weight, making them appear wider.
Square
Square faces are characterized by their strong jaws and broad foreheads. Square faces have roughly the same proportions along their width and length. Frames that make your face look longer or soften its angles are the most flattering, so opt for a narrow style that is wider than it is tall. Narrow oval frames tend to look particularly nice.
Round
Round faces are roughly as wide a they are tall, and are characterized by their lack of angles. Frames that make your face look longer and thinner tend to be the most flattering, so opt for frame shapes that are both narrow and angular. Frames that feature a clear bridge and rectangular frames that are wider than they are tall are particularly flattering.
Heart-Shaped
A face that feature a wide top third and narrow bottom third are referred to as heart-shaped faces, or base up triangles. To give heart-shaped faces a more balanced look you should choose frames that are wider at the bottom. Frames that are thin or rimless, or feature light colours, project a light, airy appearance and work very well on heart-shaped faces.
Base Down Triangle
Faces that feature a narrow top third and a wide bottom third are referred to as base down triangles. Frames that are heavily accented with colour and details add width to your face, and emphasise the narrow upper third while giving it more visual weight. Frames that feature detailing on the top half (or brow region) of the frame work well, as do cat-eye shaped frames.
Diamond
Diamond shaped faces feature narrow foreheads and jawlines paired with broad cheekbones. People with diamond shaped faces should focus on highlighting their eyes and softening their cheekbones, which can be achieved by choosing frames with distinctive or detailed brow lines. Rimless glasses and frames that feature oval or cat-eye shapes are also flattering.
Frame Colours and Skin Tone, Eye Colour, and Hair Colour
Frame shape is not the only factor you should consider when choosing the most flattering frame shape for you. Skin tone, eye colour, and hair colour all play a role in determining which colours of frames are best suited for you. The best frames will complement both your face shape and the colouration of your eyes, hair, and skin.
Warm versus Cool
Regardless of your skin colour all skin tones can be categorized as either warm or cool. Warm complexions feature peach or yellow undertones, while cool complexions have blue, pink or olive undertones. Eye colour and hair colour can also be divided into warm and cool shades, with will play a role in determining which frame colours are the most flattering.
Choosing the Right Colour for You
Once you have determined whether or not your complexion, eye colour, and hair colour fall more into the warm category or the cool category it will be easier to determine which frame colours will suit you best.
People with warm colouring should opt for frames that feature warm colours, such as:
- Caramel
- Khaki
- Copper
- Gold
- Orange
- Peach
- Coral
- Cream
- Bright red
- Warm blue
- Blond tortoiseshell
People with cool colouring should choose frames that also feature cool colours, such as:
- Black
- Silver
- Blue-grey
- Rose-brown
- Plum
- Pink
- Magenta
- Jade blue
- Dark tortoiseshell
Conclusion
Choosing the right frames for your face can be a daunting process, but it doesn’t have to be. Once you have determined whether or not your colouring is cooler or warmer, and what shape your face is, it becomes much easier to determine which sorts of frames will be the most flattering.
If you would like some help determining which frame styles and colours suit you best you can book a complimentary personal styling session with one of our skilled opticians. We can’t wait to help you find the perfect frames for your face.
