If eyeglasses were simply for correcting your vision, there wouldn’t be such an extensive selection of frames to complement your style and personality. Here at Eye Care Solutions in Milton, Georgia, Dr. Vishal Patel’s first priority is to keep your eyes healthy and help you see clearly with your new glasses. But, how you chose to do that based on the frames you select, can help you feel confident, successful, sporty, or artsy, every time you wear your new specs.
While our knowledgeable team is always here to help, we’ve put together some guidelines to keep in mind so you can select the most flattering frames for your face.
Consider skin tone when selecting fashionable frames
You might be surprised to learn that skin tone is just as important as the shape of your face when selecting new eyeglass frames. You’ll want to consider both when selecting frames that complement your facial features, both in structure and color. Everyone’s skin tone — your complexion — falls into one of three basic categories:
- Cool: having pink or blue undertones
- Warm: having yellow, bronze, peach, or gold undertones
- Neutral: having a mix of pink, blue, and gold undertones
It definitely helps to know your skin tone when you’re choosing new eyeglass frames. For example, warm skin tones work well with frames in warmer color families, such as:
- Browns, golds, or honey colors
- Beige
- Warm reds
- Light tortoise shells
- Olive greens
If your skin falls into the warm skin tone category, keep traditional fall colors in mind when selecting new frames. And it’s a good idea to steer clear of pastel colors and white frames that are too cool for your warm complexion.
On the other hand, think of a cool, wintery mix of colors to complement cool skin tones. If you’re in the cool complexion category, consider these colors for your new glasses:
- Dark tortoise shells
- Silvers and grays
- Pinks or mauves
- Purples
- Blues
You can pull off classic black frames when you have a cool skin tone, too. The idea is that you want to choose frame colors that complement the color of your face, rather than ones that make you look ruddy or washed out.
If you have a more neutral skin tone, you’re lucky. Just about any color frames work well in your case. Since you won’t have to give too much thought to frame color — other than the fact that you like them — place more emphasis on the shape of your face shape when selecting new eyeglass frames.
Factor in face shape: opposites attract
The shape of your face works somewhat of the opposite way skin tones when choosing new frames. For example, if you add oval frames to an oval face, you won’t balance your features as well as if you choose a more geometric style.
Similarly, if your face is round, choose more angular frames for better balance. Remember: round or oval frames on a round or oval face just accentuate all that roundness, and that might not be the look you’re trying to achieve.
Follow these simple guidelines to choose frames that work best with your face shape:
Round face
Your face is about the same width and length, with curved lines and no angles, so you want your frames to make your face appear longer and slimmer.
Select: angular frames or frames that are slightly wider than they are deep.
Avoid: rimless, round, small frames that accentuate the roundness of your face.
Oval face
You have balanced facial proportions, so you want to enhance this natural symmetry.
Select: frames that are as wide as or wider than the broadest part of your face.
Avoid: frames that are too narrow or too deep.
Square face
You have a strong jawline and a broad forehead, about the same width and length with equal proportions.
Select: narrow frames to soften your natural angles and make your face appear a little longer. Choose glasses that are wider than they are deep, or narrow ovals for added balance.
Avoid: angular, boxy frames that make your face appear bulky and more compact.
Diamond face
You have a narrower forehead and jawline, and high, dramatic cheekbones.
Select: frames that draw attention to your eyes and soften your cheekbones, like rimless frames or cat-eye shaped frames. You might also look for frames with a more distinct browline or added detailing.
Avoid: boxy, narrow frames that overpower your delicate features or make your face look too angular.
Heart-shaped face
Your face is like a heart — wider at the top and middle and narrow at your chin.
Select: frames that are wider or heavier at the bottom, rimless frames, or thin ones that create a more balanced appearance for the lower half of your face.
Avoid: frames with a heavy browline or decorative temples that draw more attention upward to the widest part of your face — your forehead.
When you take face shape and skin tone into consideration, you’ll be able to choose glasses that perfectly complement your features. Secondly, consider your eye and hair color, too. You’ll know which frames look best on you and help enhance your natural features.
Ultimately, your new glasses should fit your lifestyle and personality. It’s a great idea to select more than one style of frames. That way you’ll have options, such as more formal frames for special occasions or professional meetings, and a fun every-day pair that expresses your creative side.
Dr. Patel and the team at Eye Care Solutions want you to love every aspect of your new eyeglasses, from being able to see the world through crystal-clear lenses to feeling confident wearing your new frames everywhere you go. We’re here to help you select everything from frame color to lens coatings to individual comfort and style preferences.
Come into the office to try on our wide selection of frame choices and see which ones you like best. Give us a call at 678-909-9864, or request an appointment online today. We look forward to helping you!
