Have you ever loved a pair of sunglasses on someone else only to realize they just don’t work for you? As it is with shopping for the perfect outfit, picking out the ideal pair of sunglasses or glasses means you need to know what complements your facial features.
Figuring Out Your Face Shape
No two faces are exactly the same; each one is a combination of shapes and angles, and most will not fit precisely into a basic shape category. Therefore, when using this guide, pick the shape your features most strongly resemble.
If you do not know your face shape, look into a mirror with your hair pulled back (if necessary). Trace the outline of your face on the mirror with a bar of soap, chalk, dry erase marker, light lipstick, or eye pencil — anything that gives you a basic sketch and washes off easily. Another good method for determining your face shape is to ask a friend or family member what they think!
Is the shape you drew more round (circular), oval (oblong), heart (triangular), or square (rectangular)? Luckily, sunglasses come in all shapes and sizes, so there are tried-and-true frames that look smashing on every face silhouette.
Once you identify your face shape, read on for useful tips on how to narrow your sunglasses search.
Round
For a round face, choose frames that are equal to or slightly wider than the broadest part of your face. For example, oversized sunnies will make your face look longer and leaner. Rectangular or angular shapes offset roundness as well, so square shades, cat eyes, sport sunglasses, or wayfarers are perfect for you! Frames to avoid are shield styles and circular shapes; these will add extra width and softness to a round face.
Example: Selena Gomez, Leonardo DiCaprio
Oval / Oblong
Oval face shapes are ideal, because you can basically pull off any type of round or square frame, as long as you keep proportion in mind! Smaller frames look best on petite faces, while larger frames are suited for bigger ones.
Oblong faces are longer than they are wide, so choose a pair of oversized sunglasses. For example, aviators can help shorten and soften a long face by adding width and dimension. Square-shaped frames with a bit of softness — like a classic pair of wayfarers — work well, too.
Don’t forget to play around with patterns and colors: Wear a pair of glasses with décor on the temples or colored sunglasses that pop to make the ultimate style statement.
Example: Sarah Jessica Parker, Adam Levine
Heart-shaped / Triangle
A heart-shaped or triangle-shaped face is characterized by a wide forehead and pointed chin. Super popular cat eye and butterfly designs help to balance a narrow jaw line with upswept, wide angles at the top of the frames. Generally, any frames that are wider on the top than the bottom work well, as they minimize the forehead’s width, help balance the face, and draw the eye upwards. Wayfarer and sport frames work perfectly to this effect, too!
Example: Reese Witherspoon, Ryan Gosling
Square
A square face is characterized by a strong, rectangular jaw line, a wide forehead, and wide cheekbones. To soften these angular features, opt for glasses with soft lines or rimless edges, like chic round, classic aviator, or sexy shield frames. Cat eyes also work well on square shapes because they soften and add intriguing dimension to these features.
Example: Lea Michele, David Beckham
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