When choosing a new pair of glasses, it’s important to consider what style best suits you. You will find some frames work better than others, and a lot depends on your face shape, hair colour and skin tone. So we’ve put together a bit of a guide to help you choose the right ones for you, whatever your style and budget. Firstly, most faces fit into five main categories: oval, square, rectangle, heart or round and the guide below highlights the characteristics of each shape and what you should look for in your perfect glasses.
Well balanced with slightly wider cheekbones and gentle narrowing at the forehead and jaw. This shape suits most styles, so you can afford to be a bit adventurous. Frames that are slightly wider than the broadest part of the face are the best choice.
Angular lines with equally wide cheekbones, forehead and jaw. Consider oval or round frames, which soften the jaw line and balance the rest of the face.
A longer, angular face shape, characterised by high cheekbones and a deep forehead. Consider softer shapes, and deeper frames to make your face appear wider and shorter.
This face is widest at the forehead and narrows through the jaw line. Look for bottom heavy frames to add width to the lower face. Or light colours and materials, such as rimless frames work well.
A shorter face with full cheeks and rounded chin. Angular, narrow frames will add definition and help lengthen the face.
Complexion and hair colour can be a helpful guide when it comes to choosing your frame colour.
Fair skin tone
Stay away from bright colours, which can make you look washed out. Try neutral browns, silvers and golds, which will complement your paler complexion. Alternatively, bold dark frames work well for a statement look.
Medium skin tone
You can opt for slightly richer and bolder colours such as dark purples and reds, or even blues and greens, which will work well with your skin tone.
Dark skin tone
If you want to make a statement, metallic or black frames often work well with darker skin tones, or if you fancy something more subtle, try burgundy or brown.
Blonde/light brown
Add warmth with browns and tortoise shell frames. Or go bold with a dark frame.
Red/Auburn
Try to complement your natural colouring with warm colours such as copper, gold and browns. Or if you fancy being a bit bold, colder colours like green are great choice!
Dark brown/Black hair
Count yourself lucky as most colours will complement your dark locks, so if you’re feeling a little daring, dramatic frames will work well and bright colours will make a strong statement.
Grey hair
Opt for something a little brighter, such as red or navy. Try to avoid browns and yellows which can be a bit draining.
