Summer Sunnies – How to Flatter Your Face Shape

It took me years to figure out what sunglasses suited me, years of buying purple plastic winged frames, and clear plastic circle frames with purple lenses (I like purple, can you tell?).

I have an oval face, but verging towards being on the long side, so not many glasses make me look COMPLETELY ridiculous, but I’ve definitely found that a wide “Jackie O” style with a bridge in the centre of the lens is the style that makes me look least stupid. This pair is vintage, but I’ve owned many variations over the years

So if you’re still struggling to find that elusive perfect pair here’s a quick guide to choosing sunglasses for your face shape. If you don’t know your face shape then you need to read more womens magazines. They always used to advise you to draw around your face in a steamed up mirror, but I’ve found that in this modern techtastic world another way is to take a photo of yourself with the camera straight on (no MySpace angles!) and then examine it that way.

ROUND FACE

If you have a round face steer clear of round frames, which will just draw attention to it’s roundness. Angular frames with straight lines and a bit of width will counteract the roundness of your face. If your style is more classic think Raybans, or for a quirkier look try these from Giant Vintage.

SQUARE FACE

The opposite to a round face a square jaw will be softened by sunglasses with curvy frames. Beware if you have a wide, large face wearing tiny little glasses will make you look like a bit weird, or like you bought them in the kids department.

Classic Aviator style glasses with rounded edges are perfect for this face shape. These are Cutler & Gross from Net-A-Porter, but cheaper versions can be found everywhere.

TRIANGLE FACE

If you have a wide forehead and a narrow chin then, naturally the best way to counteract this is with frames that widen towards the bottom (are you seeing a theme to this advice? If so, then yay! If not, go back and read it again)

Slightly Cats eye styles that tilt upwards to create that wider at the bottom feel are also good. This pair are £15 from Topshop.

LONG FACE

With a long face add width with a wider, rectangular frame. A lower bridge on a frame may also help shorten your face (which is why I buy frames with a lower bridge.) These Michael Kors square frames are from Avelle.

OVAL FACE

Well aren’t you the lucky one. This face classically suits any style frame, though it’s worth experimenting as you might find your face while oval, leans very slightly towards one of the other shapes and therefore those frames are more flattering.

Trying on sunglasses in shops is a nightmare as they always stick labels over the brim of the nose or massive security tags on the arms. Try on different styles in cheaper frames before (I’m talking the £2 styles) before spending £20 or £200 on a pair of glasses to make sure you know exactly what suits you and what doesn’t, and don’t be afraid to ask them to remove tags so you can see them properly before you coughh up any money.