Glasses are no longer just a necessity for clear vision, they are a powerful fashion accessory, a statement piece, and an integral part of your personal style. The right pair can highlight your best features, complement your clothing, and convey confidence. But with an overwhelming array of shapes, colours, and materials available, how do you navigate the optical boutique to find the one?
Finding the perfect pair means balancing two key elements: your personal style and your facial geometry. It’s about creating harmony and contrast. Follow these five steps to ensure your subsequent frames are a flawless fit for your unique look and face shape.
The 5 Steps to Your Perfect Frame Match
Selecting frames that flatter your face and suit your lifestyle requires a deliberate and thoughtful approach. Consider these factors before making your final choice.
1. Determine Your Face Shape
The cornerstone of frame selection is understanding your face shape. Common shapes include Round, Square, Oval, and Heart (or Triangle). The general rule is to choose frames that provide a contrast to your natural contours. For example, if you have a round face (soft angles, equal width and length), seek angular or rectangular frames to add definition. Conversely, a square face (strong jawline, broad forehead) is best softened by round or oval frames. An oval face is versatile and can pull off most styles, while a heart shape (broad forehead, narrow chin) is flattered by frames that are slightly wider at the bottom or have strong brow-line accents.
2. Consider the Size and Scale of the Frames
Frame size is crucial for comfort and aesthetic balance. The width of the frames should roughly match the width of your face at the temples. The bridge should fit snugly without pinching or leaving a gap. Crucially, your eyes should be centred horizontally within the lens. Frames that are too wide can make your eyes look too close together, while those that are too narrow can make your head appear wider. Always pay attention to the measurements printed on the inside of the frame arm; these indicate lens width, bridge width, and arm length.
3. Match Frames to Your Skin Tone and Hair Colour
Colour plays a significant role in harmony. Frames should enhance your natural colourings. Generally, skin tones fall into two categories: Warm (yellow or golden undertones) and Cool (blue or pink undertones). Those with a calm tone look best in frames with blue, silver, black, or deep purple hues. Warm-toned individuals are flattered by brown, gold, olive green, cream, or tortoise shell frames. Similarly, your hair colour can influence the choice; jet black or platinum hair pairs well with bold, cool colours, while soft blonde or auburn hair suits warmer, lighter shades.
4. Think About Your Personal Style and Profession
Your glasses are an extension of your personality and should be appropriate for your daily life. If you work in a formal, corporate environment, you might opt for classic, subtle frames in metallic or conservative colours like black or brown. If your style is creative and eclectic, don’t shy away from bold geometric shapes, bright colours, or unique materials. Consider your wardrobe: do you need one versatile pair, or a few different styles to swap out depending on the occasion? The material, whether it’s light, durable titanium or thick, vibrant acetate, should also reflect your lifestyle.
5. Prioritise Comfort and Lens Compatibility
Ultimately, the perfect frame is the one you feel great wearing all day. Try on frames for at least a minute, checking for pressure behind your ears or on the sides of your nose. If you have a high prescription, bulky lenses may be a concern. Consult with your optician; they can advise on frames that are better suited for thicker lenses (usually smaller, thicker frames), ensuring the final product looks and feels balanced. Comfort and vision quality should always be the final non-negotiable step in your selection process.
Figuring out the right glasses that fit perfectly with your fashion style and the shape of your face shouldn’t feel like a hassle. That’s why we at Oakes Opticians are here to help you make the right decision when it comes to choosing eyewear that makes you feel comfortable and confident.
Book a consultation with us today to get started.