How to Choose Flattering Eyeglass Frames

Your Complete Eyeglasses Guides

Glasses these days have a dual purpose: They improve your vision, and they serve as a fashion accessory that can enhance, rather than detract from, your looks.

Difficulty: Easy

Steps

Step One

Pull your hair back in a ponytail (if necessary) and inspect your face shape in front of the mirror.

Step Two

Keep in mind that oval faces are egg-shaped and balanced on top and bottom, and can support any type of frame.

Step Three

Make a long, thin face seem wider and shorter with larger frames in round or triangular shapes. Or try a wide, rectangular shape. Frames that have color, width or embellishment near the sides will also broaden your face.

Step Four

Try round frames made of thin metal to soften the angular look of a square face, which has a wide forehead and cheeks, and an angular chin.

Step Five

Remember that round faces are fuller, with a gentle chin, wide cheeks and small cheekbones. Avoid round frames, which make the face look larger; wear boxy or rectangular ones instead. Dark frames can weigh down your face, making it appear heavier.

Step Six

Balance a heart-shaped face, which has a wide forehead that angles down to a small chin, with frames that are wider at the bottom than at the top.

Step Seven

Flatter a diamond-shaped face, which has a narrow forehead, wide temples and an angular chin, by wearing small frames in geometric or oval shapes to minimize the horizontal distance between your temples.

Step Eight

Choose smaller frames if you have facial hair such as a beard. Large frames will further mask your features.

Step Nine

Stick with small frames if you have a small head. Make sure your glasses aren't any wider than the widest part of your face.

Step Ten

Select large frames that fit comfortably if you have a large head. Avoid glasses that appear to squeeze your face or temples.

Tips & Warnings

Make sure that your eyes are positioned in the middle of the lens. If your eyes are close-set, avoid large frames.
Your eyebrows should align with the top bar of your glasses.
Avoid wearing frames that have shapes similar to your face, as a general rule. In other words, don't wear round frames if you have a round face. Rather, choose frames in a different cut from your face shape.