Learning how to pick sunglasses for your face shape isn’t an exact science, but there is an art to the selection.
To find frames that highlight your best features, you need to know a few key details before you purchase your next pair. First, you need to identify your face shape. Next, you need to understand which style frames complement your facial features. And lastly, you need to know which frame styles to avoid. Although not all faces are created equally, everyone can find a pair of shades that is equally beautiful on them. A good rule of thumb for frame selection is to wear a shape or angle of a frame that slightly contrasts your face shape.
Ready to pick the perfect frames for you face? Good.
How to Pick Sunglasses for Your Face Shape
Let’s talk face shapes and the dos and don’ts for each one. We consulted with a few style experts, Lifestyle Blogger Leigh Love of Love Leigh Love, Fashion Blogger Melissa D. Watkins of FabGlance, and Image Consultant Nica Johnson, to give us their tips and tricks on finding the best frames for your face. We also asked stylist Porsche Pope of Polished Pope to give us the rundown on which types of sunglasses work – and which don’t – for each face shape.
But before we let you know which style frames work for each face, there’s one type of frame in particular Pope is confident works for every face.
“Classic frames, like the Wayfarer from Ray-Ban, are a must,” Pope said. “They are timeless and pretty much fit every type of face shape, making anyone feel and look like a rock star. Since the Wayfarer is such a seamless style that comes in a variety of finishes, everyone can take their pick, look stylish, and invest in one really great pair of glasses they can wear with everything.”
Round: Full cheekbones; narrow forehead and jaw
YES: Rectangle, Aviator, Square, Wayfarer
NO: Oval, Round, Browline, Cat Eye, Geometric
“If your face is more round, you want to wear more angular frames to give your face definition,” Watkins advised.
Shop Rectangle Frames.
Shop Aviator Frames.
Shop Square Frames.
Shop Wayfarer Frames.
Oval: Balanced forehead, cheekbones and jaw
YES: Square, Aviator, Rectangle, Round, Cat Eye, Wayfarer
NO: Round, Oval, Geometric
“Never pick a frame that overpowers your face,” Love said. “Look for a frame that complements your features and doesn’t hide them.”
Shop Cat Eye Frames.
Shop Square Frames.
Shop Aviator Frames.
Shop Rectangle Frames.
Shop Round Frames.
Shop Wayfarer Frames.
Oblong: Long face; narrow chin and cheeks.
YES: Oval, Round, Wayfarer, Aviator, Cat Eye, Geometric
NO: Square, Rectangle
Shop Geometric Frames.
Shop Oval Frames.
Shop Round Frames.
Shop Wayfarer Frames.
Shop Aviator Frames.
Shop Cat Eye Frames.
Heart: Wide forehead and cheekbones; narrow chin.
YES: Cat Eye, Oval, Round, Aviator, Wayfarer
NO: Square, Rectangle, Browline, Geometric
“For heart-shaped faces, pick something that makes your face appear more proportionate, but do not go too overboard on size,” Johnson said on how to pick sunglasses for your face shape. “You need something that sits right on your cheeks without extending out too far. That would be perfect.”
Shop Cat Eye Frames.
Shop Oval Frames.
Shop Round Frames.
Shop Aviator Frames.
Shop Wayfarer Frames.
Square: Broad forehead, square jawline.
YES: Cat Eye, Aviator, Round, Oval, Wayfarer
NO: Rectangle, Square, Geometric, Browline
“With a square face, you can get away with those cute little oval glasses or smaller frames because they’ll be sure to complement your smaller cheeks,” Johnson said.
Shop Cat Eye Frames.
Shop Aviator Frames.
Shop Round Frames.
Shop Oval Frames.
Shop Wayfarer Frames.
Diamond: Narrow eye line and jawline; high, broad cheekbones.
YES: Aviator, Round, Oval, Wayfarer
NO: Browline, Cat Eye, Geometric, Rectangle, Square
“If your face is square or diamond, you want to look for a rounded frame to soften your look,” Watkins said.
Shop Aviator Frames.
Shop Round Frames.
Shop Oval Frames.
Shop Wayfarer Frames.
No matter your shape or the style you choose, Watkins says women should be bold in their choices.
“Don’t be afraid to try different colors; remember, designer is not always better; and everyone needs a ridiculously oversized pair of frames. It’s chic!”
Now that we’ve given you expert tips on how to pick sunglasses for your face shape, don’t let that deter you from purchasing sunnies you absolutely adore, Watkins said.
“Overall, if you love the frames, it doesn’t matter because confidence is best,” she said.
