As any bona fide fashionista would know, eyewear trends come and go.
While skinny-framed, 90s-inspired eyepieces have been all the rage with the ‘fashion girlies’ lately, the good news for any statement-sunnies-loving millennial is that oversized eyewear is back, in a big way.
But whether you’re a savvy shopper on the hunt for a bargain or a sunglasses retailer stocking up on products sourced from wholesale eyewear suppliers, choosing the right sunnies is key.
Here’s how to match up eyewear looks with different face shapes.
Face Shapes: Why Do They Matter?
What’s a face shape? Surely, all faces are the same? We all have eyes, noses, and a mouth – what could be so different?
But the reality is that just like our complexion, hair type, and eye colour, there are many different kinds of face shapes. Round, square-jawed, heart-shaped, even oval – the shape of your own face is likely worlds apart from the face of the person sitting next to you on the bus, or walking past you on the street.
But why does this matter for sunglasses?
Well, your face shape can dramatically impact the way an eyewear piece sits on your face. For round faces, for instance, choosing a circular frame can over-accentuate already moon-like features. For someone with an angular jaw, a square or rectangular frame may make their face look even harder-edged.
Choosing the right sunnies for your face is more than just following viral trends. You also need to consider which eyepieces are most flattering and complement your facial features.
Eyewear Trends: Fashion Picks vs Face-Flattering Pieces
Yes, it can be tempting to pick out those ultra chic rectangle-framed Pradas you saw modelled on the cover of Vogue. Shiny, sleek, the ultimate it-girl accessory – surely they’ll make you look ‘cool’ too?
But the reality is, while those trendy, tiny frames suit the cover model to a tee, they may not suit you. Your face may be rounder than hers, your nose more – shall we say, Grecian. Those Pradas may look great on her, but in truth? They might not flatter your features in the same way.
So, what are your options, then – what different sunglass frame types do you have to choose from? There are, of course, the obvious styles – round, square, rectangular. But have you heard of aviator sunnies? What about cat-eye? Or key-hole bridge? The options are virtually endless.
But how do you choose which sunglasses shape is for you? Stay with us.
What to Choose: Which Sunnies are for Me?
The first step in your perfect sunglasses matching journey lies in identifying your face shape.
Take a good look in the mirror. Is your face perfectly round? Or perhaps, it’s more of an oval. Maybe you have a particularly strong jawline? In that case, your face is likely more square than round. Just to throw you off, you might even have a heart-shaped face: topped with a broader forehead, tapering down your cheeks to meet the point of your chin. Unsure what this looks like IRL? Think of celebrities with heart-shaped faces: Reese Witherspoon and Miranda Kerr come to mind. Yes, a heart-shaped face can be more of a challenge to style – but if these glamour icons can do it, so can you.
Now that you’ve identified your face shape, the next step is to match it up to your ideal sunglass style. Not sure where to start? Opposites attract. Rectangular or square-framed glasses do wonders to sharpen up a soft, round or oval face. Round and cat-eye frames, on the other hand, can be a perfect match for angular faces, helping to soften sharp features. And for heart-shaped faces? Aviator frames work well to balance out heart-like proportions.
Our best tip? Avoid blindly following trends. Go for timeless, classic shapes that suit your face and complement your unique facial features.
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So there you have it: our top tips for matching sunglass styles with your face shape.
As we’ve discussed today, you’ll first need to identify the shape of your face by taking a good look in the mirror. The good news? Round, oval, square or heart-shaped, there is an eyewear style to suit you.
Remember: opposites attract, and just as importantly, that trendy new it-girl style may not suit you, despite how much you want it to. Opt, instead, for classic, tried and true shapes that are sure to complement your facial features.
Quality sunglasses are an investment – and when chosen correctly, they become timeless fashion pieces you’ll cherish for many years to come.
