Glasses are no longer considered an exclusive accessory reserved only for those with a prescription. Over the years, frames have transformed into a notable fashion accessory that have the power to make you appear smarter, more stylish and overall spec-tacular. Finding glasses that suit your face shape is essential, but it’s no mean feat. With so many different shapes and styles available, it can be difficult to work out which pair will best compliment your face and features while suiting your personal style.
Here, award-winning Optometrist Sona Thakerar and Founder of Independent and Eyewear Boutique Aston & Woods offer her top tips on finding the perfect glasses to suit your appearance.
The Frames for Heart Face Shapes
Famous Examples: Justin Timberlake, Ryan Gosling, Keanu Reeves
Cutler and Gross 1293 (£310)
Sona Thakerar says: ‘Do you have a broad forehead and wide cheekbones that narrow into a small and delicate chin? Then, just like Ryan Gosling, you have a heart shape face. Considered to be one of the most desirable face shapes, those with heart faces should choose glasses that compliment it rather than disguise it.
When choosing glasses for heart-shaped faces, the goal should be to minimise the width of the top of the face and to broaden the appearance of the chin. Look for frames that are wider than your forehead such as cat-eye shapes, these will also compliment the natural existing angles of your bone structure.
Avoid aviators if you don’t want to emphasise the shape of your face. If you wish to soften your look, choose frames in light colours or with detailing like tortoiseshell.’
The Frames for Square Faces
Famous Examples: Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Arnold Schwarzenegger
Perfect Specs: Numero 1 Retrosuperfuture (£150) or Moscot Frankie (£230)
Sona Thakerar says: ‘Square face shapes tend to have angular features, meaning that the most flattering sunglasses will soften these by introducing gentle curves and giving the face length. Round and oval frames are best chosen for their feature-softening properties. Opt for oversized and add a pop of colour for dramatic effect.
Avoid trying on sunglasses that are boxy in shape, as these will only exaggerate your face shape.
The Frames for Long Faces
Famous Examples: Jude Law, George Clooney, Jake Gyllenhaal
Perfect Specs: Cutler and Gross Cutler and Goss 1270 (£320).
Sona Thakerar says: ‘To give a long face a sense of balance, seek out glasses that add width with a chunky square or oversized round style. A pastel colour will add a youthful touch.’ Examples of men with long faces include Jude Law and George Clooney case in point.
The Frames for Round Faces
Famous Examples: Kanye West, Jack Black, Ken Jeong
Perfect Specs: Garrett Leight Convoy (£265) or Garrett Leight Club House (£270)
Sona Thakerar says: ‘Rounder faces tend to have softer features and a gentle jawline, meaning they need to create balance when choosing sunglasses. Stick to glasses with a rectangle shape or more angular details to give you definition.
Avoid round or oversized glasses as these will make your face look rounder and your features appear smaller.’
The Frames for Oval Faces
Famous Examples: Ben Affleck, Kiefer Sutherland, Adam Levine
Perfect Specs: Lindberg Now 6546 (£410)
Sona Thakerar says: ‘Many people consider oval faces to be the ideal shape because they have the most balanced proportions. If you have a narrow forehead, high cheekbones and narrow chin then you have an oval-shaped face. Lucky you! Oval faces can wear almost all glasses styles and shapes. You can pull off trendy cat eyes, aviators, and even round John Lennon glasses – take your pick.
Your main concern should be the size and the proportion to your features. If you have smaller features, avoid thick, large frames that will overwhelm your face. For larger features pick oversized and fuller frames.’
If you have a square face look for round and oval frames to balance out your face. For those with a round face, pair your face with rectangular frames to give you definition. Heart-shaped faces will want to balance out their face shape with bottom-heavy frames like aviators or club master. Finally, for the lucky individuals with oval faces, wear what you want, deep frames look especially good!’
Sona Thakerar is an award-winning optometrist, McOptom and Sports Vision Practitioner and founder of Aston & Woods, an optician that combines a premium approach to clinical eyecare, alongside a high-end eyewear offering.
