Styles of eye glasses

Never has wearing glasses been more fashionable. Even people who don’t need correction are wearing frames with clear lenses as a fashion accessory. For those lucky enough to need glasses, the huge selection of available frames makes choosing the right frame more difficult than ever. Here are some guidelines to help make your decision a little bit less overwhelming!

Shape

The most important aspect in selecting glasses frames is the actual shape of the frame. To make the right pick, consider your own facial shape when trying on frames. The general rule of thumb is that, if you have a round face, you will look best in rectangular frames rather than oval ones, which look better on a face that is long and thin. People with square faces can also wear round frames.

People who are fortunate enough to have been born with an oval face, can wear nearly any shape frame, while people with wide foreheads and narrower chins should choose a frame that taper out somewhat on the bottom. People with small faces should wear smaller frames, while people with larger faces can get away with a larger frame.

To determine your own face shape, pull your hair away from your face, and look in a mirror. Trace the shape of your face onto the mirror and step away. Most people’s faces have a shape that is easily discernable. To summarize then, never wear a frame that is the same shape as your face.

Style

Frames have gotten much smaller over the past few years, and today’s frames are the smallest in recent memory. But who knows what the next trend will be? Looking back over one’s own personal eyeglass history is certainly an education in the fashion trends of the industry. From tiny wire rims to oversized, saucer shaped spectacles, most of us who have worn glasses for any length of time have seem them all.

Since glasses are one’s most obvious accessory, it really is important that they be at least somewhat current. People who are still wearing aviator style glasses or huge frames do not project a very polished image. If you are wearing glasses, be prepared to change the frames every two to three years to avoid becoming outdated. One’s appearance is important in business and outdated glasses definitely detract from a person's overall image. By the same token, avoid selecting styles that are ultra trendy. These styles will quickly become dated and need to be replaced. Glasses are an investment, so invest wisely.

Material

Another consideration is the material of the frame. Today’s eyeglass frames are available in plastic, metals, and even rimless. Metal frames disappear more into the face, and don’t make as strong a fashion statement, while plastic frames in colors, definitely are much stronger. Older women often look better in plastic frames as the metal ones tend to emphasize the lines around the eyes more. It is entirely a matter of choice, however.

Another important consideration is durability. If you will be wearing these glasses while playing sports, consider plastic as a better alternative than the metal which tends to bend a bit more, causing the lens to pop out.

Color

One of the most fun things about wearing glasses is matching them to your color favorites, but if you don’t have the resources to buy more than one pair, you need to carefully consider color before making a choice. Look for basic colors, blacks, browns, clear. Avoid colors that clash with others – such as red or green. Those red frames may look hot with black, but when you put on that orange sweater, the clash is going to be overwhelming.

Consider your skin tone and hair color as well as your wardrobe. If you tend to wear more blacks, grays, blues, reds, and cooler tones, lean towards black frames. If you are more in the “fall” color range, you should stick to browns. People with very light hair and skin should avoid dark heavy frames. If you want black, look for a pair that have a lighter color (white, clear) on the inside of the frame. This makes the frame less heavy looking on the face.

If you can afford more than one pair, buy both black and brown to match all your clothing basics. Red is also a good choice for people who tend to wear a lot of dark colors or even whites, and can be an option for a third pair.

Options

Once you have selected your frames, you will then need to consider the various options available. Consider buying lenses that are scratch resistant and ultra thin. They will be more comfortable and last longer. Polarizing is a nice feature if you are living in an area where there is a lot of sun. Ask about any replacement policy for scratched or otherwise damaged lenses. Some companies offer a thirty-day return policy if you are dissatisfied with your glasses for any reason. Buying glasses does not have to be an overwhelming experience. When all else fails, bring along a trusted family member whose opinion you value.