This summer has been exceptionally hot and sunny, and there’s no sign of it letting up. If you don’t already own a good pair of sunglasses to shield your eyes and face, now is the time to make that purchase a priority.
Once you’ve decided to invest in a new pair, the next question is: What kind should you get? You want something stylish and budget-friendly, whether it’s a designer pair or an affordable option from a local store.
Here are five key tips to help you choose the perfect sunglasses.
### Find Sunglasses That Flatter You
The short answer? Pick a pair that looks great on you.
Of course, there’s more to it than that. The best sunglasses for you will complement your face shape, skin tone, personal style, wardrobe colors, and lifestyle. That may sound like a lot to consider, but don’t worry—I’ll break it down step by step.
### Identify Your Face Shape
You’ve probably heard that knowing your face shape helps in choosing the right sunglasses. While that’s true, figuring out your exact face shape isn’t always easy. Your face might look oval when relaxed but more square when you smile.
If you’re unsure, try different methods to determine your face shape, or ask a friend for their opinion. Sometimes, an outside perspective can be helpful.
Now, let’s go over the most common face shapes and the sunglass styles that suit them best.
– **Oval Face**: Your face resembles an upside-down egg, with the widest point at your cheekbones and a slightly broader forehead than your chin. This is the most versatile face shape, meaning you can wear both rounded and angular frames. The only style to avoid is anything overly wide. Great options include square, rectangular, cat-eye, and aviator frames.
– **Heart-Shaped Face**: Your forehead is wider than your chin, which may be slightly pointed. To balance your features, go for frames with angles or styles that draw attention away from your forehead, such as rimless frames or those with wide endpoints. Try rectangular, wayfarer, or cat-eye sunglasses.
– **Square Face**: You have a broad forehead, strong jawline, and prominent cheekbones. To soften these features, opt for round, oval, or cat-eye frames.
– **Round Face**: Similar to a square face but without sharp angles, a round face has a soft, curved chin and wide cheekbones. To add definition, choose rectangular or square frames. Cat-eye and wayfarer styles also work well. Avoid rounded or narrow frames, as they won’t provide enough contrast.
### Choose the Right Color
Your skin tone plays a big role in selecting a flattering frame color. If you’re unsure of your undertone, try an online quiz to determine whether you have cool or warm skin tones.
– **Cool Skin Tones**: Opt for frames in cool shades like green, purple, blue, or pink.
– **Warm Skin Tones**: Go for warm hues such as red, brown, beige, or gold.
– **Contrast Approach**: If you have fair skin, choose a darker frame (but not black). If you have darker skin, go for a lighter frame (but not white).
The same color rules apply to lenses, but with one exception—check with your optometrist to see if you need specific lens filtering for eye protection. Lenses vary in the level of UV protection they offer, so expert advice can help you make the best choice.
### Let Your Personal Style Guide You
While these guidelines are helpful, your personal style should always come first. If a particular frame shape is recommended for your face but doesn’t appeal to you, don’t force it. You’ll end up with sunglasses you won’t enjoy wearing.
Since most face shapes suit multiple frame styles, pick one that aligns with your taste. Here are a few tips:
– Treat sunglasses like shoes when matching colors. If you wouldn’t pair nude shoes with a yellow dress, don’t do it with sunglasses either.
– If you’re buying your first pair, start with a neutral frame like dark gray or tortoiseshell.
– When shopping for additional pairs, consider the colors you wear most often to ensure they complement your wardrobe.
### Match Your Sunglasses to Your Lifestyle
Think about how your sunglasses fit into your daily activities. Aviators, for example, have a laid-back, outdoorsy feel—perfect for beach days and backyard gatherings. Cat-eye frames, on the other hand, have a vintage, artsy vibe, making them great for city outings and shopping trips.
Of course, you don’t need a different pair for every occasion, but considering your lifestyle can help you choose a style that suits your needs. It may also highlight useful features like durable frames, polarized lenses, or scratch-resistant coatings.
### The Final Takeaway
Sunglasses do more than protect your eyes from the sun—they’re also a stylish accessory that reflects your personality. The best pair for you will complement your face shape and skin tone, match your wardrobe, and fit seamlessly into your lifestyle. Choose wisely, and you’ll have a go-to pair that enhances both your look and your comfort.