Choosing the Right Frames for Your Face

It’s not just kids and teenagers — many adults are a bit bummed when they hear that they have to wear glasses. From foggy lenses to a slipping nosepiece, glasses can seem like a real nuisance. While wearing glasses can take some getting used to, seeing yourself in the right frames can make you fall in love with your look at first sight.

Our team of eye experts at Wolchok Eye Associates in Jacksonville, Florida, sees glasses as more than just a solution to your vision problems. We see them as a chance to show off your personality and highlight your best features. Here are a few things to keep in mind when picking out new frames.

Remember the rule of opposites

You’ve heard it said that opposites attract, and that’s certainly true when it comes to choosing eyeglass frames that suit your face. Here, we’ve put together a few guidelines to help you select frames that work best with your facial structure.

If your face is round

You can slim down the look of a circular face by choosing frames that elongate it. Choose wider, angular frames. Avoid small, round, rimless frames.

If your face is oval

An oval face is typically symmetrical and balanced. The frames you wear should enhance this positive attribute. Choose frames that are at least as wide as the broadest part of your face. Avoid narrow frames.

If your face is square

A square face is roughly as wide as it is long, with a strong jawline. Choose narrow frames to soften the angles and make your face appear a little longer — oval lenses that are wider than they are high add balance. Avoid boxy frames that mimic your angular face.

If your face is diamond-shaped

A narrow chin and forehead coupled with wide cheeks gives the appearance of a diamond shape. Choose rimless or cat-eye frames that take attention off your cheekbones. Avoid boxy frames that call attention to your natural angles and the width of your mid-face area.

If your face is heart-shaped

Wider at the top and middle and tapering to a narrower chin, the heart-shaped face is one of the most versatile. Select thinner or even rimless frames to let your heart-shape shine, or find frames that are heavier at the bottom to create balance. Avoid frames that draw attention to your forehead or browline.

Color matters

When shopping for clothing, color is as important as fit, and the same principle applies to eyeglasses. Skin tone typically falls into one of three categories: warm, cool, or neutral. Keep your skin tone in mind when choosing frames.

Warm skin tone

A warm skin tone has yellow, bronze, peach, or gold undertones. Your best frame colors include:

Browns, golds, or honey colors
Light tortoiseshells
Beige
Olive greens
Warm reds

Cool skin tone

Cool skin tone has blue or pink undertones. Your best frame color options include:

Pinks or mauves
Purples or blues
Dark tortoiseshells
Silvers and grays

Neutral skin tone

A neutral skin tone has a mix of gold, blue, and pink undertones, which means almost all frame colors look good on you.

Complement your hair and eyes

Your haircut and color and your eye shape and color may also influence which frames look best.

Light brown, dirty blond, golden yellow, brown, and brownish gray all qualify as warm colors, and jet black, silver, and white are considered cool tones. The skin tone rules above apply here, too.

We can help you choose the right frames

In addition to prescribing a perfect corrective lens, the team at Wolchok Eye Associates can help you choose the best frame for your face. We have a huge selection so you can find frames that suit your lifestyle and personality, from business-like to quirky.

If you’re looking for your first pair of glasses or you’re ready for a new look, call us or schedule an appointment online today.