3 weeks ago
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We’ve all been in a store trying on sunglasses, and none of them seems quite right. They look great on the shelf, but in the mirror, they’re not doing you any justice.
Whether they’re too wide, too narrow, too bold or too small, sometimes sunglass shopping becomes a faff.
Finding sunglasses that genuinely work for your face is one of those annoying things, a bit like hunting down the perfect pair of jeans. And yet, it’s barely talked about.
Whether you’re planning a two-week holiday in the sun, are counting down the days until your festival plans kick off, or simply want to feel more confident on your morning commute without squinting, the right pair of sunglasses can be a game-changer, and a fun way to experiment with your personal style.
To help us in our mission to unpack exactly what to look for, I’ve gone straight to an expert, Jake Lawrence-Barber, Designer Frames Buyer at Boots Opticians, who has all the intel you need.
I’ve categorised his advice in this in-depth guide into four face shapes: oval, round, square and heart-shaped, to make it easier than ever – complete with style recommendations and some of the best frames available to buy right now.
Here’s the lowdown…
What sunglasses shape best suits an oval face?
According to Lawrence-Barber, the definition of an oval face is ‘being one and a half times longer than its width, with a chin slightly narrower than the forehead.’
As oval face shapes tend to be balanced, most sunglass styles will suit you, he says. However, his top tip is to try a selection of different shapes to find your favourite.
‘Try not to go too large or too small – we recommend going for styles that are a little wider than the widest part of your face to add balance.’
For men, we love this AllSaints ALS5027 pair, £90, which has a full rip in a super-sleek grey tone and a Ray-Ban-esque frame.
For women, we’ve got our eye on these Katie Loxton Acetate Chunky Cat Eye Sunglasses, £34.99, which come in a timeless tortoiseshell with gold-tone metal. So chic.
What sunglasses shape best suits a round face?
Round faces tend to have wider cheekbones, rounded chins and a curved hairline, Lawrence-Barber notes. ‘Add balance and definition to your softer features by trying more angular frames.’
His go-to is ‘square, rectangular and geometric frames that can make it appear longer. Choose frames that enhance your unique style – rimless or delicate arm details are great for work or go for a bold colour to make a statement.’
These Mango Rectangular Sunglasses, £19, are perfect if you’re keen to dip your toe into the chocolate-brown trend that’s everywhere, while spending less than £20.
The sturdy frame and copper accents add a finishing touch to any outfit. Cos can do no wrong, and these Slim Rectangular Sunglasses are a nod to 90s minimalism. Available in a dark brown or timeless black, they’ll go with everything and provide 100% UV protection.
What sunglasses shape best suits a square-shaped face?
‘A square face shape is typically angular with a square jaw line and a wider forehead in proportion to the length of the face,’ says Lawrence-Barber.
He recommends round or oval frames, which create balance by softening sharp angles. ‘The shape of round glasses adds a cool, vintage feel to your look, while oval frames are classic and elegant.’
Top of my shopping list is bloobloom’s The Archivist, £99. A modern take on a classic rounded rectangular shape, it has a translucent finish in a midnight blue shade, made from Italian acetate, with anti-scratch and anti-reflective coatings available.
Or try Ace & Tate’s Benjamin pair, £129, which comes in nine rich colours – my favourite is Botanical Haze, a jewel-toned dark green. Complete with a case and lens cleaning cloth, they’re a stylish upgrade to the tired pair gathering dust at the bottom of your wardrobe.
What sunglasses shape best suits a heart-shaped face?
For those of us with a heart-shaped face – AKA ‘a wide forehead that tapers into a pointed chin is characteristic of a heart-shaped face’ – smaller details on sunglasses, like their hinges, can be the most flattering.
‘A cat-eye or wayfarer frame style will flatter your heart-shaped face, making your forehead appear narrower and your cheekbones more defined. For a more subtle look, rimless or bottom-heavy frames will also suit you.’
A great example is these Accesorize Metal Detail Premium Cat Eye Sunglasses, £50. They’re elegant and sophisticated, with stylish gold-toned detailing on the hinges for added luxury. They basically look like a designer.
Or better still, these Honey Brown Horn Signature Preppy Acetate Frame Polarised Sunglasses, £35, from Next. The warm frame colour will brighten your face, complement a tan, and provide UV protection.
Bring on summer.
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