Selecting sunglasses: 3 key factors
August 3rd, 2007It’s hard to give strict guidelines for selecting the sunglasses that will work best for you. With variables such as face outline, eyebrows, cheekbones, eye-width, complexion, age and fashion persona to consider, I find it impossible to generalize. But I do feel that there are three key factors to consider when making your decision:
- Proportions are important. Oversized sunglasses remain a huge fashion statement, but they look silly when they are too big for your face. Larger and taller women have the dimensions to pull off the oversized sunglasses look well because a balance is struck. The bigger you are, the bigger you can sport your accessories. So if you’re small boned and petite, watch how oversized you go with your sunglasses.
- Your eyebrows frame your face. In most cases it makes sense for your shades or specs to follow the same line as your eyebrows. I tend to prefer it when eyebrows are covered by sunglasses because this makes a cleaner statement.
- Contrast is striking. Pairing a round face with angular sunglasses (shades that have rims with sharp points) works really well. A similar contrast is created when pointy facial features are paired with rounder sunglasses. Striking differences are appealing and eye-catching and somehow I’m always drawn to them. The same way polka dots are superbly complimented by rectangular handbags.
While there are always exceptions to the rule, these factors may help to narrow down your choices from the extensive selection of available sunglasses.
Both models wear the oversized look well. I’m a sucker for classic retro black shades.
August 3rd, 2007 at 9:30 am
I am a living example of an exception. I’m petite but because I have such large facial features, I much prefer the oversized sunglasses. They make my nose look nice and small in comparison. Someone needs to come up with a petite line of sunglasses though because they are always too wide for my narrow face…even if the frames themselves are small.
August 3rd, 2007 at 11:02 am
I hear you, Maya. I found a nice pair last year from Target for 5 bucks (they are falling apart now, of course) that fit my face. You should try there. I have the opposite problem, though. I have really teeny features but big, full cheeks (no cheekbones), so I have a terrible time finding glasses that look good. I’ll keep looking. Thanks, Angie.
August 3rd, 2007 at 11:26 am
I also have had great luck with sunglasses from Target. They last as long as you would expect for five or six dollars, but they are not as intimidating as a pair of $100 glasses. If I lose my pair or they get scratched, no love lost. I’m not terribly confident of their claim of blocking all UV rays, though!
August 3rd, 2007 at 12:16 pm
So many variables at play ladies. It’s hard to find a pair of sunglasses.
Having a narrow face is challenging when it comes to specs and sunglasses - believe me I know!
August 3rd, 2007 at 12:32 pm
Long ago I decided upon style(s) of sunglasses that I like and look good on me. I don’t bother with fashion sunglasses anymore - just pick up multiple pairs of styles I like when I see a very good deal!
August 3rd, 2007 at 4:28 pm
Then there are those of us who have to use perscription sunglasses, and so we pay for one pair and keep them for as long as possible regardless of changes in the style!
August 3rd, 2007 at 6:53 pm
Angie, I do agree that the retro black shades are very “Jackie O”, however, I have come to love the aviator-styled sunglasses with the very light tint. I change my sunglasses depending on the seasons; for instance, in the winter when I am wearing my leather jackets, I do tend to do the retro black shades and in the summer, I am more apt to wear the lighter tinted aviators. Call me crazy, but I think sunglasses are one of those accessories that many women underestimate; they can make you feel just as chic and sexy as beautiful jewelry.
August 3rd, 2007 at 7:07 pm
I absolutely agree. Women tend to favour certain accessories over others and if sunglasses is one of the ones you have a soft spot for - go for it and have fun with various different looks!
August 4th, 2007 at 10:04 am
I live in LA where you pretty much need sunglasses all the time. I, too, have to buy sunglasses with a very expensive prescription and I feel a lot of pressure to find the perfect pair, since I can only buy one. This year my Rx changed, so I bought a pair of tortoise shell-colored frames, which I think look good with my auburn hair. They’re fine, but I keep wishing I had a pair of classic black Ray Bans!
August 9th, 2007 at 6:26 am
i’ve always thought that i’m not a girl built for sunglasses, because no matter how many i try on, none of them look good on my frame. i never knew there were factors in finding the right pair of sunglasses, but i’ll definitely keep these in mind next time i buy one!