Like a car, a pair of sunglasses is an expression of your personality. They can create a look or stunt your swagger. Who would Tego Calderon, Jay-Z or Snoop Dogg be without their signature shades? However, you may not know what works best for you. Check out our advice on picking the perfect pair by way of this season’s hottest frames.
Sunglasses For Round Faces
“Slightly angular frames narrow a round face,” says Eden Wexler, celebrity sunglass stylist. Aviators with a straight-line top work well for this type of face because they add dimension and angles. “Metal frames with adjustable nose pads also keep lenses from resting on fuller cheeks to give a slimmer look.”
Sunglasses For Heart-shaped Faces
If you have a heart-shaped face, look for frames that have a rounded bottom and low temples to add fullness to your narrow chin. Traditional teardrop aviators, as well as frames with rounded tops and squared-off bottoms are flattering to this silhouette.
Sunglasses For Oval Faces
Wide rectangular shades favor oval-shaped faces because they don’t obscure the balanced proportions between the forehead and chin; and highlight the high cheekbones that are typical of this profile. Wraparound styles are a great choice if you’re an athlete who plays in the wind or sun, as they offer maximum protection for the eyes.
Sunglasses For Square-shaped Faces
“Square faces have a strong jaw line and broad forehead with a wide chin and cheekbones, so look for round or oval frames which offer uplift to draw attention away from the jaw,” says Wexler. The curves on large aviator frames suit square features because they minimize squareness and lengthen the face.
Expert Tips:
- The current trends in sunglasses run from vintage oversized frames to “naviators” (square-lens aviators), but when choosing a pair just for you, proper fit and proportion are key, says Wexler.
- In addition to selecting shapes that compliment your proportions, choose colors that go with your skin tone.
- Sunglasses have become a major fashion accessory, but their main function is to protect eyes from the sun, wind and dust. Quality, UV protection and durability all determine the price of your shades; a designer name offers accessibility to a luxury brand.
Basic Upkeep
- Use a case to protect sunglasses from scratches and dust. There’s nothing worse than shelling out for a great pair and ruining them by accident.
- Regularly check for loose or missing screws, since wear and tear can cause them to move. Invest in an eyeglass toolkit for emergency repairs, but if they’re a good pair, use your warranty to get missing screws replaced.
- The dashboard of your car is no place for your glasses. If your lenses have additional coating, overexposure to the sun can cause them to peel or warp.
- If your shades aren’t fitting correctly, take them to an optician or optical store to have them professionally realigned.
- Keep your shades squeaky clean with liquid lens cleaner. But if you don’t have it, old fashioned warm water and liquid soap will do the trick.
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