Flattering Frames For Your Face Shape

In our quest to find the most flattering outfits and stylish accessories, it’s easy to forget that eyewear plays an important role in our overall look as well. Choosing the best frame for you can take time, since there are so many fabulous designers out there who make unique and colorful frames to try, but the easiest way to narrow down your choices is by knowing your face shape and then finding styles that flatter its features.

Magazines like to highlight the usual oval, square, and heart face shapes, but there are a few more to consider that are a bit more specific – the more specific you are, the more flattering the frame will be. Here’s some tips on determining your face shape and which type of silhouettes to choose:

DIAMOND: Narrow width in the forehead and jawline, with a wider mid-section and accentuated cheekbones.

As seen on: Madonna, Ashley Greene

Tips: Try upswept cat-eye frames to emphasize cheekbones. Avoid glasses with too-narrow rims that diminish your eye area, go big!

Try on: MYKITA Elsa eyeglasses, Ray Ban Wayfarer sunglasses

HEART: Broad forehead, great cheekbones, small chin.

As seen on: Kourtney Kardashian, Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Love Hewitt

Tips: Choose bottom-heavy frames that help add to the width on the lower half of your face. Curved accents (like rounded lens corners) bring softness to an angular face.

Try on: Face a Face Cocco 2 eyeglasses, Oliver Goldsmith Manhattan sunglasses

OBLONG: Face is longer than it is wide, with a narrow width. Often with high cheekbones and a long nose.

As seen on: Sarah Jessica Parker, Ashlee Simpson

Tips: Taller frames actually help shorten the length of your face; short and narrow rims elongate the face and make features look imbalanced. Find a frame with embellished arms or a bold style that increases the appearance of your face’s horizontal line.

Try on: Etnia Nimes eyeglasses, Persol 2989 sunglasses

OVAL: Even features with a ratio of about 3:2 for length vs. width, no distinct angles or corners along the edge of the face.

As seen on: Megan Fox, Eva Mendes, Katy Perry

Tip: Find frames that add angles to your face, like geometric silhouettes.

Try on: Studio FB W10 eyeglasses, Oliver Goldsmith Kendal sunglasses

ROUND: Equal length and width, full cheeks, not many angles.

As seen on: Christina Ricci, Kirsten Dunst, Ginnifer Goodwin

Tips: Large, upswept styles are very flattering. Short and narrow frames help thin and lengthen the face. Geometric styles bring balance by adding angles.

Try on: Lafont Audace eyeglasses, Vue dc SLY sunglasses

SQUARE: Square chin, with a strong and equal-width forehead and jawline.

As seen on: Olivia Wilde, Demi Moore, Angelina Jolie

Tips: Seek out round or oval styles to bring balance to the angles in your features. Butterfly silhouettes are symmetrical from top to bottom and keep this balance as well.

Try on: Beausoleil 012 eyeglasses, Face a Face Moons 2 Sunglasses

TRIANGLE: Narrow at the top around the forehead, gradually widening by the jawline.

As seen on: Minnie Driver, Renee Zellweger

Tips: Top-heavy styles with top-set arms draw the eye upwards to create balance.

Try on: Mikli par Mikli ML1219 eyeglasses, Ray Ban Aviator sunglasses