Sunglasses are more than just a shield from the sun’s rays. They’re a fashion statement, a confidence booster, and the finishing touch to any outfit. But with endless styles and shapes on the market, finding the perfect pair can feel overwhelming. The key? Aligning your selection with your face shape and hair color for a look that flatters and complements.
This guide delves into the world of sunglasses, helping you identify your face shape and hair color’s influence, ultimately leading you to your ideal pair.
Face Shape Fundamentals
The first step is identifying your face shape. Here’s a breakdown of the most common ones:
- Oval: Considered the ideal shape, oval faces are balanced with a slightly wider forehead than the jawline. Most sunglasses styles will flatter this shape.
- Round: Round faces have full cheeks and a shorter face length. Look for sunglasses with sharp angles or contrasting shapes to add definition.
- Square: Square faces have a strong jawline and a broad forehead. Opt for sunglasses with curved lines or softer features to balance the angles.
- Heart-shaped: This face shape features a wider forehead and cheekbones with a pointed chin. Choose sunglasses that draw attention to the lower half of the face, like cat-eye or rounded styles.
- Oblong: Oblong faces are longer than they are wide, with a narrow jawline. Look for sunglasses that add width to the face, like oversized styles or those with bold colors.
- Diamond: Diamond-shaped faces have prominent cheekbones, a narrow forehead, and a pointed chin. Opt for rounded or oval frames to soften the cheekbones.
Identifying Your Face Shape:
- The Mirror Test: Stand in front of a mirror with your hair pulled back. Trace the outline of your face with a lipstick or dry erase marker. Analyze the shape you created to determine if it aligns with the descriptions above.
- Measurements: Use a measuring tape to measure the width of your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline. The widest measurement will indicate the dominant part of your face shape.
Hair Color Magic
Hair color plays a subtle but important role in sunglass selection. Here are some tips to consider:
- Blonde Hair: Blondes can pull off a wider range of colors due to their naturally light features. Try bold or light-colored frames to add contrast, or classic tortoiseshell for a timeless look.
- Brunette Hair: Brunettes have more flexibility than blondes when it comes to frame color. Experiment with classic black, brown, or tortoiseshell, or add a pop of color with a vibrant hue.
- Red Hair: Redheads often have fair skin and warm undertones. Opt for gold, brown, or tortoiseshell frames to complement your complexion. Avoid overly cool-toned colors like silver or blue.
- Black Hair: Black hair creates a striking contrast with most frame colors. Play with bold, statement frames or classic black for a sophisticated look.
- Gray Hair: Gray hair pairs beautifully with softer, cooler-toned frames. Consider silver, rose gold, or pastel colors to enhance your features.
The Perfect Pair for You:
Now that you understand your face shape and hair color’s influence, let’s explore specific sunglass styles for each category:
Oval Faces:
- Aviator: A classic aviator style with a metal frame complements most oval faces.
- Wayfarer: This versatile style with a slightly angled top flatters oval features.
- Cat-eye: This elegant style with an upswept frame adds a touch of glamour.
- Rectangle: Rectangular frames add a touch of sophistication to oval faces.
Round Faces:
- Aviator: The contrasting angles of aviator sunglasses help elongate a round face.
- Wayfarer: Similar to oval faces, wayfarers add definition with their angled top frame.
- Rectangle: Rectangular frames add width and balance to round features.
- Butterfly: This style features wider frames on the outside, drawing attention away from the roundness of the face.
Square Faces:
- Aviator: The rounded shape of aviator sunglasses softens a strong jawline.
- Round: Round frames add a touch of softness to angular features.
- Cat-eye: This style adds a touch of femininity and draws attention away from the jawline.
- Oval: Oval frames soften sharp features and create a more balanced look.
Heart-Shaped Faces:
- Aviator: Similar to other face shapes, aviator sunglasses balance the proportions of a heart-shaped face.
- Cat-eye: This style accentuates the cheekbones and draws attention to the lower half of the face.
- Round: Round frames soften
- Round: Round frames soften a pointed chin and create a more balanced look.
- Oblong Faces:
- Aviator: Aviator sunglasses add width to the face with their wider top bar.
- Wayfarer: The horizontal lines of wayfarers visually shorten an oblong face.
- Oversized: Oversized sunglasses add width and statement to an oblong face.
- Browline: This style with a thicker top frame adds definition and balances the proportions of the face.
- Diamond Faces:
- Aviator: Aviator sunglasses soften prominent cheekbones with their rounded shape.
- Oval: Oval frames complement the diamond shape by following the natural curve of the face.
- Round: Round frames soften sharp cheekbones and create a more balanced look.
- Cat-eye (subtle): A subtle cat-eye style can add width to the upper part of the face, balancing out prominent cheekbones.
- Beyond the Basics:
- While these are general recommendations, there’s more to consider when choosing sunglasses. Here are some additional factors:
- Fit: The sunglasses should sit comfortably on your nose and bridge without slipping or pinching. The temples shouldn’t dig into your head.
- Material: Frames come in various materials like plastic, metal, and a combination of both. Consider weight, durability, and style when making your choice.
- Lens Color: Lens color plays a role in both sun protection and style. Gray lenses offer a neutral view, while brown lenses enhance contrast. Consider your activities and desired look when choosing a lens color.
- UV Protection: Ensure your sunglasses offer 100% UVA and UVB protection for optimal eye health.
- Embrace Your Individuality:
- While these guidelines help find flattering styles, don’t be afraid to experiment! Sometimes, the most unexpected sunglasses can become your signature piece.
- Here are some additional tips:
- Take a friend: Shopping with a friend can provide another perspective and help you choose the most flattering pair.
- Try before you buy: Whenever possible, try on sunglasses in-store to ensure a good fit and style.
- Online resources: Many online retailers offer virtual try-on features, allowing you to see how different styles might look on your face.
- Finding the perfect pair of sunglasses is a fun and personal journey. By understanding your face shape, hair color, and personal preferences, you can step out in style and confidence, ready to conquer the sun!
