How to Choose Flattering Glasses & Sunglasses:

 

For those of you who need new glasses or plan to buy sunglasses here are a few tips for choosing flattering  frames.

If you have a strong eyeglasses prescription it may be very difficult or impossible for you to actually see how the frames you are trying on look.  

One day I went shopping for glasses with one of my  image clients who is very near sighted.  

She could not tell how she looked when she took her own glasses off.

Out of desperation she put the frames she was interested in on top of her own glasses.   This was a creative solution but it did not work.

A Better Solution

 When you go shopping for new glasses, bring a digital camera or use your camera phone.  Ask the sales person to take pictures of you with the frames you are interested in.

 Even if you are not extremely near sighted this is a good idea.  By looking at a picture rather than a mirror, its much easier to see what really looks good.

I learned about choosing flattering styles of glasses from JoAnna Nicholson, my teacher and  co-founder of Color 1 Associates an International Image and Style Company.

Eyeglass Shape

When choosing glasses or sunglasses, choose shapes that repeat your eyebrow shape.  

If you have  straight eyebrows, choose glasses that have a softened rectangular shape.  If you have a more naturally curved eyebrow choose glasses that are more curved on the top of the frame.

(You also need to take into consideration your overall face shape)  

Most people have more angular faces and you will find more angular eyeglasses frames available.

As we get older our eyes lose their defined shape.  When you put glasses on, it’s like putting on eyeliner or mascara because glasses can give our eyes  definition.  This is another reason that it’s helpful to choose a shape that compliments your face.

Frame Color

Some people wear glasses to make a statement. One trend that may be dying is the “Buddy Holly,”  black eyeglass frame nerd look.

However, if you want people to look at you, instead of your eyeglasses, I suggest choosing glasses that look like they are a part of you. 

A very thin frame in a flattering color will show off your eyes and is more likely to look like it is part of you.

In choosing frame color, consider choosing your natural hair color or the natural highlights in your hair or a combination of hair and skin color.  

Our eyes automatically search for color repetition.  When you repeat your body colors in your apparel and accessories you create visual harmony and a pleasing appearance.

For example, if your hair has copper highlights, a copper frame would probably look good on you. My client, Judith, used to have copper frames when her hair was reddish brown but now that her hair is white,  a non- shiny silver frame is more flattering on her.

If you can’t remember what color your hair was, look at old pictures of yourself when you were a child.

If you still have color in your eyebrows, what color are they?

If you have a child or relative who has the same color hair you used to have ask for a lock of their hair.   Keep the piece of hair in a ziplock bag in a dark place.  Take this lock of hair with you when you shop for glasses and try to choose a frame that is a shade of this color.

Trying On Sunglasses

I have noticed that frequently the mirrors on sunglass displays is up high.  This may be done because its a convienient place to put the mirror but it can be deceiving.    When looking up at a mirror that is higher than eye level, you will always look better.  

This is because some of your face and neck wrinkles disappear when you look up.

On the other hand, if the mirror is lower than eye level, you will always look worse because your wrinkles and any sagging skin will be exaggerated.

I suggest you bring your own mirror and hold it at eye level to get a more accurate impression of how you look in the eyeglasses or sunglasses.

What is your biggest challenge in choosing glasses or sunglasses?  Feel free to ask questions on this blog.

Nancy Goldblatt, “Wardrobe Wizard of Baltimore,” is a professionally trained personal image consultant.    She works with both individuals and groups.  She is located in Baltimore, Md. She can now work with you online using digital photos and or a webcam.  She can be reached at Nancy@wardrobewiz.com

Her website is  WWW.WardrobeWiz.com