Prescription eyewear or eyeglasses are probably the most expensive accessory we wear, with the exception of a treasured wedding ring or other signature jewelry. Many of us wear our glasses all of the time, making a big statement about who we are and our personal and professional brands. Discovering the right way to communicate that style statement through statement eyewear or glasses is a journey that involves developing our personal image and brand, as well as basic understanding of the rules.
The rules for choosing statement eyewear or eyeglasses can be challenging, even if you only wear readers or sunglasses. Finding the right glasses that fit all of those rules can be a struggle because there isn’t one simple rule.
Personality, face shape, brow shape and color top the list of rules for choosing your statement eyewear or eyeglasses.
Personality
Thank about what image you want to project to the world. Start by choosing four or five adjectives that tell your unique story, such as edgy, whimsical, sassy, sweet or sophisticated. Once you know your story, you have your image! I call it your Intentional Image – look for glasses that match your adjectives, your story and see your Intentional Image in action!
Face Shape
Most people have one of six face shapes. Different shaped glasses will work best depending on your face shape. Typically you want to match your glasses shape to your face shape. This is based on the art concept of repeating patterns. Round face – round glasses, square face – angular glasses, oval face – oval glasses, however with an oblong shaped face wide glasses are recommended, diamond shape – consider deep, curved and diamond shapes and a heart shape is best with wide, curved or an aviator style.
Eyebrows
Eyebrow shapes should also be taken into consideration. Mimic the shape of your eyebrow on the top rim of your glasses for the best overall look.
Color
Matching your color temperature to the color of your frames will be most pleasing to the eye. Some examples of frame colors best for warm coloring are camel, khaki, gold, copper, peach, orange, coral, off-white, fire-engine red, warm blue and blond tortoise.
For cool coloring, the best eyeglass frame hues are black, silver, rose-brown, blue-gray, plum, magenta, pink, jade, blue. You can also use the theory of the color wheel to bring attention to your eyes. Red or orange glasses will frame green and blue eyes and make them pop. You can also work with the same color of your eyes and an adjacent color on the color wheel.
Scale
Matching the scale of your accessories to the scale of your features is always a must. This goes with eyewear and eyeglasses as well. If you are small boned, consider small scale glasses, unless you want to make a very bold statement… then go for it!
Other things to consider when choosing statement eyewear or eyeglasses:
• Instead of choosing a frame color that “goes with everything,” consider a color that truly flatters you and helps you make your personal style statement.
• If you want to shorten your nose, consider a low bridge.
• If you have low contrast in your natural coloring and would like to wear higher contrast clothing consider high contrast glasses.
• If you are aging and want to conceal wrinkles around your eyes, glasses are a great distraction.
• Consider wearing concealer around your eyes and more dramatic eye makeup to make your eyes really pop.
Choosing the right eyewear or eyeglasses can be an expensive proposition. so it is something you want to get right. I recommend shopping at a boutique eyewear store with trained experts – not just for the lenses but in the aesthetics of the glasses you choose. Of course, you can hire an Image Consultant to shop with you to ensure you make the right choice for you. Remember that it’s all about feeling and being your personal best!
