How to Choose Sunglasses for Your Face Shape

HOW TO CHOOSE SHADES by lady silk

Sunglasses are great because they protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, dirt and other particles- and they are the one accessory that everyone is guaranteed to look cool in! It’s finally (almost) the season to break them out, unless you are like me and wear your glasses year round- rain, sleet and snow be damned! Shopping for sunglasses is similar to finding the perfect pair of jeans, if the fit and style is right then you won’t mind spending extra coins on them because you know they will last you forever- ok- at least a couple of summers.

Animal print- Nothing says glamour puss like a pair of animal print glasses in a square or oval shape. Zebra and leopard are cool, but also look out for snake, cheetah and giraffe patterns for an exotic twist.

Translucent: These clear shades are fun to wear and now come in every color in the rainbow, so grab a few of your favorite colors and mix and match them to your outfits according to your mood.

Cat eye: These feminine frames are both sexy and versatile and can be worn with casual clothes or add the finishing touch to an ultra glam outfit. Oversized or classic, there is a cat-eye frame for most face shapes.

Round: This retro style was last successfully rocked by the Beatles front man John Lennon in the sixties and had a slight resurrection when style stars Rihanna and Lady Gaga wore them, but now everyone can partake in these fashion forward specs.

Aviator: This style is the little black dress of sunglasses- it goes with everything and every face shape can wear these! These are a MUST HAVE in your shades wardrobe!

Heart-shaped: If you have a wide forehead and cheekbones, and a narrow chin like Rihanna or Christina Aguilera then try cat-eye frames and round shapes. Stay away from overly embellished styles and wide frames which can make your chin look sharper.

Oval: Do you have a balanced forehead, cheekbones and jaw? Then your face is oval shaped like Beyonce and Charlize Theron and lucky you can get away with wearing all shapes and bold styles. Try a bright colored geometric frame for fun and a chunky black butterfly style for drama.

Round: Do you have full cheekbones, and a narrow forehead and jaw like Glee’s Amber Riley or Drew Barrymore? Then stick with wide square and rectangular frames that balance out your face and avoid round frames or colored lenses that exaggerate facial fullness.

Square: Is your forehead broad with a square jaw line like Janet Jackson or Demi Moore? Then try round, oval and cat-eye frames to soften your jaw- rounded aviators are great too. Avoid boxy styles with sharp lines that look harsh against your face.

Oblong: Is your face long with narrow chin and cheeks like Kelly Rowland or Sarah Jessica Parker? Then you should stick with oversize frames and wrap styles that flatter, but veto anything too narrow for your face or with hard angles that can make your face look longer.

Now you know the trends, you know what styles flatter you, it is time to put all the information to use and go shopping! Great sunglasses can be found everywhere- online, mall kiosks, side of the highway gas stations and truck stops, vintage shops and department stores, it doesn't matter how much money is spent on a great pair as long as they make you look good.