Eyedolatry

Choosing Frames for Oval and Long Faces

glasses 8:47 PM

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Choosing Frames for Square Faces

glasses 7:56 PM

For our next installment, we will be tackling the slightly more difficult square face shape. I find that most people can discern a round or oval face shape, but a square face shape is a little harder to distinguish. Again, you have to think of these shapes more abstractly – especially in the cases of square, heart, and triangle face shapes. Let’s break this down to make it easier to picture!

Attributes of a square face are:

1. The width and the length of the face are approximately equal. As you may recall this is exactly like the round face shape mentioned in my previous post.

2. The jawline is well-defined and angular in appearance, appearing to be equal in width to the forehead.

Again, the square shape requires you to apply a certain amount of imagination to perceive. Take a close look at our celebrity models below, paying particular attention to the jawline area.

Diane Kruger and Lea Michelle -- both have square faces with a strong jawline

Now, what glasses are most flattering if you are a square? Remember, we want to focus on opposites when selecting frame shape to accentuate and balance your natural features. Since a square shape face already has a lot of structure and angles, a softer, rounded frame will provide some curves. Metal frames are also a great choice for the square face; they are generally lighter and thinner than plastic (or zyl), making for an overall softer look. Rimless frames (where there is no visible eyewire) are also a great option since there are no additional lines or angles created to compound the natural angles of your face. Here are some examples:

Juicy Couture Vintage offers a more oval frame shape, plus great color with a touch of glitz

Nine West Model 422 is a lighter/thinner metal frame with rimless bottom to delete any extra lines or angles

An important note to remember is that these are guidelines after all. If you have a square shaped face it is more than okay to select a rectangular frame shape – just aim more for those with rounded lines to soften the angularity. A personal example: I have a square-shaped face, and my most recent glasses purchase was the Coach Roberta frames featured in this post. The rectangular shape and bold color and thickness of the frames don't exactly follow the guidelines, but the rounded edges to the eyewire still make this a flattering selection (well at least I think so, hah).

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Choosing Frames for Round Faces

glasses 6:25 PM

While there are no absolute rules as to what frames will look best for you, there are a few guidelines that your eye care provider or optician ascribe to in making suggestions. Every person has attributes of their facial symmetry and features that can be classified into an overarching "face shape". These categories include round, square, heart-shaped, oval, and the upside down triangle. The most important part to remember is that these face shapes are NOT to be taken literally. A round face doesn’t mean your face is a perfect circle. (And obviously no one is walking around with a triangle for a face out there). Some people may even have features that combine qualities from multiple face shapes, so it isn't a perfect science. In the next several posts I will be breaking down the most important attributes for you. Today it is round face day so here it goes!

Attributes of a round face are:

1. The width and the length of the face are approximately equal

2. Rounded and soft facial features (especially pay attention to the cheeks, chin, and jawline)

If you are still not certain, take a look at actress Ginnifer Goodwin’s face below. She is a great example of a round face: softly rounded features and symmetry of her facial height and width!

Ginnifer Goodwin exemplifying the round face shape (picture from beautyriot)

So if you think you have a round (or elements of a round-esque) face, what frame shape works best for your features? In selecting glasses, opposites really are the rule. A round face is perfectly offset with angular or rectangular eyewear. This frame shape adds angles and structure to complement your softer features. Don’t be afraid to play with bold colors and patterns – a round face is the perfect canvas to show-off personal style with bright colors and architectural frames designs. Check out the rectangular frames below for some of my recommendations.