Fashionably Four-Eyed: Choose the Right Eyeglasses Shape for Your Face

I remember my first pair of glasses. I must have been about 12 or 13, and I don't remember if I chose the green frames to match the rubber bands on my braces or the other way around, but match they did. I don't recall anyone ever telling me that I looked ridiculous in them, but I do recall one day, years later, taking them out of the drawer and putting them on. They were hideous. Big, round, green metal frames, too big for my face even with the advantage of a few years growth. I had by that time lost the braces, the unibrow (did I mention the unibrow?), and had replaced the glasses with contacts, which I wore 24/7. Eventually however, probably from years of sleeping in the contacts (which I would not recommend), I developed an allergy to them, and had to go back to glasses. As I refused to ever again don those green frames, I went to pick out a new pair. I selected an oval shape lens, the kind where the frame does not go all the way around the glass, but only attaches at the sides. This style would work for a lot of people, because it is modern and makes the glasses less obtrusive.

SIZE
In order to choose a shape that's right for you, you must try on different pairs. When you put on a new pair, first make sure it is in proportion to your face. Unless it is a cats-eye style, the frame should not stick out past your temple. If you have a narrow face, be certain you select glasses are not too wide. Next, make sure the lenses are not too large or small. If you are choosing a plastic frame, the top of the frame should not blend in with your eyebrow line, or it will create the dreaded unibrow effect.

SHAPE
There are a few shapes that are universally flattering, and some that are not. A rounded rectangular shape, or an oval shape, could be your best bet; try one some of the most common styles first, and find a pair that is in the right proportion (does not dwarf your face or get lost). Next, if you want, try on some funky shapes in colorful frames. The pair I have now is rectangular with a very slight cats-eye shape at the corner. They work because the lenses are "short" and don't overwhelm my small face, and the angles on the sides balance out my round features without being too harsh. Look for a shape that complements your features: if you have a very angular face, go with oval lenses (but not too round); if you have a round face, balance it out with a rectangle. Don't go too far to either end of the spectrum.

COLOR
You can either pick a color that is flattering to most everyone, such as brown or gray wire, or you can go with colored plastic, which is very trendy. My frames are a dark red, which works with my light skin tone. I look terrible in black, however, which generally should only be worn by people with dark or olive skin. Play around with colors; try on purples, pinks, and blues (I now have a phobia of green but you should try it if you want).

If you can, bring a friend or family member along who will be honest with you, preferably someone who won't be afraid to tell you bluntly if the glasses make you look like a mad scientist. Don't rely totally on what the salesperson tells you; she might be thinking more about her commission than your fashion statement. Good luck!