By: Dan Delisle, Registered Optician 
IN Style OPTICAL

For many of us, picking out a new pair of eyeglasses can be a challenge. Although it seems there are endless styles and options, finding a pair that really suits you isn’t always easy. Here are some tips that can help save you time, and find eyewear that complements your face.

When choosing, always keep these points in mind:

• It helps if eyewear repeats a personal feature (such as a blue frame to match blue eyes).
• The frame shape should contrast with your face shape.
• Frame size should be in scale with your face size.

While most faces are a combination of different shapes, sizes and angles, there are seven basic face shapes that people have. Here’s how to determine which frames will work best:

Round: A round face has curved lines with the width and length in the same proportions and no angles. To make a round face appear longer, try angular, narrow frames to lengthen the face, a clear bridge that widens the eyes, and frames that are wider than they are deep – such as a rectangular shape.

Oblong: An oblong face is longer than it is wide and has a long straight cheek line and sometimes a longish nose. To make an oblong face appear shorter and more balanced, try frames that have more depth than width, decorative or contrasting temples that add width to the face, or a low bridge to shorten the nose.

Base-down Triangle: A base-down triangular face has a narrow forehead and widens at the cheek and chin areas. To add width and emphasize the narrow upper third of the face, try frames that are heavily accented with color and detailing on the top half or cat-eye shaped frames.

Base-up Triangle: This type of face has a very wide top third and small bottom third. To minimize the width of the top of the face, try frames that are wider at the bottom, and choose very light colors and materials as well as rimless frame styles.

Diamond: Diamond-shaped faces are narrow at the eye line and jawline, and have broad cheekbones that may be high and dramatic. This is the rarest face shape. To highlight the eyes and soften the cheekbones, try frames that have detailing or distinctive brow lines, or try rimless frames or oval and cat-eye shapes.

Square: A square face has a strong jaw line and a broad forehead, plus the width and length are in the same proportions. To make a square face look longer and soften the angles, try narrow frame styles, frames that have more width than depth, and narrow ovals.

An IN Style OPTICAL^SM optician can help you choose a frame that suits you best. You can find the IN Style OPTICAL^SM  store near you by clicking here.