How to Pick the Perfect Pair of Eyeglasses

Choosing the perfect pair of eyeglasses doesn't have to be an endless game of trial and error at your local eyewear shop. It depends on your face shape, your skin tone, the shape of your eyebrows, the size of your facial features and much more. We asked James Peo, celebrity stylist and founder of Veo Optics in San Francisco, for some guidelines to help narrow down your search.

Choose a shape that complements your face shape.

Determining your overall face shape is the first step when selecting a pair of eyeglasses. Look in the mirror and ask yourself if you have a strong, square jaw and pronounced cheekbones; a pair of full, round cheeks; or a long face with a high forehead. When choosing a pair of sunglasses, you'll want to strike a balance. "If you have a wider, round face, choosing something where the top and bottom lines are horizontal will minimize the round features," says Peo. For angular faces, an aviator is ideal. "The curves will soften the pointier features," he explains. Got a long face? Reach for a taller frame.

Choose a frame and lens color that complements your skin tone.

"Everyone wants to go straight for that thick black frame, but it's not a good fit for all skin tones," says Peo. If you have red hair, Peo recommends choosing a green-tinted tortoise-shell style that will neutralize the warmer tones in your skin. If your skin is blotchy or freckled, pick up a solid-color frame instead of a tortoise, which can enhance the dappled look of your skin. True blondes and brunettes can wear just about any color frame. But if you have black hair, "avoid glasses that are lighter than your eyebrows," says Peo. "If you go too light, you'll look washed out."

Choose the right fit.

"The frame should be flush with the temple," says Peo. "If you can fit two fingers between your temple and the frame, it's too big." An oversize frame will make your face look small, and dwarf your facial features and bone structure.

Respect your eyebrows.

Eyebrows often get ignored. But those caterpillars above your eyes should serve as your guide when it comes to glasses. "Follow the shape of your eyebrow," suggests Peo. "If you have a slight arch in your brows, and you have glasses that droop down on the sides, you'll look like a clown. The better choice is a pair that follows the arch in the brow, while maintaining a masculine shape."

Size matters.

Facial features come in all shapes and sizes, so one pair of glasses won't fit all. The size of your nose, forehead, mouth, eyes and chin play a huge role in determining what will look good. If you have a large nose and a Steven Tyler mouth, you wouldn't want a pair of dainty specs, or they'll make your large features look even larger. Instead, reach for a larger frame that will bring your features back into proportion. If you have a large forehead, why not reach for a taller frame? "If you go with a big square frame, the taller the lens is, the less it will elongate your face," he says. "It might be beneficial to look for frames that go from darker on the top to lighter on the bottom to elongate the lower portion of the face, creating an illusion that you have a forehead instead of a five-head."

Respect your personal style.

Trends come and go. No matter how stylish a frame might be, it might not fit your own style. "It really comes down to the individual and what they are comfortable wearing," says Peo.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Nick Burns is one of the leading grooming writers in the country. He has contributed to The New York Times, GQ, Details, Men's Journal and Esquire.com. He is also the co-author of The Bearded Gentleman: The Style Guide to Shaving Face.

 

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