Heads-up: Circular frames are all the rage now, after South Korean celebs were spotted out and about wearing the once-geeky models. But before you rush to the nearest optical shop to grab a pair, here’s a tip: Check your face shape first; it can make or break the way glasses look on you. With so many styles to choose from, we offer tips – and shopping options! – to help you make your best pick, as well as wardrobe advice to complement some of the styles.
IF YOU HAVE A SQUARE FACE
With such a strong jawline, the aforementioned round frames are a perfect complement, helping to soften your look. In fact, anything that is curvy will do the job in balancing out those sharp angles, so you can also rock oval frames and rectangular ones with curved edges.
Oliver Peoples round frames in titanium and acetate, $885, www.farfetch.com
Embrace 1970s vintage with these frames in an antique silver hue. To avoid looking like you’re from that era though, contrast it with a youthful outfit – think a flirty minidress.
Gucci round frames in metal, £320 (S$570), www.net-a-porter.com
These thin-rimmed frames exude a relaxed and retro vibe. Build on this casual look with an off shoulder sweater and high-waisted denim shorts.
Ray-Ban Dean round frames in acetate, £130 (S$232), www.net-a-porter.com
Tortoiseshell frames are timeless and add a dash of prep to your style. Give your look an extra edge with a leather jacket over a casual tee and ankle boots.
Linda Farrow round glasses in gold-plated titanium, $1,059, www.farfetch.com
Black-rimmed glasses convey seriousness, so save this one for meetings. Play up the vibe by teaming with a tailored blazer and denim jeans.
Linda Farrow round glasses in gold-plated titanium, $1,059, www.farfetch.com
Black-rimmed glasses convey seriousness, so save this one for meetings. Play up the vibe by teaming with a tailored blazer and denim jeans.
IF YOU HAVE A ROUND FACE
Avoid circular frames at all cost, as they’ll simply make your face appear even rounder. Instead, go for something that elongates your face and plays down your full cheeks. Rectangular or square frames will help introduce sharper, more distinct lines, giving dimension and structure to your features.
Stella McCartney D-frame glasses in metal and acetate, £215 (S$383), www.net-a-porter.com
This oversized pair will make you the epitome of geek chic. Keep your outfit casual to let it shine; go for a loose tee, minimal accessories and a messy updo.
Kyme Karl frames in acetate, $299, www. farfetch.com
Go bold with this pair that sports an unconventional colour. To avoid any wardrobe clashes, stick to shades of light or navy blue for your outfit, or complement it with something in orange.
Celine Ellie D-frame glasses in acetate, $365, www.mytheresa.com
This D-frame pair showcases your brow line with slightly tapered, retro-inspired wing tips. A classic style in black, it can be dressed up or down, any day of the week.
Victoria Beckham Black Navigator Glasses in metal and acetate, US$385 (S$531), www.ssense.com
These old-school navigator glasses add a powerful punch to your everyday look with the strong, structured silhouette. Give some contrast to your look by wearing with a flowy maxi dress.
IF YOU HAVE A DIAMOND-SHAPED FACE
This face shape, characterised by a narrow forehead, wide cheekbones and a narrow chin, is pretty rare. Get glasses with soft, round curves (such as rimless ones) to soften your sharp angles. Cat-eye ones are your safest bet as the upswept style will emphasise your cheekbones. Top-heavy eyewear, such as horn-rimmed glasses, work too, as they add width to the brow and balance out your features.
Chloe octagonal frames in metal and acetate, £240 (S$428), www.net-a-porter.com
Octagonal and hexagonal frames are trending these days, and this funky pair speaks for itself. Let it take centre stage by going with a simple white-tee-and jeans combo.
Valentino rimless frames in acetate, US$332 (S$458), www.matchesfashion.com
If you’re going for a more matured and intellectual look, this is the pair for you. Valentino gave this classic style a modern update with gold-tone acetate accents.
Ray-Ban oval frames in metal, $218, www.farfetch.com
For understated elegance, go for this pair, which is perfect for a casual weekend brunch with your girlfriends.
Prism Portofino Optical cat-eye frames in metal, $329, www.farfetch.com
Simple yet stylish, this adds a playful, sassy touch to your look.
IF YOU HAVE A HEART-SHAPED FACE
With a wide forehead, high cheekbones and a tapered chin, bottom-heavy frames are the way to go as they help to add width to your chin and balance it out. You can also go for spectacles with smoother edges (such as ovalshaped frames) to counter your sharp angles. Consider cat-eye ones that help to “sweep up your face” and draw attention to your eyes, or aviators, which mimic the tapering of your features, complementing your face shape.
Calvin Klein 205W39NYC aviators in titanium and leather, £305 (S$543), www.net-a-porter.com
Golden rims with pastel-pink leather arms? We’re sold! This feminine piece is good for any occasion.
Saint Laurent aviators in metal and acetate, £235 (S$418), www.net-a-porter.com
This lightweight, silver-toned pair will make you look like Tom Cruise, circa 1986’s Top Gun. Complete the look with a green bomber jacket and tailored khaki pants.
Gucci round frames in metal with faux pearls, US$458 (S$632), www. matchesfashion.com
Definitely a statement piece, this oversized ’80s-inspired pair will go well with a vintage-print blouse and retro earrings.
Prada cat-eye frames in acetate, US$315 (S$435), www.matchesfashion.com
Go cheeky with this pair of tortoiseshell glasses, which adds a touch of vintage to your overall look.
IF YOU HAVE AN OVAL FACE
Congratulations! The oval face is widely considered to be the most ideal face shape because of its balanced proportions. Which means that when it comes to glasses, you can rock almost any type, though we suggest going for oblong eyewear – the geometric shape will highlight your best features. Steer clear of narrow frames, which will add length to your face.
Saint Laurent square frames in acetate, £205 (S$365), www.net-a-porter.com
You can’t go wrong with an all-black pair. Try it with a military jacket, a black leather miniskirt and a pair of sneakers for the weekend.
Chloe square frames in acetate, £200 (S$356), www.net-a-porter.com
Don’t say no to coloured frames – if Cate Blanchett can pull off pink aviators, so can you! Like Blanchett, go with a floral dress for a playful look, or cast the spotlight on your spectacles by wearing an all-black ensemble.
Barton Perreira Ellington square frames in acetate and titanium, $807.68, www.barneys.com
We’re loving this elegant design that features temples in an antique-gold hue and temple tips in clear beige. Pair with a red pantsuit to make this baby pop.
Dior Diorstellaire square frames in metal, $469, www.mytheresa.com
Slim and delicate, this pair makes you look like an academic without coming across as too square. You know what we mean.
