Eye for Style: How to Find the Right Pair of Sunglasses

Sunglasses is a wardrobe investment that you should be looking into. For an instant shot of cool and an extra hint of polish, you can always count on sunglasses. And if you don’t know that sunglasses are a relevant part of your style, well now you know.

Stylish celebrities and fashion bloggers are almost never spotted without a pair of sunglasses in hand or on their person. Make statement eyewear your sartorial habit, it just adds an air of rock n’ roll and incognito glamour to your look. Just check out how dapper these style savvy gentlemen look:

Convinced yet? We certainly are. Now that you know how important sunglasses are to your style. It’s time to guide you into purchasing the right pair for you.

Not all sunglasses are created equal. There are different silhouettes and styles to suit your lifestyle and your face shape. It is top priority to match the shape of your eyewear to your face shape, I cannot stress this enough. First thing to do is to determine what your face shape is exactly.

Here are the marked characteristics of each face shape:

Square

• Broad and wide jawline
• Forehead and jaw are of the same width
• Straight sides with a wide jaw

Round

• The cheekbones are the widest part of your face
• Round jawline
• Softer facial features
• Width and length of face is almost equal

Triangle

• Widest part of the face is the jaw, and the face narrows as it goes up

Oblong

• Narrow facial structure with a longer chin

Oval

• Rounded jawline
• Cheekbones are the widest part
• Face is longer than it is wider

Diamond

• Cheekbones are the most noticeable part of the face
• Both forehead and chin are relatively narrow

Heart

• Jawline is pointed with the forehead being the widest part of the face

QUICK PRO TIP: If you’re still having trouble figuring out your face shape, look in the mirror and trace the outline of your face on the mirror’s surface with a dry erase marker. Seeing that outline will clarify things for you.

Choose the Right Pair for You

The perfect sunglasses is all about striking a balance between the shape of the frame and the shape of your face. The right pair will offset will define your facial structure and complement your features.

Aside from your face shape, it is also important to note the softness or sharpness of your facial features. For softer features, you can choose a more angular frame to define your face and for sharper features, soften the lines with rounder frames.

This infographic will give you all you need to select the right pair of sunglasses for your face and your style:

The infographic advises black and tortoiseshell, but silver and gold frames are also classic and chic alternatives to consider.

Here are some of my picks for sunglasses that are high-quality, on-trend, and wearable:

Mirrored sunglasses are having a major fashion moment. These mirrored aviators from Ray-Ban are a great way to add some color into your wardrobe. These sunglasses are highly functional too. Ray-Ban is a cult classic eyewear brand that is the perfect place to start the hunt for the perfect pair of sunglasses. 

A twist on classic Club masters, this pair from Tom Ford has elegant metallic details and that super cool T detail on the side. It’s got polarized lenses too.

This acetate pair from Warby Parker is a great accessory that can easily go from beachside to a nice restaurant. Check out Warby Parker for more options. As a bonus, you can order prescription sunglasses from this brand too.

QUICK PRO TIP: While it might be tempting to purchase cheap eyewear, keep in mind that you’ll be wearing these pretty regularly. Aside from style, keep functionality in mind. UV protection and quality of lenses are also factors to consider when shopping for sunglasses.

You’ve got all your bases covered, now go forth and shop, gentlemen.