In most instances, the shape of the frame selected should balance the shape of the face, just like a vertical striped shirt balances the appearance of a short or wider person.
Face Types
Generally, there are seven basic facial shapes:
The proper width of the frame can be gauged as approximately equal to the widest part of the skull’s facial bone structure.
A darker, solid-colored frame will aid the effect of shortening a long face.
1. Oval
longer with a rounded chin and jawline
Versatile, may wear almost any type
2. Oblong
thinner and longer
Should consider a Deeper frame
3. Round
more circular than the oval
Should consider Narrower frames
4. Square
sharper jawline, with the face being wider than round
Should consider round or oval frames
5. Triangular
the lower part of the face is wider than the upper part.
Darker colors or bolder frames or cat eye
6. Inverted triangular
the upper part of the face, the temple area, is wider than the lower jaw area
Should consider Lighter weight frames and Lighter colors, Rounded lens shape.
7. Diamond triangular
The central section of the face is wider.
Darker colors or bolder frames
Side of the face
Spectacle arms, the lower the line, the shorter the face appears; the higher the line, the longer it appears. Thus for long faces, frame fronts with lower set tips shorten the face. For wide faces, arms with high tip add length to the face.
When the face is viewed from the side, it is divided by the location of the spectacle arm, which creates an artificial dividing line of the face.
Eyebrow
The most important thing to be kept in mind when selecting eyewear is to follow the basic line of the eyebrow with the upper line of the frame. The upper rim, should have the same basic shape as the eyebrow itself. Too much deviation from this line creates a unbalanced look to the face.
Lower rim & Dark circle
The lower frame area provides a squared or rounded effect, which is determined by the squared or rounded aspects of the face. The most important thing a lower rim can do is add a lift to the face.
Another important effect that may be accomplished through the use of the lower rim is to help conceal dark circles that many people have. Helpful camouflage is attained by choosing a frame with fairly thick lower rims of a dark color, properly positioned to cover the lowest part of the dark circle. No more 'you look tired today.'
Hair
Frames in pale shades of blue or rose benefit gray hair. People with thicker, darker hair are able to wear heavier, darker, bolder frames than individuals with lighter, finer hair. A lighter-colored frame is recommended for the person with light, fine hair as it blends in more nicely. A bold dark frame on a person with light, fine hair draws attention to itself much more emphatically than it would on someone with thicker, darker hair. If you are more inclined for the unique look then bolder and darker frames with light hair are best.
Narrow and Wide-Set Eyes.
A person whose eyes are set close together in comparison to the total width of the face will want to choose eyewear that does not draw attention to the center of the frame. Low-set, thick, dark-bridged frames will make such an individual look as though there is hardly room for the frame to sit on the nose. Instead, this person should choose a frame with a clear bridge but with distinctive upper temporal areas.
