Are you ready for new glasses? Or are you picking out your first pair of frames? Picking the right pair of glasses can be tricky. After all, looking through displays that feature dozens and dozens of pretty frames can get overwhelming, especially if you aren’t sure what you want. We are here to help! Read on as a local Bella Vista CA optometrist offers some helpful tips on choosing the right glasses.

What Should I Consider When Picking Glasses Out?

Optimizing your vision and correcting any specific issues you have should of course come first and foremost here. You’ll also be able to choose between various options, such as contacts and transitional lenses. Some people may also have specific needs or preferences,  such as glasses made from sustainable materials or blue light blocking ones. 

However, when it comes to frames, style often takes center stage. You want your glasses to look good on you! One of the key things to look at here is your face shape. 

Here are a few tips:

Round

Round faces often look best with narrow, angular frames, as these make the face look longer. Glasses with a clear bridge may also be a good option: they give the effect of making the eyes look wider.  

Look for lenses that are more wide than they are tall. You may want to choose a pair with nose pads, so your glasses don’t rest on your cheeks. If you want to go for something bold, choose ones with striking details, such as whorled or patterned frames. Square or rectangular lenses may also work for you. 

Round and rimless frames may be best avoided: these will make your face look rounder.

Square

Glasses that elongate the face often work well for those with square faces. The right frames can also soften the angles of your face. Wide and/or thin frames are often very flattering on this facial structure. You may find that round or oval lenses bring out your best features.

Although color is of course a matter of personal style, you may find that neutral tones look great on you.

Heart-Shaped Face 

For a heart shaped face, avoid frames that are narrower than your forehead. You’ll also want to stay away from those with embellishments or designs on the top half. 

Light colors often work best with this face shape. Cat-eye and round frames, such as aviators may be very flattering on you. (Both of these styles are trending this year.) 

Oval

Did you know that the oval face is the most common face shape in the world? If you have an oval face, you are definitely in good company. 

Here’s a tip: look for glasses that are as wide as the widest point of your face.

You can make your eyes really pop with colorful, edgy glasses. Don’t be afraid to try some bright colors. These are also in style at the moment. Just make sure that your glasses are not too big, as they can easily overpower your face. 

Rectangle/Oblong

If your face is long and narrow, look for frames that cover most or all of your eye socket. Decorative frames also often look great on people with this facial shape.

Triangle

If you have a triangular face, your chin is the narrowest point on your face. To balance things out, you’ll want to make the top part of your face look narrower.

Pick frames with wide bottoms. Rimless frames are also a great choice. You can also try cat-shaped glasses, or frames with colorful accents.

Tips

Aside from the general shape of your face, the size of your head and your eyes can also be important factors in determining what glasses will look best on you. 

Look through magazines for models with similar face shapes as yours. Another trick is to take selfies of yourself trying on different frames. Give yourself some time to browse over the photographs before deciding. 

Last but not least, there’s nothing wrong with having a few different pairs, so you can change things up. Plus, that way you’ll always have a backup pair.

What Types Of Glasses Are In Style For 2024?

Did you know that glasses are back in style? In fact, they may be one of 2024’s most notable fashion trends. Stars like Billie Eilish, Kevin Costner, Bella Hadid, and Alan Ruck have all been spotted sporting them. Vogue even did a piece about them recently.

Breaking the trends down a bit further, we see a few types of styles that are popular. The cat-eye retro trend is still going strong, as are oversized frames, which are flattering for many face shapes.

That said, here are some of the top sellers this year:

•    Clear frames

•    Glasses

•    Oversized frames

•    Round frames

•    Bedazzled Swarovski glasses

•    Oversized Retro

•    Bold colors

•    Circle frame glasses

•    Frameless eyeglasses

•    Retro glasses

•    70s oversized square glasses

•    Full transparency

•    Metal glasses

•    Shield Eyewear

•    Geometric frames

•    Retro flat top aviator glasses

•    Tortoiseshell frames

•    Wired frames

•    Flat Top

•    Hipster glasses

How Do I Choose My Glasses?

Choosing glasses can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! You may find it best to break the process down into a few steps.

First, figure out exactly what type of lenses you need. While most lenses can be adapted to nearly any frame, this is just a logical first step. Otherwise, you’re putting the cart before the horse, so to speak.

Next, figure out your face shape. You’ll find lots of diagrams online that can help you narrow it down.

You’ll also need to find your skin undertones. This will help you narrow in on a color or hue that is most flattering for you. If you aren’t sure, look at your veins. If they look greenish, you have a warm undertone. Gold, yellow, and peach tones will likely work best on you. If your veins look bluish or purple, you have a cooler undertone, which may be best suited to pink, red, or blue tones.

You may find it helpful to browse style books and look at photos of actors and celebrities in glasses. Look for people with a similar style and facial structure, and see what they’re wearing. 

Consider Your Lifestyle

Take your personality and lifestyle into consideration as well. Your glasses say a lot about you! If you’re a professional, you may like simple, classic frames, in traditional colors, such as gold, silver, or gray. An artsy type may love bold, funky frames, while a senior may prefer a classic cat-eye, or perhaps a glossy finish.

Of course, at the end of the day, your personal style also plays a huge role. If you love all things vintage, you may fall in love with retro-looking square glasses or cat-eye frames. Rimless glasses also look great on many people. Then there are gradient glasses, which fade from one color to another.

At the end of the day, personal style trumps every other rule. The only thing that really matters is that you like your glasses and feel comfortable in them. 

Make An Appointment With Your Bella Vista CA Optometrist

Do you need new glasses? Call us, your Bella Vista CA eye care center, today. We are here to help!