Finding the perfect pair of sunglasses is deceptively complicated. What looks effortlessly chic on someone else can sit completely differently on your own face – either too wide, too narrow, too harsh, or simply off. According to an expert, the key lies in understanding your face shape and selecting frames that complement it.
The Golden Rule: Contrast, Don't Match
"The main rule I'd give anyone is to contrast, not match," explains Dane Butler, co-founder of the sunglasses label Finlay. "If your face is angular, go curved. If it's round, go structured." While shape is paramount, smaller details can dramatically alter how flattering a pair of sunglasses appears.
"Honestly, frame size, colour, and lens tint all matter," says Butler, "but lens colour is the one people most often overlook." A warmer tint can soften features, while darker lenses can add definition – an important consideration when choosing between shades like black and brown.
Decoding Your Face Shape
Heart and Diamond-Shaped Faces
If your face is wider at the forehead and tapers down to a narrower chin, you likely have a heart-shaped face. The goal here is to balance proportions. "Heart-shaped faces tend to look amazing in frames that add a little width at the jawline and draw the eye downward," Butler notes. Recommended styles include rimless frames, gentle cat-eyes, and round or oval shapes. Aviators are also excellent for this face type.
Butler advises avoiding anything too top-heavy or wide at the brow, as it can exaggerate the upper half of the face. Diamond-shaped faces, which are slightly rarer, feature prominent cheekbones with a narrower forehead and jaw. The aim is to soften angles. "Oval frames and cat-eyes all work beautifully," Butler says, adding that brow-line frames are a great choice as they add width where needed.
Square and Round Faces
If you have a strong jawline and broad forehead, you likely have a square face shape. The trick is to soften it. "Square faces have strong, defined jawlines, so you want frames that soften rather than echo that angularity," Butler explains. Round, oval, and circular frames are ideal. He also suggests thinner metal frames or styles with an upward sweep to subtly lift and balance the face.
For round faces, the approach is opposite. "Round faces benefit from a little structure and contrast," he says. "Wider frames, rectangular or square shapes, and anything with a strong brow-line help to elongate and define." If unsure, go bold. "A bit of width at the temples creates the illusion of length," he adds, "so opt for something statement rather than petite."
Oval and Oblong Faces
If most sunglasses seem to work on you, you probably have an oval face. "Oval faces have well-balanced proportions, which means almost any frame works, so this is your chance to experiment," Butler states. The only caution is proportion: frames that are too small or too large can disrupt the balance.
Oblong faces are longer and narrower, so the aim is to create width. "Large, oversized frames do this brilliantly, as do deeper lenses," Butler advises. Avoid narrow, elongated shapes that emphasise length further.
Styling On-Trend Frames
"Aviators are one of those rare styles that suit lots of different people," says Butler, referencing the recent revival thanks to figures like Victoria Beckham. "The classic teardrop shape is good on heart and oval faces. Currently, I think rectangular aviators are having a real moment, especially acetate ones. They feel more modern and interesting."
This trend coincides with the resurgence of slim, Nineties-inspired sunglasses, which are notoriously tricky to pull off. "The Nineties slim frame is notoriously tricky," Butler admits. His solution is to "try a version with a slight rectangular or geometric shape rather than a full oval. The added structure can help." In essence, tweak the trend to suit your face rather than forcing an ill-fitting shape.
