Selecting the right eyeglasses isn’t just about vision correction—it’s about finding frames that complement your unique facial features and express your personal style. The perfect pair of glasses can accentuate your best features, balance your proportions, and even make you look younger. But with countless styles, shapes, and colors available, how do you know which frames will truly flatter your face?
The secret lies in understanding your face shape. Just as clothing styles are chosen to flatter different body types, eyeglass frames should be selected based on your facial structure. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through how to identify your face shape and find the most flattering frames that will have you looking your best and feeling confident.
How to Determine Your Face Shape
Before diving into frame recommendations, you need to identify your face shape. Don’t worry if you’re unsure—many people are! Here’s a simple at-home method to determine your face shape:
- Gather your tools: You’ll need a mirror, a washable marker or lipstick, and a measuring tape (or ruler).
- Pull your hair back: Secure your hair away from your face to clearly see your facial contours.
- Trace your face: Standing in front of the mirror, use the marker to trace the outline of your face directly on the mirror (don’t worry, it will wash off).
- Take measurements: Measure the following areas:
- Forehead: Width across the widest part
- Cheekbones: Distance across your cheekbones
- Jawline: Width of your jaw from below one ear to the other
- Face length: Distance from your hairline to the bottom of your chin
- Compare your results: Based on your measurements and visual assessment, determine which face shape you have:
- Round: Face length and width are similar, with soft angles and full cheeks
- Oval: Face length is greater than width, with a slightly curved jawline and high cheekbones
- Square: Forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are all similar in width, with a strong, angular jawline
- Heart: Broad forehead and cheekbones that narrow to a pointed chin
- Diamond: Narrow forehead and jawline with wide cheekbones
- Rectangle/Oblong: Face length is greater than width, with a long, straight cheek line
- Triangle/Pear: Narrow forehead that widens at the jawline
I’ve often found that people misidentify their face shape because they focus too much on one feature. For instance, having a pointed chin doesn’t automatically mean you have a heart-shaped face if your forehead isn’t wider than your jawline. Take your time with this assessment—it’s the foundation for finding your perfect frames.
Round Face: Frames That Flatter
If your face has soft curves, few angles, and your cheek area is the widest part of your face, you likely have a round face shape. Think of celebrities like Selena Gomez, Chrissy Teigen, or Leonardo DiCaprio.
Best frame shapes for round faces:
- Rectangular and square frames: These add definition and create the illusion of a longer, slimmer face. The angular lines contrast beautifully with your softer features.
- Geometric shapes: Hexagonal or octagonal frames add interesting angles that complement round faces.
- Frames with bold browlines: These draw attention upward and create the impression of more facial structure.
- Cat-eye styles: The upswept corners add lift and help elongate round face shapes.
Frames to avoid:
- Small, round frames that can exaggerate the roundness of your face
- Rimless or very delicate frames that lack the structure to balance your facial features
- Oversized round sunglasses that overwhelm and emphasize facial fullness
I once helped a friend with a round face who had always chosen round frames because she thought they would “match” her face. When she tried rectangular frames with slightly upswept corners, she was amazed at how they defined her features and made her eyes pop. The contrast between her soft features and the angular frames created a beautiful balance.
Oval Face: Your Versatile Canvas
If your face is longer than it is wide with a gently curved jawline and slightly wider cheekbones, you have an oval face shape. Celebrities with oval faces include Jessica Alba, Beyoncé, and Jake Gyllenhaal.
Best frame shapes for oval faces:
- Almost any shape: Oval faces are incredibly versatile and can pull off most frame styles.
- Walnut-shaped frames: These follow the natural balance of your face.
- Geometric frames: Squares, rectangles, and other angular shapes add interesting contrast.
- Aviators: These classic frames typically work well with oval proportions.
Frames to avoid:
- Extremely oversized frames that can overwhelm your naturally balanced features
- Frames that are too narrow, which can make your face appear longer
The key for oval-faced individuals is to maintain the natural balance you already have. I’ve noticed that people with oval faces sometimes play it too safe with their eyewear. Don’t be afraid to experiment with bolder styles or colors—your versatile face shape can handle them!
Square Face: Softening Strong Features
If you have a broad forehead, strong jawline, and the width of your face is similar to its length, you likely have a square face. Think of celebrities like Angelina Jolie, Nick Jonas, or Sandra Bullock.
Best frame shapes for square faces:
- Round or oval frames: These soften angular features and provide nice contrast.
- Frames with curved edges: Styles that aren’t perfectly round but have soft edges work beautifully.
- Rimless or semi-rimless styles: These lightweight options de-emphasize a strong jawline.
- Frames with a strong top rim and faded bottom: These create balance while softening the jawline.
Frames to avoid:
- Square or rectangular frames that echo and emphasize your facial angularity
- Very small frames that can make your features appear larger by comparison
- Frames with harsh corners or boxy shapes
I’ve seen how the right frames can dramatically soften a square face. One client with a particularly strong jawline was amazed at how round frames with a subtle cat-eye lift completely transformed her look, creating a perfect harmony between strength and softness.
Heart-Shaped Face: Balancing Proportions
If your face is wider at the forehead and gradually narrows to a small chin, you have a heart-shaped face. Celebrities with this face shape include Reese Witherspoon, Ryan Gosling, and Scarlett Johansson.
Best frame shapes for heart-shaped faces:
- Bottom-heavy frames: Styles with design details or thicker rims along the bottom balance a wider forehead.
- Oval frames: These help soften the forehead-to-chin transition.
- Light-colored or rimless frames: These de-emphasize width at the top of the face.
- Round or square frames with curved edges: These styles with softer lower edges complement the chin area.
Frames to avoid:
- Frames with decorated or emphasized top rims that draw attention to your already-prominent forehead
- Oversized styles that can overwhelm your delicate chin
- Cat-eye frames that may create too much visual weight at the top of your face
A friend with a heart-shaped face always felt her forehead looked too prominent. When she switched from her top-heavy frames to aviators with slightly rounded bottoms, the balance it created was remarkable—drawing attention to her eyes rather than her forehead.
Diamond Face: Highlighting Unique Features
If you have high, dramatic cheekbones with narrower forehead and jawline measurements, you have a diamond-shaped face. Celebrities with diamond face shapes include Jennifer Lopez, Vanessa Hudgens, and Robert Pattinson.
Best frame shapes for diamond faces:
- Cat-eye frames: These accentuate your striking cheekbones.
- Oval frames: These soften angular features while maintaining balance.
- Rimless frames: These showcase your cheekbones without overpowering them.
- Top-heavy styles: Frames with design details along the brow line draw attention upward.
Frames to avoid:
- Narrow frames that can make your cheekbones appear even more prominent
- Very boxy frames that contrast too sharply with your facial structure
- Extremely thick frames that can overpower your features
Diamond faces are among the rarest face shapes, and I believe they should embrace frames that highlight their unique structure. A client with a diamond face was initially trying to downplay her cheekbones with round frames, but when she tried cat-eye frames that followed her natural angles, the result was stunning—her cheekbones became her best feature rather than something to hide.
Rectangle/Oblong Face: Adding Width
If your face is longer than it is wide with a straight cheek line and similar width at forehead, cheeks, and jawline, you have a rectangular or oblong face. Celebrities with this face shape include Sarah Jessica Parker, Adam Levine, and Liv Tyler.
Best frame shapes for rectangular faces:
- Wide frames: Styles that add width to your face create better balance.
- Decorative temples: These add width at the sides of your face.
- Round or square frames with depth: Look for frames that have enough vertical size.
- Bold, contrasting colors: These can help break up the length of your face visually.
Frames to avoid:
- Small, narrow frames that emphasize the length of your face
- Very short frames with minimal depth
- Rectangle frames that follow your face’s natural proportions too closely
I’ve seen dramatic transformations with rectangular-faced clients who switched from narrow frames to wider styles. One gentleman who had always worn thin wire frames tried on a pair of broader tortoiseshell glasses, and immediately his face appeared more balanced and his eyes more prominent.
Triangle/Pear Face: Creating Balance
If your face has a narrow forehead that widens toward a broad jawline, you have a triangular or pear-shaped face. Celebrities with triangular face shapes include Kelly Osbourne, Ryan Reynolds (slightly), and Minnie Driver.
Best frame shapes for triangular faces:
- Top-heavy frames: Styles with bold brow lines or decorative upper portions add width to the forehead.
- Cat-eye shapes: These draw attention upward and outward.
- Aviators: The top-heavy teardrop shape perfectly balances a stronger jaw.
- Bold or brightly colored frames: These draw attention upward away from the jawline.
Frames to avoid:
- Bottom-heavy frames that draw attention to your jawline
- Very small frames that don’t provide enough visual weight up top
- Low-set temples that emphasize the width of your jaw
When working with clients with triangular faces, I always emphasize the importance of creating balance. One woman with a strong jawline transformed her appearance by switching from rimless rectangles to bold cat-eye frames—the visual emphasis shifted completely upward, creating harmony throughout her face.
Beyond Face Shape: Other Factors to Consider
While face shape is a crucial factor in choosing eyeglasses, it’s not the only element to consider:
Skin Tone and Frame Color
Your skin undertones should influence your frame color choices:
- Warm undertones (yellow, peachy, or golden skin): Complement with frames in warm colors like tortoiseshell, brown, gold, honey, beige, or olive green.
- Cool undertones (pink, red, or bluish skin): Look for frames in cool colors like black, silver, gray, blue, pink, or purple.
- Neutral undertones: You’re lucky—most frame colors will work well for you!
Eye Color
Frames can enhance your eye color when chosen thoughtfully:
- Blue eyes pop with warm-toned frames like brown or tortoiseshell
- Brown eyes are enhanced by contrasting cool tones like blue or purple
- Green eyes are complemented by burgundy, gold, or purple frames
Hair Color
Your hair color creates another reference point for choosing frame colors:
- Blonde hair often pairs beautifully with darker frames for contrast
- Brown hair works well with most frame colors but especially browns, ambers, and greens
- Black hair creates striking contrasts with bold colors or classic black frames
- Red hair is complemented by green, brown, or gold frames
Personal Style
The most technically “correct” frames won’t feel right if they don’t match your personal style. Consider:
- Do you prefer classic, timeless looks or trend-forward fashion?
- Is your style minimal and understated or bold and expressive?
- What colors dominate your wardrobe?
I’m always reminded of a client who, by all “rules,” should have worn subtle oval frames for her round face—but her vibrant personality and artistic career called for something more distinctive. We found geometric purple frames that technically broke the “rules” but perfectly expressed who she was. She received compliments daily because the frames felt authentic to her character.
Trendy vs. Timeless: Making the Right Investment
Quality eyeglasses can be a significant investment, so it’s worth considering how long you’ll want to wear your chosen style:
Investing in Timeless Frames
If you prefer to invest in one high-quality pair that will last for years:
- Choose classic shapes like rectangles, ovals, or subtle cat-eyes
- Opt for traditional materials like acetate or titanium
- Select versatile colors that coordinate with most outfits
- Consider getting anti-reflective, scratch-resistant coatings for longevity
Embracing Trend-Forward Options
If you view eyewear as a fashion accessory that changes with the seasons:
- Consider having multiple more affordable pairs
- Look for current trends like oversized frames, bold colors, or unique materials
- Check out limited-edition designer collaborations
- Consider online retailers that offer budget-friendly options
Remember that even trendy frames should still complement your face shape—a trendy frame that flatters you will always look better than a classic frame that doesn’t suit your features.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if frames fit me properly?
Properly fitting frames should sit comfortably on your nose without sliding, the temples should rest gently against your head without pressure, your eyes should be centered in the lenses, and the width of the frames should roughly match the width of your face. The top of the frames should follow your eyebrow line or sit just below it, and the bottom rim shouldn’t rest on your cheeks when you smile.
Can I wear trendy oversized frames if I have a small face?
Yes, but with some adjustments. Look for “oversized” frames that are scaled for smaller faces—many brands now offer these. The key is proportion: the frames should look large on your face without extending beyond your facial width or resting on your cheeks. Choose lightweight materials and thinner profiles to prevent them from overwhelming your features.
Should my eyebrows be visible above my frames?
Ideally, yes. The most flattering position is usually to have your frames follow your eyebrow line, with your eyebrows either partially visible above the frames or completely visible. This creates a natural frame for your eyes and maintains facial expression. However, some trendy oversized styles intentionally cover the eyebrows for a bold look.
How many pairs of glasses should I own?
While one pair can certainly work, having at least two pairs offers flexibility: perhaps one in a classic style for professional settings and another that’s more expressive for casual wear. Many eyeglass wearers eventually build a wardrobe of frames for different occasions, outfits, or moods—just as they would with shoes or other accessories.
Are there frames that work well for all face shapes?
Aviators, medium-sized oval frames, and walnut-shaped frames tend to be universally flattering across most face shapes. These styles offer enough structure to complement angular faces while having sufficient curves to soften square or rectangular faces. However, the size and specific proportions should still be adjusted based on your individual features.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect eyeglasses for your face shape is both an art and a science. While the guidelines I’ve shared provide a solid starting point, don’t be afraid to trust your instincts when a pair simply feels right. The perfect frames should make you feel confident and look like a natural extension of your personal style.
Remember that trying on frames in person is invaluable—what looks great in theory might not translate to your unique features. Many optical retailers now offer virtual try-on tools as well, which can be helpful for initial exploration.
Ultimately, the right glasses should draw attention to your eyes and enhance your natural features rather than dominating your face. They should feel like you—only better. Which style will you try first to complement your unique face shape?
