How to choose the right sunglasses for your face

Let’s start at the beginning. Before we even look at face shapes, there are a few key rules to think about:

1. The size of sunglasses should be in scale with the size of your face. If you have a small face, go for small sunglasses. If you have a large face, you can work larger sunglasses. If your face is particularly petit, children’s sunglasses can look perfectly proportioned.
2. If, instead of balancing your features, you would rather draw attention, do the opposite of balancing. For example, if you are elfin and dainty, oversized sunglasses will make you look even more elfin and dainty. If you want to exaggerate your chiselled jaw, strong and angular shades will do the trick.
3. Big or wide noses should avoid plastic or moulded frames, which will often sit too high on the face. Instead, opt for a pair with adjustable nose pads that you can tailor to sit perfectly.
4. Crooked noses or lopsided ears are surprisingly common. Lopsided ears especially are an affliction you would be oblivious to until you discover sunglasses don’t seem to sit straight. Adjustable nose pads can be tweaked to iron out any small differences.
5. There is a debate as to whether sunglasses should cover eyebrows, rest on them or just below them, but the truth is it’s all about preference; go with whatever feels comfortable.

Deciding your Face Shape

To flatter your features, contrast the shape of your face with the shape of your sunglasses. In other words, if you have a round face, wear angular sunglasses. People’s faces can be a combination of different shapes, so use this information more as a guide.

Oval Face

As the most equal of the face shapes, there is less balancing to do on oval faces. With a chin slightly narrower than the forehead and high cheekbones, almost any style works well.

Frames to suit:

• Practically all frames look great on oval face shapes.

• Angular frames that add an edge to soft curves work particularly well.

Frames to boot:

• Oversized sunnies, avoid going too wide.

Round Face

If the width and length of the face are the same, you have a typical round shape.  The perfect sunglasses will make your face look longer and thinner.

Frames to suit:

• Square or angular frames to offset curves.

• Deep lenses make the face appear thinner.

• Oversized glasses.

Frames to boot:

• Small or short frames that accentuate the size of the face.

• Glasses should be the same width or wider than the diameter of the face.

Heart Face

Scarlett Johansson - a famous hearts shape

Acknowledged as the most desirable face shape, the heart suits any style of sunglasses. Soft and rounded, the heart face is narrow at the chin, wider towards the cheekbones and rounds off towards the hairline.

Frames to suit:

• Take your pick!

Frames to boot:

• It is very rare for a style not to suit a heart shape, just follow the size rules.

Square Face

Angular features on a strong jaw line and wide forehead define the square shape. Typically masculine, women with this shape should try feminine coloured lenses or decorative frames.
Frames to suit:

• Oval and round frames.

Frames to boot:

• Oblong and square frames.

Triangular Face

This face has a narrow jaw that broadens at the cheeks up to a wide forehead, usually with accentuated cheekbones. 
Frames to suit:

• Semi-rimless or top-heavy frames.

• Aviator shapes.

Frames to boot:

• Particularly narrow frames; wider styles look best on triangle face shapes.

Diamond Face

This angular shape is characterised by dramatic cheekbones on a small forehead and chin. Sunglass styles should be no wider than the top of the cheekbones.

Frames to suit:

• Curvy and rounded frames.

• Rimless lenses.

Frames to boot:

• Narrow frames, diamond faces suit larger sunglasses.

Oblong Face

A long, narrow face, widening and shortening balance the oblong shaped face. Because the nose on an oblong face is usually longer and bigger, take heed of the rules above on larger noses.

Frames to suit:

• Decorative styles add width.

• Tall frames shorten.

Frames to boot:

• Avoid frames that are too narrow, angular or short.

With the weather steadily improving, the first few rays of sun are here, reminding us that summer is finally just around the corner. This is the best time of year for buying your sunglasses for the coming season, letting you stay one step ahead of all the fashion trends that will be arriving on your doorstep before you know it. However, making your choice of sunglasses for the year ahead is far from straight forward, with everyone having very different ideas of what they are looking for. Here is a brief overview to help you decide.

Wayfarers

Wayfarers Sunglasses

First up are probably the most popular sunglasses in the world: the Ray-Ban Wayfarers. This is a retro model that has only increased in popularity since they first came to the market as long ago as the 1950s. With the release of the New Wayfarer to stand alongside the Original, the Wayfarer models are bound to be seen a great deal for a long time yet, and for very good reason too. Recently both models have been rereleased with a multitude of different colours and even unusual Rare Prints, meaning we have a very colourful summer ahead of us.

Aviators

Aviator Sunglasses

Second to the table simply has to be another Ray-Ban: the world-famous aviators! The classic style of the RB 3025 was first designed for fighter pilots but luckily you don’t have to be one to wear them. The style has since become probably the most recognizable design of any pair of sunglasses ever made! Although these are available with a number of different tints and frame colourings, similar models, such as Police aviators are a great alternative to consider this summer.

Glamour Look

Glamour Look Sunglasses

If Ray-Bans aren’t your thing, then why not have a look at some really eye-catching, glamorous frames. Dolce & Gabbana, Bvlgari and Persol are just a few of the top brands to have really conquered this side of glasses and sunglasses, and they have plenty of new releases that are bound to make a big impression in 2011. We just love the oversized lenses that yell: paparazzi, beware! whether you are really on the run from the cameras or not.

Pop Style

Pop-Style sunglasses

Our final prediction for upcoming trends in 2011 has to be a return of pop sunglasses. These bright, funky frames are going to be extremely popular for as long as manufacturers are making sunglasses. They simply have a love of life, fashion and summer written all over them and always make a great impression.

Photos are copyright of misterspex.co.uk

House of Harlow 1960 – Nicole Richie

House of Harlow 1960 is one label to be massively on trend with big sunglasses hailing from the era of its name.  The label owned and designed by Nicole Richie launches this week, the pre-order of  their oversized sunglasses, available to purchase online at BunnyHug.

Nicole Richie, House of Harlow 1960

Superb Sunglasses

The latest trend of oversized sunglasses has become hugely popular with the Hollywood set such as Catherine Zeta-Jones and Mary Kate Olsen, emulating the glamour of the 1960′s and 70′s.  But Nicole Richie has to be the queen of the trend, she “is among the most popular stars who wear oversized sunglasses. In fact, she continuously wears the biggest sunglasses never seen in Hollywood before.” (Source: VogueWear online.)

House of Harlow 1960, oversized sunglasses at Bunnyhug

Pre-order from Bunnyhug a fresh faced fashion online boutique for delivery week commencing 20th August. The gorgeous sunglasses will only set you back £85. Perfect style for a reasonable price.