We’ve put together the go-to-guide to finding the best sunglasses for your face shape with expert tips from celeb stylist Rachel Matthews Burton.
Above image courtesy of Leda and St. Jacques.
As the transition from spring to summer rapidly approaches, you need to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays-and look fashion-forward while doing it. "Sunglasses can make an incredibly strong statement about your style," says Rachel Matthews Burton, a Toronto-based celeb stylist.
Ideally, the perfect pair of sunglasses will complement your face shape, facial features and your personal style. We've put together the go-to-guide to finding the right sunglasses for you.
But first things first-if you're unsure about how to define your face shape, Matthews Burton has a fun way to find out. "Take an old lipstick, look in a mirror and draw the outline of your face," she suggests. "Whatever outline you see should give you the shape of your face." But, as she adds, " It's not only about the shape of the sunglasses, it's also about the scale-meaning the size of the lens, the size of the frame itself and the size of your features." Colour is another key factor. "Think about how you wear your makeup. If you're very fair, it's unlikely that you would plaster on heavy, dark makeup. The same principle applies to sunglasses."
Rectangular cat-eye sunglasses on a round shaped face. Image courtesy of ImaxTree.com.
IF YOU HAVE A ROUND FACE SHAPE ...
Wear: Sunglasses with a rectangular or square frame.
Avoid: Sunglasses with a round frame such as oversized sunglasses, tea shades and aviators.
Expert Tips: Women with round faces should wear sunglasses with a rectangular or square frame to contrast the roundness of her face. If you want to push that rule, Matthews Burton suggests opting for a pair of wayfarers because they have a flat top.
Aviator-like sunglasses on a square shaped face. Image courtesy of ImaxTree.com.
IF YOU HAVE A SQUARE FACE SHAPE ...
Wear: Sunglasses with a round frame like oversized sunglasses, cat-eye sunglasses, tea shades and aviators.
Avoid: Sunglasses with a rectangular or square frame.
Expert Tips: "If you have a very square face you want to offset it with a rounder frame to soften up the edges of your face" says Matthews Burton.
Read on for finding the best shades for oval, heart and oblong face shapes.
