The Ultimate Sunglasses Guide: How To Make A Statement With Your Shades
SUNGLASSES - GUIDE - STYLE
Published On: June 14, 2016
They’re a summer essential; an absolute necessity to shield your eyes from the blazing sun. But let’s face it: that’s not why we love ‘em. Sunglasses, in whatever form, can be oh-so-stylish that they transform any ordinary look. Think about it - from Audrey Hepburn to the Olsen twins, sunglasses have integral to iconic looks.
Here’s how you can make your own fashion statements with your choice of sunglasses. Follow our step-by-step guide and you’ll be turning heads in no time.
Step 1: Determine Your Face Type
Aren’t all faces oval...ish? Nope! Any fashion guru and they’d give you anything from four to ten different face types to work your makeup, hat and sunglass styles around. So how do you find your own? Just take a selfie your face and try to draw an outline of it. What does it look most like? An oval, a square, round, or heart shaped?
You could also use one of the many guides online to compare your face shape with.
Step 2: Choose The Right Frame For Your Face
Now we’re getting to Sunglasses 101. Don’t think this one out too much - the experts have spoken, and all you need to do is take a hint.
Round: Since your face is naturally full, it’s best to introduce some angles to complement it. Try rectangular or square-shaped frames, or an oversized pair with angular edges. Be a little wary of proportions—frames too small or too large might end up emphasizing the roundness of your face
Square: Yup, you guessed it: do the opposite. For square-shaped faces, round does the trick. Oval frames, too, add a nice softness to your face. If you have a strong jawline, go for top-heavy shades to balance the attention.
Oval: You’re the lucky one. The most versatile face shape, oval goes with most sunglass types--aviators, cat eye, oversized—you name it. Have fun, but think about proportion too.
Heart/Triangle: If your chin is way narrower than your forehead, this is you. Try shades that mimic that shape. Aviators and cat eyes are just perfect.
Step 3: Try On Every Pair
Did we just give you a rule and ask you to break it? Hell yeah! Fashion is all about experimenting, once you’ve got your basics down. Sure, the list says you’re slated for cat eye, but you never know how you’d turn out with aviators until you try. Plus, they’ve got so many unique shapes in stores today, that you’re bound to look different in each. Have fun trying on different pairs and go with your instincts.
Step 4: Pick One For Every Style
Why stop at one pair? Quality sunglasses are
not so hard to find on a budget, so go crazy. Buy a handful of them— one for each of your signature looks. Here are some ideas on how to build your sunglasses collection:
The Basics: Black/ Neutral In Your Safe Shape
One or two pairs of your most flattering shape of sunglasses is a must. You can never go wrong with a black or brown; they’re bound to match most of your regular outfits.
The Retro: Round With Green Or Yellow Lens
It’s always fun to add a 60s- or 70s-esque vibe to your outfits. We can’t think of a more subtle and chic way to do it than with your shades. A pair of round Lennon shades in a groovy color can be just the right pair to mix up your collection.
The Quirky: Weird Shapes/ Pop Colored Frames
These are great for when you want to make a bold fashion statement. Always be on the lookout for that striking—or, maybe, downright weird—pair of shades to add an element of whimsy to your look. Even regular frames in candy colors could do the trick.
The Fabulous: ~Bling~
Nothing adds oomph to your ensemble like some good old bling. Now, blinged out sunglasses—that’s a whole other level of fierce. Oversized oval frames and cat eyed ones look the best bedazzled. If those aren’t your shapes, don’t fret. A little bling doesn’t hurt any shape whatsoever.
The Hipster: Tortoise Shell Frames In Clubmaster/ Wayfarer Style
When you’re going for an effortlessly cool look, it’s hipster all the way. Tortoise shell or camo frames could give you the look you’re going for in a jiffy. Wayfarers and clubmaster are what the cool kids are wearing, and it wouldn’t hurt to own a pair of each to play around with.
Step 5: Bonus
The best advice we could give you about acing your sunglass game is to wear them as a habit, and not an afterthought. Factor your shades into your outfit planning, and see how stylish it turns out!
Another thing to consider is to have options while you travel. It’s nice to have 3 or at least 2 pairs to choose from to go with your holiday outfits.
Always take great care of your sunglasses, because even a tiny scratch could ruin them. Store them in separate boxes, whether at home or while travelling. Keep a wipe cloth handy to clean them when necessary. Never use paper or abrasive fabrics, or you might end up with a scratch.