The World of Eyeglass Frames
Welcome to a whole new world! There are so many different types and styles of eyeglass frames, you could never try them all on. At Lifetime Vision Care we maintain a comprehensive selection for all age groups and activity levels. We offer designer and high fashion frames as well as attractive styles for the budget-conscious.
Getting to Know Your Taste
Need help picking out a new pair of glasses? Most people do. So, what's your best move? Where can you find the frame that is exactly right for your face? Do you settle for whatever your insurance pays for? Do you just get whatever Mom says to get? Do you let your wife pick them out? -Or maybe you crave fashion- You need "WOW!"- You want the trendiest styles? - You are going to need help!
At Lifetime Vision Care, we have expert stylists with years of experience to assist you, so you'll never have to "go it alone" and hope that you make the right choice. For a some insight into how our professionals assist you, we have prepared the following short course in eyewear selection just for you.
Lesson One: Frame Styles and Manufacturers
Getting to know the styles that move you is our first lesson. The web links below are loaded with detailed information about our manufacturers' styles. Try each link to get an "up close and personal" look at the some of the best frame designers from around the world. Take your time and study up. There won't be a pop-quiz, but the "final exam" is how the world responds to the choices that you'll make!
brands: Marchon, CK, Fendi, Airlock, Disney, Coach, Flexon, Michael Kors, Nautica, Nike
brands: Armani, Bottega Veneta, Boss, Boucheron, Carrera, Chesterfield, Diesel, Deor, Fossil, Gucci, Kate Spade, JLO, Juicy Couture, Claiborne, Marc Jacobs, Max Mara, Nine West, Ralph Lauren, Saks, Safilo, Valentino, Yves St. Laurent
Clearvision: www.cvoptical.com
brands: BCBG, Clearvision, Ellen Tracy, Izod, Izod Performx, OP, Fisher-Price,
brands: Sigrid Olsen, Tommy Bahama, Joseph Abboud, United Colors of Benetton, Revlon, Altair brands
Lesson Two: What shape of face do you have?
The shape of your face is the single largest factor to consider in choosing a frame. Some general rules apply here. We usually want to avoid frames that mimic the shape of your face--so, no square frames for square faces, and probably no round frames for round faces. The frame shape should contrast with, and compliment, the shape of your face.
So, what if you're not sure of the shape? How can you figure it out?
First begin by looking in the mirror. Try to picture a dot on either side of your forehead, eyebrow, cheek, jaw and chin. Then, visually connect the dots. You could also physically draw the same dots on a photograph and connect the dots. While most faces are a combination of shapes and angles, there are seven basic face shapes: round, oval, oblong, base-down triangle, base-up triangle, diamond and square. Below is a further description of these face shapes and which types of frames might work for each. One or more of these may apply to you, but understanding the principles here will take you in the right direction. At our office, stylists will analyze your face shape and use these guidelines to help you select the perfect eyeglasses.
Round
A round face has curved lines with the width and length in nearly the same proportion and no sharp angles. To make the round face appear thinner and longer, we recommend you try angular narrow eyeglass frames to lengthen the face, a clear bridge that widens the eyes and frames that are wider than they are deep, such as a rectangular shape.
Oval
The oval face is considered to be almost the ideal shape because of its balanced proportions. Most frame styles can be adapted to this face shape.To keep the oval's natural balance, look for eyeglass frames that are as wide as the broadest part of the face, and not simply too large or small. Selecting for this face style may be more about the details, color and finish of the frame than about the shape.
Oblong
The oblong face is longer than it is wide and has a long straight cheek line and sometimes a longish nose. To make the face appear shorter and more balanced, you will wnat to try frames that have a deep top-to-bottom dimension. Wide or decorative contrasting temples will add width to the face. A fairly large, double bar, or low bridge to will appear to shorten the nose.
Base-Down Triangle
The triangular face has a narrow forehead that widens toward the bottom at the cheek and chin areas. To add width and emphasize the narrow upper third of the face, you will want to try frames that are a bit heavier at the sides. Heavily accented with color and perhaps some detailing on the top half or cat-eye (harlequin) shapes can also be beneficial.
Base-Up Triangle
This face has a very wide top third and small bottom third, with usually a angular or sometimes pointed chin. To minimize the angular nature of the face, styles that are more rounded will help. To minimize the width of the top of the face, you will want to try frames that are a bit wider at the bottom, and narrower at the top. Dark frames usually do not do well for this shape and light colors and materials work better. Rimless frame styles do well.
Diamond
Diamond-shaped faces are narrower above the brow line and jawline, and cheekbones are often high and dramatic. Most shapes will work well as long as they are not too large and hide the cheekbones. You'll want to try frames that have artistic detailing or distinctively shapes brow lines. Rimless frames, oval or even cat-eye shapes can work well.
Square
A square face has a wide, strong jaw line and a broad forehead, plus the width and length are in the nearly the same proportion. To make the square face look longer and soften the angles, we try frames that have more width than depth and narrow ovals. Although this shape can sometimes use a round frame, additional detailing may help to soften the severe look of a round frame.
Lesson 3: Frame Size - Is Bigger Better?
Or is Small the Best of All?
Another important aspect of selecting your best frame is to consider the scale or size of the frame. A person with a large face generally needs a larger frame overall. We recommend that you select a frame that is wide enough for your face.
How to tell? When trying on a frame, take note, "do the temples (the part that connects to the ears) simply go straight back to the ears, or do they have to spread out?" A frame that is too narrow will spread, one that is too wide will do the opposite. Sometimes this is very hard to tell for yourself. Our stylists will advise you on scale and size.
One final point: scale styling is often widely different for sunwear than for clear prescription eyewear. Big sunglasses often function better and make a stronger statement.
Your lesson is now complete.
Are you ready to select the perfect frame? Call us at 727-345-4035 to set up an appointment with our frame sylists, -and you might want to get your eyes examined too!