Buying Guide

Step 3: Bonus Tips

You've learned the frame shape rules and you know what frame colors will compliment your best features. Here are some bonus frame buying tips to help you pull it all together.

  • Center your eyes in the frame: Regardless of the shape of the frame, your eyes should be centered horizontally and vertically within the lens openings of the frame.

  • Wear your contact lenses when shopping for new frames: Sometimes frames that look great up close disappear when seen from a distance in a full length mirror. Look at your frames from different angles. Although you see your frames from the front, others see you from all angles.

  • Avoid "all-purpose" eyewear: Imagine shopping for shoes that you could wear to a nice restaurant, walk around the lake in and wear to work on Monday. One-size fits all is limiting! The same holds true for your eyewear. If you already have a classic frame that you wear to work, look to complement this with a second pair that shows a different side of your personality.

  • Bring along a style savvy friend: With so many beautiful styles to choose from, you may find a number of frames that you like equally well. An extra set of stylish eyes can help you select the pair you'll really love. A skilled optical stylist can help you make the final big decision!

  • Try on wider frames: Many people wear specs that are too narrow for their face. Their eyes may be centered but the narrow width of the frames constricts the face. You want a shape that “opens up” the face, so add a little width to the top outside corners of the frames.

  • Match the scale of the frames with your facial features: Bold, oversize frames are dramatic and fabulous, but that doesn't mean they will work for you. A smaller face will be overwhelmed my thick, chunky frames. That same person can still wear bold frames if they choose a refined version of a chunky style.