Step 1: Learn The Frame Shape Rules
Choosing the perfect frame can be fun or frustrating depending on whether you know the rules. Follow these simple steps and your hunt for the perfect frames will be a success.
Stand in front of a mirror and use an erasable marker or tube of lipstick to trace the outline of the shape of your face on the mirror. Draw six dots on the outline of your face. Two on each side of your forehead, your cheekbones and your jaw line.
- The Heart Shaped Face
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A heart shaped face is characterized by a wide
forehead, high cheekbones and a narrow chin. With
a heart shaped face the forehead and cheekbones
are approximately equal in width with the chin
being somewhat pointed.
- Your Strategy. Your goal is to make your forehead look narrower and add width to your jaw line. Avoid frames that draw attention to the top of the frame. Aviator and rectangular shapes work well. Try frames with mid to low temples to add balance.
- The Square Face
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A square face has a strong prominent jaw line, a
square chin and a broad forehead. The Forehead,
cheekbones and jaw line are approximately equal
in width.
- Your Strategy. The goal is to make your face appear longer, with softer curves. Round and oval frames are perfect for creating curves and softening square or angular faces. Frames with higher temples help lengthen the face. Frames should be more horizontal than vertical. Subtle, rimless frames add contrast and visual interest to a strong, square face.
- The Round Face
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A round face has equal width and length and is
characterized by soft curves, full cheeks and a
rounded chin. the round face has forehead,
cheekbones and jaw line of equal width.
- Your Strategy. The goal is to make your face appear longer and thinner. Wider, rectangular shapes will help lengthen the face. Rectangular styles create balance, add definition and make a round face look slimmer. Glasses with a high temple help to lengthen a round face. Avoid small and round shapes and very large frames which will make your face look rounder.
- The Oval Face
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An oval face is considered to be the ideal shape
because of its balanced proportions. An
oval-shaped face is characterized by high
cheekbones and a forehead which is slightly wider
than the jaw line.
- Your Strategy. An oval face can wear just about any frame shape. To keep an oval face's natural balance, look for frames that are as wide as your cheekbones. Start with rectangular or angular frames. People with oval faces often have smaller features, so make sure your frames are in proportion and don't overpower your face.
