Here are some guidelines to help you choose a frame style and colour that looks good on your face:

• work out your face shape to find the best frame styles - the frame shape should contrast with your face shape and not mirror it
• the frame size should be in scale with your face
• consider your complexion (skin tone) to find the best frame colours - the frame colour should compliment your complexion and not contrast it

Remember though, these are not rules cast in stone - they are just guidelines. If you want to make a fashion statement and stand out from the crowd, just throw the rule book out and go for it!

Face shape

Face shapes can change over time due to a number of factors such as age, weight gain/loss and even a hair style. Listed below are the most common shapes.  It is possible that your face may not fit exactly into any one category and may be a combination of shapes.  Most people, however, will fit into one of the major categories which include:

OVAL

Oval is the most common face shape, it is generally balanced in proportion but is longer than it is wide. Slightly narrower at the jaw line than at the temples, with a gently rounded hairline.

Try
Frames which are as wide as the broadest part of your face. Rounded and rectangular frames will suit this face.

Avoid
Small or large oval shaped frames that mirror the shape of your face.

ROUND

Round face has curved lines, soft features and rounded jaw line and hairline. The width and length are usually in almost equal proportions.

Try
To make your face appear thinner and longer, try angular frames such as elongated ovals or rectangles and frames that are wider than they are deep.

Avoid
Small or large round frames that mirror the shape of your face.

SQUARE

Square face has strong distinctive jawbones and usually an equally square hairline. Broad forehead with the width and length in almost equal proportions.

Try
Frames that are narrow and wider such as ovals and soft rectangular shapes will help soften your features. Frames with a high side position will add length to your face.

Avoid
Square styles and any frames that are wider than your face.

RECTANGULAR

Long and slender, rectangular face is longer than it is wide with strong chin and defined cheekbones.

Try
Larger oval frames that extend beyond the temple with the sides positioned in the middle of the frame will make your face appear shorter and more balanced.

Avoid
Small rectangular styles as they will make your face appear longer.

HEART / BASE-UP TRIANGLE

Wider forehead that narrows gradually to a slightly pointed or rounded chin.

Try
Rectangular shapes in light or rimless frames will balance your face.

Avoid
Frames which are heavy and wide at the top.

BASE-DOWN TRIANGLE

This face has a dominant jaw line that tapers or narrows toward the cheeks and temples.

Try
Frames heavily accented with colour and detailing on the top half or cat's-eye shapes.  Semi rimless frames are a good choice.

Avoid
Frames heavily accented with colour and detailing on the bottom half.

DIAMOND

Not as common as other face shapes, this face shape is more angular. It is widest at the temples with wide cheeks, and narrow forehead and jaw line.

Try
Oval and cat's-eye frames will soften the angles of your cheekbones. Try frames that have detailing or distinctive brow lines.  All rimless glasses are also a good choice.

Avoid
Rectangular and round shaped frames.

Complexion

Skin tone is the primary element in determining colouring. Most people have either a cool (blue-based), warm (yellow-based) or dark skin colouring. As a rule, everyone looks best in his or her own colour base and so frame colour that complements your personal colouring will generally look better.

Cool Complexion
Choose lightweight metal frames, rimless and semi-rimless styles which all suit cool complexions, or try those with a hint of colour such as amber, silver, rose/pink, blue, or lilac shades. Styles with a side pattern will create impact.

Warm Complexion
Choose silver, gold or clear frames as well as copper, red, orange, bronze, yellow and green shades.

Dark complexion
All metallic frames in copper, bronze, silver, gun or black suit dark skins and amber works well too. Be careful with bright colours for dark complexions unless you want to make an impact.

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If you are still not sure about what frames might suit you, visit our fitting room where you can try most of our frames online by uploading a photograph of yourself from your computer.  That way you can see what you will look like in a range of different styles and experiment with various shapes and colours.

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