For Your Eyes Only

When your outfit seems to be missing a little something, you subconsciously reach for sunglasses. Adding eyewear to an outfit is always a safe bet (or maybe a necessary case). Whether they’re sunglasses or eyeglasses, they can add a touch of intrigue and interest.

Fashion for the Face

Don’t forget your face is like a canvas too. Much like you may play with proportion and silhouette in the rest of your outfit, you shouldn’t neglect le visage. First, ground yourself in a key principle of design: visual weight. This is where the eye of the viewer is drawn to first when taking in a piece of artwork.

Using this principle will help you pinpoint the right frames that will harmonize with your overall facial features. Higher visual weight means the element is larger or irregularly shaped — anything that stands out, really. Alternatively, low visual weight features are typically smaller or rounder — they don’t create as much contrast compared to the rest of the face.

Next, consider face shape. Oval faces tend to be balanced, so a variety of frame shapes will work. Round faces can look to lengthen their features with aviator styles or highlight their softness with rounded frames. Square faces have strong cheekbones and can handle sharper shapes. Heart shaped faces can benefit from wider frames that balance out the top half of their face.

Taking into account your face shape will allow you to balance out your features. Or, you can discard all of the above and pick frames that will contrast dramatically with your facial attributes. For example, oversized frames on smaller faces make for a bold look, while sleeker glasses on faces with higher visual weight will draw out the sharp angles.

There’s really no surefire way to measure your exact visual weight — you’ll have to develop an eye for it until you find something that works.

Seeing With New Eyes

Don’t be afraid to have fun! Play around with color, frame thickness and shape. Bold colors like red, electric blue or black will add more visual weight to the face due to their ‘heavier’ appearance. Bold and eclectic sunglasses can spice up an otherwise boring outfit.

The wrap around sunglasses (these are definitely your father’s glasses) are having their moment. Don’t fear having to sport them à la Adam Sandler; these vintage frames are a favorite of the Y2k crowd but remain decidedly futuristic.

Lens tint is an overlooked, but nonetheless, key factor in pulling together your look. Colored lenses on otherwise neutral glasses can add a lot of personality. Dark colored lenses give the wearer an intriguing aura. Without a doubt, you’ll look chic and cool. Lighter colored lenses can be trickier because they have a very similar effect to eyeglasses. These can give you quite a different look due to the visibility of the eyes.

When in Doubt, the Classics

If you prefer to err on the edge of sobriety, classic frames are always a chic option. Colors can be muted earth tones or tortoiseshell if you’re feeling a tad more adventurous.

The classic Ray-Ban Wayfarer (or similar squarish style) frames are universally flattering and pull together any outfit. The similar but slightly rounded Clubmasters are equally iconic. For more styling tips, you could incorporate color analysis too.

Choose thin wire frames in metallic colors or transparent frames for a barely-there look. Clear frames for eyeglasses are a safe bet if you’re unsure which frames will look best. The transparent nature of the style doesn’t add or take away any visual weight or contrast to the face.

Glasses can easily become statement pieces. Their versatility and inherent uniqueness (because they’re fitted to you) make them a clever addition to your signature look.

Tag us @valleymag on Instagram with your favorite eyewear looks!