Ever had that experience where you’re in a restaurant with your friends, you all begin to look at the menu and your arms meet in the middle of the table? It happened to me last year and we all laughed so much. The sudden realization that a group of friends were all at that same place in life – we suddenly needed reading glasses because our arms simply weren’t long enough any more. Off I went and visited the optician and then came the fun part – choosing the frames! Glasses are such an amazing accessorising opportunity, drawing people’s attention to your eyes which are always beautiful.
Our attitude to specs has changed so much and many of us now see them as Image Eyewear and a fashion accessory rather than merely a tool to help us see. But choosing them can be a nightmare for many of us and we lack confidence about what is often a major purchase. We need to understand not only the shape of our face but also the colours that will complement us and allow people to see our eyes looking sparkling behind the lenses. When we know these things then we are far happier choosing the frames because we are sure the end result will be wonderful and flattering to us. After all specs are with us for a bit once we’ve got them and they’re not cheap! So mistakes are just not an option.
If you look under the surface, the unspoken language of clothes suggests that glasses, as a key accessory are one of the main things that date us. You doubt this? Take a look at some old family photos, it’s the hairstyles and glasses for the men – the suits can be timeless! A good suggestion is to review your choice of glasses every two years; not necessarily to change them, but consider them in an objective light and ask if they’re still current or making you look dated.
Face shape is vital and you need to consider the balance of your face and the frame. If you have a long face then try fuller frames with outward interest. Equally proportioned faces such as squares, rounds or ovals could try frames that are wider than they are deep, like a cat’s eye, but be careful not to match the shape of your face. If your face is wider at the top like a heart, diamond or inverted triangle. You could try frames that have lower outward width. Usually these face shapes suit finer lighter frames. Whereas those of you whose faces that are wider at the jaw line, for instance, the pears and triangles, should choose specs that emphasise your eyes area and balance the width of the frame with the jaw. You can really afford to make a statement with your frames!
When it comes to colour knowing your own colour palette really helps of course. Some of us look better in bright bold colours and others of us need soft muted shades to harmonise with our natural colouring so the depth is really important. We want to see your eyes and not just your glasses so getting the balance right is key to looking good.
At House of Colour we have recently started having spectacle sessions with Maria our optician who brings a fabulous collection of Parisian frames from the designers La Font.