How to Select Eyeglass Frames

Overview

Look at selecting eyeglass frames not as an obligation, but as a chance to pick out a fun new accessory. Your selection of frames to choose from might be limited by your prescription (not all frames work well with all prescriptions) and your lifestyle (if you're active, you'll need sturdy frames), but you should still able to find a style that complements your face and plays up your best features.

Step 1

Look for frames that are proportional to your face size. If you have a small face, you need small frames. If you have a large face, you will want large frames. Look for frames that complement your best feature. If you want to play up your eyes or your hair, get frames that match them in color. If you don't want to echo your hair or eye color, select frames that match colors you wear in your clothing.

Step 2

Narrow your choices down to frames that contrast with your face shape. If you have an oval or round face, look for angular frames in square or rectangular shapes. Anyone with a square, rectangular or oblong-shaped face should look for oval lens shapes. If you have a heart-shaped face with a wide forehead and narrow chin, look for narrow, round frames or low-set temples to pull attention down and balance your face.

Step 3

Put the frames on, one at a time, and look in a mirror. Make sure that the tops of the frames are no higher than the bottom of your eyebrows and the center of the lenses is just below eye level; if you tilt your head back slightly and look down your nose at the mirror, your eyes should appear to be in the middle of the lenses. Make sure the glasses don't stick out past your head on the sides.

Step 4

Smile. Do your cheeks touch or rub against the bottom of the frames? If so, the frames either sit too low---your optometrist might be able to adjust the nose pads to raise them for you---or they're too large.