The Best Women's Sunglasses for Your Face Shape

A good pair of sunglasses does more than block the sun - it adds the finishing touch to an outfit, and the right pair can work in many ways. It's fun to experiment with styles. Just remember that, unlike anything else you wear, sunglasses can transform your face. Learn to use that for good, not for bad.

When you shop for sunglasses, it's best to start by identifying your face shape. Some sellers point out which styles work best for particular face shapes, but it helps to develop your own critical eye.

If you struggle to identify your face shape, you're not alone. Faces are often a combination, and they transform a little as you get older, gain or lose weight, or change your hairstyle. But there is a basic shape to your face, and matching it with the right pair of sunglasses can work wonders.

Round face shape

A round face is about as wide as it is long. When choosing sunglasses for a round face, the first rule is not to overdo it. A little curve is fine, but aviator-shape lenses flatter more than fully round shapes, while oval sunglasses create the illusion of width. Rounder faces look best avoiding large round lenses in metal frames, which emphasise the face's dimensions. A small detail at the temples helps the face look longer, as do lighter-coloured frames. Retro beige frames with green lenses can look wonderful. Classic Wayfarers in colourful acetate with gradient lenses add some elegant angles.

Oval face shape

If you were born with this classic face shape, you can wear almost any style of sunglasses. You don't need to worry about frames being too big or too small, too round or too square. No style is too much for your face - though it may be too funky for your sense of style. A classic oval face with high cheekbones looks equally good in small oval lenses or big, chunky square Hollywood frames, and in large square sunglasses in deeper tones. Experiment with aviators, mask styles and 70s vintage until you find a look - or a few looks - that capture your spirit.

Square face shape

Like a round face, a square face is about as wide as it is tall, but with a square jawline. Aviator sunglasses with a metal bridge that visually splits the face create the illusion of a longer nose and profile. Rounder lenses in metal or rimless frames make the face look longer, while large oversized dark sunglasses in the Jackie O style tend to emphasise angular jaws and can cover smaller faces.

Heart-shaped face

A heart-shaped face has a wide forehead that narrows to a pointed chin. The right shades can help balance that narrow chin with the wider forehead. Look for rounder sunglasses to soften the face at the cheekbones. Cat-eye sunglasses work best when they are smaller and darker; oversized cat-eyes overwhelm the face and draw attention up to the forehead. If you have a heart-shaped face, try minimising the width of the top half with lighter or rimless frames. Retro frames with round lenses in lighter colours, and aviators with pink mirror lenses, look great too.

Oblong face shape

An oblong face is at least twice as long as it is wide - a long oval. If that describes you, you can comfortably wear those big, bold styles that would swallow a smaller face. A tip: avoid emphasising the narrowness with narrow horizontal frames or tiny circular John Lennon lenses. A big pair of cat-eye sunglasses can work well, as can the classic Wayfarer. Oversized styles with low bridges and wraparound sport shapes that hug the face - like Maui Jim sunglasses and Oakley masks - look wonderful. Just make sure the glasses don't extend far past your hairline.

One more thing...

Sunglasses don't have to work on their own. You can change your face shape quite dramatically with hats and hairstyles, opening up all kinds of options for the perfect sunglasses. Obviously, these are only tips. Don't hesitate to try anything you like. If a particular style attracts you, experiment a little. In the end, it's all about what makes you feel best when you step out into the sun.