how to choose glasses in 10 steps
Marilyn Monroes’s scarf highlights her hair while the glasses connect our eye to her jacket: nothing left to chance.
There is a staggering selection of glasses available. Which ones reflect your personal brand and style?
You want to be 100% sure the glasses you choose, reflect your personality, highlight your beauty and add value to your presence. Although this post was originally published some years ago, choosing glasses that communicate your personal style is always relevant. They are a big time/money investment so feeling confident every time you look is the goal! Here’s how to choose specs that communicate who you are and where you’re going.
Do you want a retro look? Which era? 70’s aviator frames? 50’s cat eyes?
PERSONAL STYLE STATEMENT: define in three words how you want to show up. Your personal style guideline that keeps you focused and on track with when you feel overwhelmed by the staggering amount of choice. Narrow your statement to three words: understated. bold. extravagant. simple. classic. elegant. creative. modern. retro. strong. natural. pretty. daring. sporty. The key to buying well is to allow yourself time to think about what you want and need.
A single signature style you wear with all your outfits?
2. PHOTOS: take at least 10-15 selfies of you in glasses. Even (especially) glasses you don’t like help you decide because in photos you immediately see what is and isn’t working. And don’t feel pressured to buy immediately. Go home or to a cafe and sit and analyse. Compare how well the photos align to your style statement.
From bold accessories to elegantly minimal: which look appeals to you most?
3. CONTRAST: if you have high contrast high contrast wearing a strong color will be an inherent natural style. If your contrast is low dark glasses will appear very dramatic.
4. HAIR, EYE, SKIN COLOR: glasses in your physical colouring blend harmoniously and naturally with your face.
5. VISUAL WEIGHT: LIGHT if your hair color is light, fine and short. HEAVY if hair is dark, long and thick. It is important to understand your overall visual weight to understand if frames overwhelm or underwhelm your face.
Bold or natural? What do you want your glasses to communicate?
6. EYEBROW SHAPE: follow the shape...straight...very curvy in order to create an inherent look.
7. JAW WIDTH: create harmony by having your glasses arrive just at the widest part of your jaw or cheek
8. COLOR CONCEPT: Do you want neutral coloured glasses that effortlessly combine with everything you own? Do want more than one pair? Or are you looking to create a signature style with one particular pair?
10-15 selfies of you in glasses makes it easier to eliminate what isn’t working. And then narrow it down to the right pair.
9. FINAL PHOTO REVIEW: Remember your original intention and style statement. Drama or naturalness? Modern creativity or classic elegance?
10. LOVE: Choose glasses you love. Learn to trust your instinct. Don’t choose what you think you must. Personal style is about learning to trust that small consistent voice inside you that knows!