Though their main purpose is to help you see clearly, eyeglasses can also be a fashion statement. Finding the pair that looks best on you depends on your face shape and features. If you’re getting glasses for the first time, these tips can help you find options that are well suited to your specific look.

How Can You Determine Your Face Shape?

Picking the right eyeglasses for your face starts with determining its general shape. If you’re not sure, start by pulling your hair away from your face and looking straight ahead into a mirror. Trace the outline of your face with your finger and notice what shape it most resembles.

Common face shapes include round, oval, heart, square, and triangle. Round faces tend to be symmetrical and fairly short with soft features. Oval faces are similar but slightly longer. Heart-shaped faces aren’t as long, but they usually have chins that come to a bit of a point. Those with square faces have strong jaws and features, and triangle-shaped faces have wide cheeks but narrow foreheads.

Which Glasses Complement Each Face Shape?

As a general rule, it’s best to pick glasses that contrast with the shape of your face. For example, those with oval faces may opt for square frames. Those with round or triangular faces can choose narrow frames like cat eyes to make their faces appear longer. Heart-shaped faces tend to go best with glasses that are rimless at the bottom, since this balances out the width at the top of the face. Square faces may benefit from oval-shaped frames that soften their features and make their faces appear slightly longer.

If you’re looking for your first pair of eyeglasses, the professionals at Alexander Eye Associates & Optical in Rochester, NY, can help. The locally owned and operated ophthalmology clinic provides eye exams, glasses, contacts, and eye surgery. The whole team works hard to provide personalized care to each patient. To schedule an appointment, visit the website or call (585) 325-3070.