The right sunglasses can pull together an entire summer look while also protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays. But with so many styles out there, it can be tricky to know which frames will actually flatter your specific face shape and features. Luckily, there are some easy guidelines to follow when selecting shades that will complement your unique bone structure, your eye color, and also your skin tone.
If you have a round face shape with curves and fullness in the cheeks, you'll want to look for sunglasses styles that add angles and definition. Angular frames like cat-eyes or rectangular shapes will flatter your face with their contoured look. Wider frames also help elongate and slim down rounder face shapes.
The Ray Ban Nina sunglasses feature an instantly flattering cat-eye shape and are one of our top picks. Mango’s Square Sunglasses also have an oversized square frame that provides strong, angled lines to contrast rounded features. For an edgier vibe, try the Anine Bing Indio Sunglasses — their exaggerated square shape offers sharp edges that look great against softer curves.
Overall, look for details like high-brow bars, straight lines, and sharp edges to contrast softer curves. Angular browline sunglasses or frames with prominent top bars can also give a slimming effect. Avoid rounded lenses and tiny frames since they can make full cheeks appear wider.
Those with square jaw lines and structured bone structure should look for sunglasses that provide balancing and softening effects. Rounded or oval frames help soften sharp angles, as do rimless or semi-rimless lens shapes. Cat-eye and upswept butterfly shapes also pair well with more square-shaped faces.
Great options for a softening effect include the Ray Ban Round Fleck sunglasses with their curved oval lenses. Burberry’s Monogram Motif Oversized Round Frame sunglasses also provide a flattering, face-slimming shape. For a unique take on a cat-eye, try Anthropologie’s Scallop Warm Tortoise Sunglasses with their subtly upswept silhouette.
Frames with sloping sides and feminine embellished details like crystal accents will add a nice softening contrast. But skip ultra-angular or geometric shapes that can appear harsh against bold jawlines.
The oval face shape could be considered the most versatile for frame styles since its balanced proportions are complemented by most shapes. That being said, oversized frames can tend to overwhelm narrower oval faces, so look for sunglasses with moderate coverage if you fit into that category. Rounded, rectangular, and cat-eye shapes will all look great.
Some fashion-forward options for ovals include the Anthropologie Cat-Eye sunglasses, which lean into a more retro summer vibe. Coach’s Bandit Wire Oval Sunglasses are also perfect with their timeless oval frame and wire trim detail. For a trendier look, try the Free People Groovy Square Sunnies.
Wider or embellished temples help balance out narrower chin areas. When in doubt, simple frames work for most oval faces. Steer clear of any styles that are too small and dainty for an oval shape, as they can look off balance.
Heart-shaped faces with wider cheek areas and narrower chins should look for sunglasses that provide balanced width across the bottom. Wider frames, wraparound sports styles, or bottom-heavy cat-eye shapes all create flattering looks if you fit this category.
Some of the best options include the Kate Spade Elina Sunglasses with their oversized cat-eye frames. The Loft Modern Wrap Sunglasses feature a wraparound sporty style that helps balance out broader cheeks. Or try these Burberry Cat-Eye Sunglasses for a dramatic statement shape.
Details like colored or patterned frames can also help fill in narrower jawlines. Just avoid overly narrow lenses or compact shapes that can look too small when compared to a broader forehead area.
In addition to face shape, consider how certain sunglass tints can enhance and complement your natural eye color. Those with blue eyes tend to look amazing in styles with grey lenses that make blues pop. Green or hazel eyes are accentuated by warm tortoise frames or shades with yellow or amber-tinted lenses. For brown eyes, grey and darker tinted shades will look stunning.
The colors and hues of your sunglasses should also complement your skin's undertones for the most flattering effect. Those with cool undertones like pink or red tones look best in shades like black, gray, silver, bright blues, and pinks. If you have warm olive or yellow undertones, you can easily pull off warmer tortoise, browns, greens, oranges, and reds.
Fair and cool-toned complexions will pop against black and navy blue frames. For olive or warm tones, rich browns and tortoise pair nicely. Black and tortoise remain universally flattering colors as well!
With so many fresh eyewear trends, fun shapes, and new colors in the spotlight for the season, there's a stylish frame out there to suit every face shape and skin tone. Invest in high-quality, protective lenses and focus on emphasizing your natural features. The right sunglasses have the power to elevate any look!
