Ask Angie and all: New specs - YouLookFab Forum

I've started looking for new specs. My old ones feel like I'm looking too strict, too severe, and I worry that I look like a very stern teacher in specs, particularly when wearing my hair up. Thus, I'm after a softer, more approachable look. I also want the specs to harmonize with my general appearance, of course.

What I want is a pair that is modern, feminine, in classic style, and with NO adornments. No logos, no bling, no nothing. A little metal is fine. I've decided that I want a pair in plastic, not metal because I think that my specs should show a little attitude, and I find plastic to be more fashion forward at the moment.

What do you think of these? Color, size, soft/stern etc? Thank you for looking - all input is very valuable to me.

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13 years ago

Mona

Veteran

Ingunn, I am no expert in this but I think plastic frames in a lighter colour will give you a softer look than these. Also, try and tease some strands of hair around your face for a softer look. I stuggle with the same issue when I put my hair up in a bun. I have found that side swept bangs help a lot with keeping this look more feminine and approachable.

Dana

(website)

My first reaction was that they're not quite as chic as you are. I really like your style and it seems like you need something with even a bit more wow, even if it's very subtle. Maybe they're a tiny bit big? I wear glasses, so I know it's hard to find a pair you just know you'll love in the long run, but this pair just isn't as special as you are..

texstyle

I also agree that a lighter frame shade would be nice for your light coloring. Are you able to find anything very light? I know it's hard as frames have to fit so many criteria (comfort, size, shape, material, etc.) I feel like I could see you in a very pale clear blue frame - but I realize that would not be as neutral and it's only a hunch.

Kalli

Active Member

Since I have to wear specs (albeit, only for my desk monkey computer work), I find specs difficult to pick. You need to try on many, take lots of photos. These here aren't particularily chic. I wouldn't shy away from branding, since my hair covers mine. I have a cross between plastic and metal (has adjustable nose pads for comfort) but the frame itself is plastic.

If not, you can always try Warby Parker. I hear they may have what you are looking for.

sarah

I like these. I only wonder if the bottom of the frame dips down a bit too low for the size of your eyes.

Jenava

I like the shape of these and I do like the metal. I agree with others that it might be nice to see these in a lighter colored frame.

Ingunn

Thank you for chiming in! I think the photos are somewhat misleading in regards of color value. The frames are really not very dark IRL. They are more medium than dark value. I've tried several pairs with lighter frames, and they look really off on me.

Anonymous

Can you post some pictures of your current specs? I've forgotten what size and shape they are. I am also looking for some plastic/acetate frames with no bling or logos and they are few and far between.

I think the color value of these is good, they don't look too dark at all on you. I like the shape in general, but it does look a tiny bit deep (of course I'm used to looking at the small, rectangular frames that have been in style for so long).

Suz

These don't look too dark to me, Ingunn. I quite like the colour on on, but agree with Claire, however, that they look a little bit deep for your face. And somehow they are lacking that *pop* that makes them WOW. So they end up looking good, but not fantastic, IMO. They feel a bit on the safe side, somehow. I hope it is okay to say that! (ducks)

Angie

Fashion Stylist

The shape is excellent!! Very flattering. Well done! They are more classic than modern though - which is not a problem of course. It just depends on *how* modern you want to go. And retro specs are modern too.

I also like the colour

Angie, thank you! I's good to know that you think these are a good choice for me. I'm not sure about how modern I want to go. I feel that a lot of specs could look fun in the heat of the moment, but they are so *visible* in my face that I need to really be comfortable with wearing them at all times. So - I guess classic is a better choice for me. Have to ponder a bit on that.

Okay, thanks, everyone! You're not making this easy for me:) My family actually said that these are the best looking glasses I've ever had, and they loved them on me. In general, I don't like wearing specs at all, but it seems that my eyesight now requires more specs and less contacts.

I prefer to be on the safer side in my choices because the expenses involved are considerable, and I need to like these at least for a couple of years, probably more. I could look for another pair in a fresher color (had something with a hint of red in mind), but I think I need a pair that are classic, neutral but at least a little fashion forward. Larger frames are all the rage here now, and these are quite moderate in that manner. I agree that I could do better, but I have of course already been trying a lot of specs, and it is really difficult to find a pair that tics all the boxes.

By the way - I will still be wearing contacts when I dress up for social events, probably, so these are mostly meant for work.

For some perspective - My specs are ALL 5 to 8 years old. They still look modern, retro and up to date.

Transcona Shannon

I really like these for you Ingunn - they are modern but will not date or go out of style quickly. Like a hybrid between "modern" and "classic". The shape is lovely on you, your eyes are perfectly centered in the lense and the topline of the glasses follow your brow shape beautifully.

Angie - I will go to the archives and study your specs. Having the same pair for 8 years and still like them would be wonderful! I never seem to become at peace with mine.

Shannon, thank you! I hope you're right. I quite like them, too, and that is not my general feelings about my specs

deb

I really like the way these mimic the shape of your brows. And I like the color, it does not seem harsh to me.

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