Question to glasses wearers... - YouLookFab Forum

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Question to glasses wearers...

gryffin

Veteran

So I was reading todays blog post and what I noticed, even more than Angie's fabulous outfit, was her eyewear. How perfectly they fit her face, how the white looks marvelous with her hair, how elegantly they complete her outfit. So many of you have showcased stunning frames and I know elegant eyewear has been a hot topic. My question is what do when you can't carry off important frames? I have a small face and small features. I cannot carry a frame bigger than a 48 and 47's are better (this tranlates into children's sizing - which I have checked out). BCBG does make petite frames but they are hard to find IRL. My question is, is it better to buy a frame which is subtle, fits the face and brow line, lets people see me but lacks the proverbial "wow" factor..(see my current frames which are the Dana Buchman Clairce below) or has anyone found any other options?

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26 replies

Latest reply was from Day Vies

ironkurtin

Veteran

I have a small face like you do, and I switch it up according to my mood. For a long time I wore dark black frames as a major graphic stop. Then I did dark purple for a while. Now I have clear frames, and I like them a lot. I'd go with what makes you look at yourself and say YES.

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

What IK said. My features are small to, and I'm very concerned with the width of my frames - never too wide. Besides from that, I've had bot metal and plastic, larger and smaller, contrasting and sublet frames.

Gigi

Veteran

I have the same small features, and my current pair of glasses are from the children's line (Flintstones, hee hee). Anyway, what I have learned during my glasses shopping experiences is that you want to look at the shape of your face--I can handle wider frames because my face is long, and the wider frames help to balance it. You can find info online (maybe even here at YLF, but I haven't checked) about face shape and what kind of frames will flatter which type of face.

You can also make the frames more "wow" with color as opposed to shape. Angie has said several times that the color of the frame is to complement your face, not what you are wearing, so you can get eyeglasses in colors like red or purple and not be concerned about them clashing with what you are wearing.

Another thing I found to be true for me is that I need high-contrast eyewear, that is, eyewear in darker colors. This mimics my features, which are high contrast (pale skin, dark hair and eyes). My previous pair of Flintstones frames were a pretty bronze color, but when they broke, I had to replace them with a gold pair, because that was all that was available (they were no longer made, so I was dealing with leftover inventory). The gold pair is not nearly as flattering on me, and it is because of the contrast issue--they are too subtle for my features.

deb

Veteran

I like big or unusual frames and switch mine with my outfits. I do not gage my frames on the size of my features and this works for me.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thanks for the kind words. I'm blushing.

I fit specs onto clients and friends all the time, and it is extraordinary how different people are to fit. I mean, really eye-opening (pun intended). The smallest details make a difference.

I have a very small face, head, AND my eyes are close together. But my eyes are big in proportion to the rest of my face - which presents all sorts of specs challenges because too small specs don't sufficiently cover my eyes and lashes when they fit everywhere else. Add that my brow line is pronounced and things get even harder.

I am negotiable on this, Gryffin. If you wear specs daily like I do - they must be WOW and make a modern statement, like a piece of statement jewelry. They are your jewelry. That means that people like you and me who are hard to fit need to search high and low to find perfect frames. Big, a little wide, but very refined and the right shape and colour for your features. None of my frames overwhelm my face, but they aren't precious either. I have three pairs that I swap out daily. I am currently shopping for my 4th pair.

I'm also very pale, so I don't like to wear specs that look harsh and chunky. But at the same time, they need to be chunky and modern enough to make a statement. I hope that makes sense.

Aquamarine

Veteran

I have 3 pairs of frames. They are all different to suit my moods. Sometimes I want to make a statement, and other times I prefer to fade into the background. Change it up! It can take a while to build a frame wardrobe because they can get expensive, but I wear them 24/7 so I can't imagine not having some variety.

gryffin

Veteran

Thanks such good suggestions. I do well with a cat eye frame but they were not being made for a long period of time. Also I have blue/pink undertones to my skin and usually look better in silver but they were actually hard to find. I did pick tortoise this time because that picks up on my brown hair and eyes and I usually look good in blue but another color that was hard to find. I did try on the BCBG frames that were dark blue with a little snake on the temples. they were very cool in a Slytherin kind of way but totally overwhelmed me, although they were the proper size. My husband and the optician thought I could have passed for Miss Pince the Librarian in the Harry Potter series....oh well.
Thanks for you thought sIK, very helpful. In the photos that I've seen I thought your frames were very flattering.
Ingunn - you look great in glasses, I don't think my features lend themselves as well. I will be checking out photos to see what you are wearing!! Thanks.
Gigi - I will have to google flintstones frames but chuckling at the name.
Deb - you carry a strong frame with panache!! Wish I could

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Ooh, this is so hard for me, too. I have a small head and face, with largish features, especially my eyes, which are also close-set. I love how big bold glasses look on others but they just look ridic on me. It's a real balancing act.

gryffin

Veteran

Angie - that does make sense and I do wear my frames pretty much 24/7. One of my issues is I have a difficult correction. So like you I need a certain amount of surface area and support to the glass due to thickness even with the ultrathin/hi def, high quality lenses. I learned the hard way that I am better off having the optician in the ophtho's office make the lenses because they guarantee that they will be correct or replaced. This is key since the lenses alone can cost over $900 without the frames. I could shop for frames elsewhere. But at a loss where to shop from best variety in small sizes and quality.

Aquamarine - drooling over the thought of you all having multiple pairs. Due to the expense, I get one shot at this, although lately I've had to change the correction yearly which translates checking out new frames. I don't even get sunglasses, I opt for transitions!! Think it must be so much fun having choice!!

gryffin

Veteran

I totally hear you Janet. I have mall eyes, deep set, close together...very tough. So fun to see great frames on other but so not working for me.

Anonymous

I should be in a 47 but on a whim I went with my current pair which are 49s and I adore them. I haven't found anything else I like as well.

I think these work because 1. They are white, 2. They are semi-rimless, so they don't overwhelm my face, 3. They are really modern and kind of sci-fi looking, so it feels like I am wearing armour or some kind of fab visor.

I have a narrow face, narrow nose, and big eyes, plus a high prescription, so I am always trying to find the sweet spot between eye coverage and small lens.

Emily

Veteran

I've worn glasses most of my life, and spent many hours shopping for frames. I love Angie's analogy of glasses as being a piece of statement jewelery. I think they are certainly an opportunity to make a statement. And maybe I will lose a bit of style cred for this, but here goes: I think that specs can be less like a statement necklace and more like simple stud earrings or a classic watch and not diminish the style quotient of the wearer.

My simplest test for a winning pair of glasses is:
1. Put them on
2. Look in the mirror
3. Do you look like yourself? If so, good pick!

Like you said - "subtle, fits the face and brow line, lets people see me but lacks the proverbial "wow" factor". Yes. Can you see out of them? Do they fit you well? And do you like what you see in the mirror? Winner.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Gryffin, with a tricky correction and a lifelong sense of frustration over my specs, I've had good luck with the Bevel line.

I now have two pairs, the Match in black and ivory, and the I See Poland. in granite/ fuchsia.

These are a bit bigger than what you are after, at 50. But they also make a petite line. Several other forum members have had luck with them as well. I bought them at Ilori and the sales associates there said that they tend to work very well on women with smaller faces. So you might consider checking them out.

I am sort of on the borderline, and lots of times opticians would want to put me in a petite frame. But those are actually too small for me, particularly since I have a long face and large eyes.

For me, the huge fit problem is the bridge size. Almost always too wide for me and the glasses will not stay up. I have never in my life had a pair of glasses that I could comfortably wear for a full day. These included, but they are the best I've ever had. I alternate between them and my contacts.

The black ones are quite strong and some forum members felt they overwhelmed me. But I really like them as a sort of "bookending" accessory when I am wearing navy, black, or ink. Because I have light hair, they can help to balance an outfit.

The pink ones are just plain fun. They're the same size on paper but actually a touch smaller.

I can't find a closeup of the black ones...I should have one somewhere, but not on this computer, I guess.

I would love a lighter-feeling cats-eye pair and will hunt for one next time I get a chance.

Transcona Shannon has a lovely pair of frames from a petite line. She might have some ideas as well.

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catgirl

Veteran

I have a small face and close-set eyes, but strong features that I feel are best showcased with statement frames. My glasses are part of my signature look and I have a few pairs that I mix around. I think shape and color can do as much as size for getting a particular look. I can't wear really large frames, but I do a lot of strong color and cat-eye shapes.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I need a balance in my frames because I have a wider temple line - I really like the specs I have now, but it took me trying on > 200 frames to find ones I liked.

Don't give up

gryffin

Veteran

Wow, thanks so much for all the help and great ideas!!
Ceit - I had noticed you glasses and thought they looked great on you. I did notice they were wide but somehow they really work and are flattering. I have a long narrow face and a rectangular frame is not a good look for me. But the color, the semi rimless and shape of the frames is stunning on you!!
Emily - you are singing my song. I wish I could find something that enhances but usually I am happy if I look like me and I don't feel they detract. I do really love your analogy with a simple stud. I am very partial to my diamond studs which I almost never take off. I can really get into this idea. Many thanks!!
Suz - thank you so much for chiming in. I was thinking of you since I did follow your glasses thread. All your frames look wonderful. I Love the shape and strong color of your frames. Somehow when you put them on I see you. When I try that I disappear. I will check out the frame recommendations. Many thanks. I really appreiate the info!
Una - I saw you in those huge cat eye sunglasses!! Totally fabulous!! You can totally rock a strong frame. I am a big fan of your UWP style. I do love a cat eye but I can't wear frames with the intensity that you can but I will keep an eye on your choices!!
Lyn - I had noticed your glasses. You wear your frames so well I would never have guess you had difficulty. I empathize with your try on count. I can honestly try on what feels like a whole shop and come up empty. So kudos, because you look stunning in your frames.

Gigi

Veteran

Gryffin, one of the ways I have gotten really good-looking glasses is by trusting other people's opinions. Once I have my prescription glasses off, I can't see how the new frames look on me. So I ask the optician's opinion (he's got very good taste!). I think Angie mentioned in another thread that you could ask the optician if you could take the frames home to get people's opinions. Then you could take them to work, or even post photos here for input. I think that's the best way, in my experience.

gryffin

Veteran

Gigi - really excellent idea. This time I had my phone and took pics but your idea is so much better. Thanks!!

deb

Veteran

Warby Parker lets you try frames on at home. Have you tried them before? here are a few that are smaller . I also have very strong prescription an my lens cost a small fortune.

http://www.warbyparker.com/eye.....oak-barrel

http://www.warbyparker.com/eye.....gundy-fade

Or BonLook, they also have a try on program.

http://www.bonlook.com/eyewear/betty#Indigo-Blues

http://www.bonlook.com/eyewear.....erial-Blue

http://www.bonlook.com/eyewear.....y-Cocktail

http://www.bonlook.com/eyewear.....-Candycane

http://www.bonlook.com/eyewear.....Party-Blue

http://www.bonlook.com/eyewear/flanagan#Pacific

http://www.bonlook.com/eyewear/whisky#Sky

http://www.bonlook.com/eyewear.....kes#Tomato

These are 46's

http://www.bonlook.com/eyewear.....y-Tortoise

gryffin

Veteran

Deb -thank you, thank you, thank you!! Who knew!! Certainly I did not. That's a great idea and I will check it out!!

Day Vies

Veteran

There is not exact science to picking out a frame. I don't need my glasses to see long distances but because I spend hours at the computer in addition to reading I tend to wear my glasses during work hours.

I learned something from my optician with the last pair of frames I purchased, that because the bridge of my nose is not very pronounced but my cheeks/cheekbones are I need to wear metal frames because they have the nose pads that allow the frames to sit above my cheeks and prevent sliding. I also have prisms in my lenses which require a certain amount of surface area because I have amblyopia in my left eye. My glasses have to be a certain height and can't curve or else the prisms will be distorted (and I will end up with severe headaches and neck strain).

As far as choosing frames I like what many have suggested because it works for me, I follow the line of my eyebrows. I have sharp features and small eyes. They're a little a asymmetrical because one is slightly bigger than the other and sits higher than the other. I can't wear glasses that compete with my features (oversized glasses look ridiculous on me. I like cat eye and butterfly frames because they tend to have lift at the outer corner, but they can't be an exaggerated shape either. As far as colors I cannot do gold or muted browns. Silver, deep purples, plums, berry tones, invisible frames and oddly stark white work quite well for me.

gryffin

Veteran

Day Vies - Thank you that is very helpful too. I too really try to follow the brow line and do better with metal frames because of fit. I can see where silver and berry tones would look fabulous with your coloring!! My complaint is usually when I finally find a frame that fulfills all the "needs" and is flattering it doesn't necessarily come in my best color. Thanks again for all your insights!!

catgirl

Veteran

Gryffin, those shades are fake Tom Fords but my regular glasses are more subtle than that. I think you just need to try on a million pairs. You will get a sense of what suits you. I can look at a wall of frames and pick out the ones I know will work for me, but that is after years of trying on pair after pair. Once you get one good pair, you can have more fun branching out - it's just that first pair that usually takes forever.

cciele

Veteran

I second the Bevel recommendation, particularly the petite line. I have a pair of Bevels that Angie picked out for me and I love them!

That being said, I vote for having at least two types of frames -- one "wow" piece and one subtle one. That way you can go with what you are feeling/wearing that day

tarzy

Veteran

I "third" the Bevel recommendation! I have always had trouble finding small frames, and this year I found a store that carries a large selection of Bevel. The shop owner told me Bevel specializes in smaller sizes. I went for the slightly larger "geeky" look this time, which to me feels absolutely huge, but they do fit. I love, love, love my new frames.
http://www.bevelspecs.com/cata.....ed-3584/CW

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Day Vies

Veteran

I think the easiest way is to go back to the frames you loved (whether you bought them or not. Use those as a template to find other frames in a similar shape. You'll need to figure out whether you're warm or cool then choose either black (cool) brown (warm generally) silver(cool) or gold (warm). Some colors get a little confusing but this is my general rule of thumb.