Lifestyle + Fashion

New glasses – a new you

It's amazing how a new pair of frames can completely change your look.

16 October 2019

Sometimes you simply want to give yourself a makeover and try out a different look. While a new outfit or haircut is one way to do this, all it really takes are some new spectacle frames, because there is hardly any other accessory that can so significantly alter your appearance. Have a second pair of frames handy so that you can vary your style. We'll tell you what to look out for when selecting your new, fashionable frames.

Style

We have a question for you: what kind of frames do you have now? Are they traditional or trendy? Big or small? Low-key or conspicuous? Metal or plastic? Rimless or not? Of course your second pair of glasses should look quite different from your current pair. Think about what facet of your personality you want to show off. Do you want to come across as self-confident and flashy, or are you interested in something more low-key? If, up until now, you have been wearing rimless glasses or glasses that only have very thin frames, then you might want to try out thick-rimmed glasses. Just looking in the mirror will show you that this change already completely alters your look. But don't pick a pair of frames just because they're stylish. They should also complement your facial features and highlight a certain part of your personality.

There are frames for every face

A person's face is as unique as their personality. Nevertheless, it is still possible to divide people's different facial shapes into specific categories. Follow these rules of thumb when looking for your next pair of frames:

People with an oval facial shape can wear any frames.
If your face is rounder, then you should go for contrasts. Prominent, rectangular frames will give your face more contours.
The opposite applies to square faces. Your glasses should be round and, most importantly, big.
Oval frames that aren't too small complement a thin, longer facial shape the best.
Round, oval frames optimally highlight a heart-shaped face.

However, there are a few other details to keep in mind when picking out new frames. Cat eye frames can balance out prominent round cheeks. If you have a high forehead, then the frames should sit as high as possible on your face. Make sure they don't end below your eyebrows. If you feel that your eyebrows are too thin, then frames with a dark edge can disguise this fact. Wide temples and rims are the best way to hide any wrinkles around the eyes.

Your glasses, your hairdo and you

Of course you want a hairstyle that matches your glasses and vice-versa. The good news is that there are glasses to suit virtually every hairstyle, but you should still make sure that your hair and frames work well together. Frames can complement every hairstyle, from short to shoulder-length. Layered hair is easy to style and can create many different looks.

A straight bob paired with John Lennon glasses – that doesn't work so well. Wavy hair goes better with circular frames. But if your hair is really curly, then you might want to think twice about these frames. The reason: a thick mop of curly hair would draw attention away from your face. There is one exception, though. If your hair is short, then you can combine it with glasses of any shape.

Generally, slightly wavy hair looks great with any frame style, no matter how long it is. However, this doesn't apply to fringes. Long, straight fringes hide the wearer's face and cover up much of the frames. Better to opt for a loose, flowing fringe which falls diagonally over your face.

The right look for any occasion: the ponytail. You can wear it any way you like to reflect how you're feeling.

But here's something to keep in mind: if you're dyeing your hair or getting highlights, make sure the colour matches your frames.

Lenses for correcting near-sightedness make the eyes appear smaller. So opt for make-up which makes your eyes appear bigger. Take advantage of bright, lustrous tones such as rosé, lilac, beige, bright grey or white and avoid using a dark kajal eyeliner pencil on the inner edge of the eye. This accentuates the eyelashes and "opens up" your eyes.
The opposite applies to long-sighted female spectacle wearers. They should opt for a dark, matte eye shadow to make their eyes appear smaller because the corrective lenses make the wearer's eyes appear bigger. Using a kohl pencil to accentuate the eyelids counteracts this, while thin, fashionable lenses can reduce this fish-eye effect.

Your make-up will look better and clearer if your spectacle lenses have an optimum anti-reflective coating. A high-quality anti-reflective coating, such as the DuraVision Premium coatings from ZEISS, do more than just improve your look. They also reduce distracting reflections on the spectacle lens or make driving at night or reading more comfortable. Here's another tip so that everyone notices your wonderful smile: if you're wearing striking, colourful frames, then select an unobtrusive lipstick colour. If you are wearing more traditional or conservative frames, then a more vibrant lipstick is the way to go.