Introduction

Opticians have been inevitable stops on my shopping trips for over a decade – since I got my first pair of glasses. At that time, when glasses were either rimless or Oakley, my choice was a black/yellow acetate (plastic) rectangular Gucci pair I dared to wear to school (yes, the kid with yellow specs at seventeen). From that day on, my specs would never go unnoticed.

Whether, like Tinie Tempah, your vision is 20/20 and your lenses are just for effect (in that case, keep it between yourself and your optician) or because you didn’t opt for laser surgery or contacts, you are an adept of the most prominent accessory the human body can carry.

Such a powerful style tool sitting right upon your nose mustn’t make an apologetic statement on your behalf. They should help build your unique look.

With a vast amount of silhouettes, colors and materials available on the market, choosing the right pair is a complex, but enjoyable exercise. Master the challenge and you’ll see it pay off, with your new glasses becoming a trademark of your personal style.

Tips For Perfect-Fitting Spectacles

Guides for face and specs harmony are often as long as novels, but they’re actually spelling out one simple rule: in order to suit you, frames should have the opposite geometry of your face. In other words:

• Round/Oval Faces: Look for square, rectangular or angular shapes.
• Square Faces: Go for rounder or half-rimmed frames that will soften your strong lines.
• Oblong Faces: You want larger frames that will dress the verticality of your face.

For more advice on finding the right frame for your face shape, check out our comprehensive sunglasses guide.

Spectacles Buying Guidelines

Knowing your face shape is a good start, but at the opticians the choice will not be this straightforward. Here’s a ten-step guide to help improve your optical journey: