Could it be that summertime has finally arrived?? I do hope so, and just in time for national sunglasses day on 27 June.
Summer is not complete without a pair of sunglasses!
Here’s my top tips for choosing summer eyewear that really suits you!
My purple toned sunglasses
1. choice of colour
Opt for a frame colour which compliments your physical features. A frame colour which is the same colour as your eyes or hair will often be a good option if you’re not sure or you’ve never had a colour analysis consultation.
For those who are dark brown to black hair, go for a bolder or stronger colour choice, including black. Blondes would be better in a light to mid-depth shade (depending how blonde you are) or rimless ones. If you’re mousey-brown or dark blonde, a tortoiseshell style or blended frame colour will look good; as long as they aren’t too dark for your features!
Red-heads and strawberry blondes would look fab in browns and terracotta style of tortoiseshell frames. Finally, if you’re ash, silver or grey, you’ll find similar colours will be fab for your frames or go bold with a striking pop of colour!
If you already know your colours, use your swatches and opt for one of your colours (dominant or sub-dominant) or, pick one of your neutral colours. Your neutrals are marked with an ‘n’ in your swatches and will always ‘go’ with other colours. Worried about matching or clashing your eyewear to your outfits? Go for a metallic tone – silver if you’re cool and if you’re warm, choose gold. A rose-gold tends to work for both warm and cool skin tones.
2. reflect your personality
I find sunglasses (and glasses) are either functional or express your style personality! So, if you really want to express your personality, let your eye-wear do the talking. Make a statement, go for a bolder colour choice or a more dramatic stand-out shape. If you sit in this camp, you really won’t be worrying about whether they match or clash with what you’re wearing!
Frames are made from all sorts now. So if you’re into reducing your use of plastic, there are plenty of options to choose.
3. shape and fit
Broadly speaking, the opposite shape to your face shape will be the most flattering. So, if you’re more angular, with straighter and longer length, a rounded frame will be flattering. If you’re not having your personality do the talking, opt for sunnies which look to fit your overall face rather than be too big for it. I refer to it as ‘scale’ and is more to do with balancing out accessories with your overall height and bone structure. A pair of Jackie-o type large frames when you’re small and petite and 5ft, are likely to wear you and stand out.
Check that they sit comfortably on the bridge of your nose and they don’t rest on your cheeks either. Both of these are indicators that they’re too big for you!
Finally, do remember that there are thousands of sunglasses to suit all budgets, but do opt for those with UV protection to protect your eyes. Take photos whilst you’re trying them on as, a bit like your clothes and outfits, you tend to see yourself differently in a photo than the mirror!