Eyewear is often the first thing people notice — good or bad — so it’s important to get it right. Adapting colors, shapes and styles to our changing features should be considered with each decade, so chances are it’s time to update your look. Here are the top things to consider when shopping for eyewear:

1. Color
   When choosing frames, harmonize with hair color for the most flattering effect. Dark hair is best with dark or metal frames, and light hair is best with transparent or light frames. Redheads should avoid yellow and white colored frames altogether. Consider undertone too, matching warm skin tones to gold accents and cool undertones to silver or gunmetal.

2. Shape
   It’s most flattering when glasses complement face shape, not reinforce it. If your face is round, opt for thinnish wire frames with squarish edges to balance out all the roundness. Rectangular shaped faces should wear oval frames to add width and curves, while square faces should opt for roundish frames to soften all the angles. Heart and diamond face shapes look best in frames with swept up corners, while oval faces can wear anything!

3. Bridge
   Use the bridge to balance features. Wide set eyes appear narrower with a dark, statement-making bridge, while a light bridge widens narrow set eyes. Make sure it rests at or below eyebrow — never above it — and bridge shape should mirror eyebrow line.

4. Scale
   Always honor your physical scale, avoiding frames that are too small or too big. Frames should be temple width or slightly wider. Oversized, statement glasses are great, but note exaggerated widths far beyond temple may look cool and on-trend now, but won’t age well in photos.

5. Style
   Above all, know the message the style of your glasses are sending. Frames with squared, sharp edges communicate power and authority, while contoured styles project a softer image that reads as approachable and trustworthy. Anything goes, just be sure to align eyewear style with personal goals.

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