Unless you need prescription lenses to see clearly, spectacles are an optional accessory. But with more people working from home, many of us could have been lured by the marketing promises of blue light-filtering lenses that purports better eye health and sleep quality.
Practical reasons aside, a pair of spectacles have become accessories to up your styling game with, especially since we can’t really dress up to go out. According to a blog post by the eyewear label Better Vision, retro cat-eye glasses and vintage-style thick-rimmed frames are popular while trendy clear frames and perfectly round spectacles have been a favourite among the stylish set. A trend forecast by EyeBuyDirect, an American online retailer of prescription glasses, has also predicted that sporty styles, large and dramatic frames and neutral colours will be among the hits in 2022. Oversized frames have also been popular with celebs, as evidenced by Jesseca Liu, Fann Wong and Oon Shu An.
Regardless of the styles, colours and designs, you will still need to factor in your face shape when purchasing a pair of spectacles. After all, it has to complement you and accentuate your best features. Ahead, we tell you what designs are best for your face shape, whether you have a square, round, oval, heart or diamond face shape.
With such a strong jawline, round-frame glasses are a perfect complement to soften the overall appearance of your face. In fact, anything that is curvy can do the job of balancing out those sharp angles, so you can rock oval glasses or rectangular glasses that sport curved edges.
These thin round-frame glasses from Gucci lend a relaxed and retro vibe. Build on this casual look by throwing on an off-shoulder sweater paired with high-waisted denim shorts.
Gucci Eyewear Round-frame Gold-tone and Tortoiseshell Acetate Optical Glasses, US$390.15 (S$534), from Net-a-Porter
Dark tortoiseshell frames are timeless — they make you look super preppy and are a great addition to your outfits. Don a leather jacket over a casual tee with ankle boots to give it an extra edge.
Saint Laurent Round-frame Tortoiseshell Acetate and Silver-tone Optical Glasses, US$307.06 (S$420), from Net-a-Porter
Embrace the 1970s vintage vibe with these silver metal frames. But to refresh your look and avoid looking old-fashioned, contrast your glasses with a youthful outfit like a flirty mini dress.
Takei in Silver Lining, from $150, from Monocle
Black-rimmed glasses are for a serious, business look, so save this one for meetings. This pair will go well with a tailored blazer and denim jeans.
Cody, price unavailable, from Molsion
Avoid all circular frames at all costs, as they’ll simply make your face appear even rounder. Go for something that elongates your face shape and plays down your full cheeks. Rectangular or square frames will help introduce sharper and more distinct lines, giving dimension and structure to your features.
This square-frame pair showcases your browline with its thicker top frame. A classic style in black, it can be dressed up or down any day of the week.
Tom Ford Eyewear Square-frame Clear-lens Glasses, $324, from Farfetch
Go bold with this angular pair. Don’t be afraid to dress up in your loudest, most outlandish outfit to match the quirkiness of these glasses.
Bottega Veneta Square-frame Tortoiseshell Acetate Optical Glasses, US$319.19 (S$470), from Net-a-Porter
This oversized pair will make you the epitome of geek chic. Because they are so eye-catching with the pink wavy legs, keep your outfit casual to make them shine. Go for a loose tee, minimal accessories and a messy updo.
Chloé Noore Oversized Square-frame Gold-tone Optical Glasses, US$330.35 (S$452), from Net-a-Porter
These old-school navigator glasses add a powerful punch to your everyday look because of their strong structured silhouette. Give some contrast to your look by wearing it with a flowy maxi dress.
Hayao in Gold Rush, from $105, from Monocle
Congratulations! The oval face is widely considered to be the most ideal when it comes to glasses because of its balanced proportions. You can rock almost any type of glasses, but we suggest going for oblong eye-wear. The geometric shape will highlight your best features. Steer clear of narrow frames which will add length to your face shape.
Don’t be afraid to stand out with these dramatic round glasses. The three-dot details bring further emphasis to your eyes. Wear a red pantsuit to make these babies pop.
Celine Eyewear Round-frame Acetate Optical Glasses, US$369.21 (S$504), from Net-a-Porter
You can’t go wrong with an all-black pair of glasses. Try it with a military jacket, a black leather mini skirt and a pair of sneakers for the weekend.
Berkley Black, from $200, from Oblique Eyewear
Don’t say no to coloured frames: If Cate Blanchett can pull off pink aviators effortlessly, so can you! Like Blanchett, go with a floral dress for a playful look, or cast the spotlight on your spectacles by wearing an all-black ensemble.
Miu Miu Eyewear Oversized Square-frame Glasses, $362, from Farfetch
Slim and delicate, this pair makes you look like a stylish academic without coming across as too square. You know what we mean.
Dior Eyewear Signature Unisex Optical Glasses, $547, from Farfetch
With a wider forehead, high cheekbones and a tapered narrow chin, bottom-heavy frames are the way to go as they help to add width to your chin and balance it out. You can also go for spectacles with smoother edges (like oval-shaped frames) to counter your sharp angles. Consider cat-eye shapes — they help to sweep up your face and draw attention to your eyes — or the aviators, which mimic the tapering of your features.
Definitely a statement piece, this unique oval pair will go well with a sleek jumpsuit and ankle boots.
Zitter M01, US$360 (S$), from Gentle Monster
Go cheeky with this pair of cat-eye glasses, which add a glamorous vintage touch to your overall look.
Fendi Oversized Cat-eye Tortoiseshell Acetate and Gold-tone Optical Glasses, US$300.56 (S$411), from Net-a-Porter
This pair will make you look like Tom Cruise, circa 1986’s Top Gun. Complete the look with a green bomber jacket and tailored khaki pants.
Retrosuperfuture Classic Aviator Glasses, $329, from Farfetch
Look no further than these Stella McCartney glasses for these dramatic cat-eye glasses. Pair it with a sharp shirt, pencil skirt and geometric block heels.
Stella McCartney Eyewear Cat Eye Glasses, $375, from Farfetch
Diamond-shaped faces are pretty rare, with a narrow forehead and narrow chin. Get glasses with soft and round curves (such as rimless ones) to soften your sharp angles. The cat-eye is your safest bet as its up-swept style will emphasize your cheekbones, or go for top-heavy eye-wear like horn-rimmed glasses that add width to the brow and balance your features out.
Transparent frames have been all the rage these days. So why not lean into the trend with this round-shaped pair? Let these spectacles speak for themselves by wearing just a simple white t-shirt and jeans combo.
Cozmo C1, US$230 (S$), from Gentle Monster
If you’re going for a more mature and intellectual look, this is the pair for you. Cartier gave this classic style a simple look with the silver-tone and sleek silhouette.
Cartier Eyewear Round Rimless Glasses, $1,345, from Farfetch
Playful and sassy, this is a simple horn-rimmed piece from local label The Rocket Eyewear Company will add style to your spectacles collection. There are other colours available as well.
MTO P3 Classic Glasses, $169, from The Rocket Eyewear Company
For simple, understated elegance, go for this feminine rose gold pair. It’s the perfect piece for a casual weekend brunch with your girlfriends.
Emery Pink, from $160, from Oblique Eyewear