The Best Sunglasses for Your Face Shape

Feeling shady? Optometrists and style experts shares their tips for finding the perfect pair of sunnies to flatter your face.

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Tatiana Ayazo/Rd.com (Illustration). Matthew Cohen/Rd.com (Photo)

Best sunglasses for a round face:

The thing to remember about selecting a frame style is that opposites are attractive, according to Pete Hanlin, licensed optician and technical marketing director for Essilor of America. If you have a round face—defined by a wider forehead, rounded chin and full cheeks—like Adele, Michelle Williams, and Ginnifer Goodwin, a rectangular frame works beautifully to elongate the face and balance roundness. Try: Marc Jacobs Flat Top Sunglasses or State Optical Co. Wolcott Sunglasses in Charcoal. (Don’t miss the best brows for your face shape.) The glasses pictured here are Belleville in Matte Havana by Article One Eyewear. (These shades are part of the brand’s Flint Collection, and 100% of the proceeds go to flintkids.org, providing aid to the children affected by the water crisis in Michigan.)

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Tatiana Ayazo/Rd.com (Illustration). Matthew Cohen/Rd.com (Photo)

Best sunglasses for an oval face:

Oval faces are very balanced (lucky you!). Genetically blessed beauties like Carey Mulligan, Kerry Washington, Julianne Moore, and Kate Middleton can really wear any style sunnies. The most important thing is to pick a pair that is sized in proportion to your face. Wayfarers, butterfly, and square styles are all super flattering! Try: Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Bicolor Sunglasses. If you wear glasses, the Flower Eyewear Holly Prescription Sunglasses are a great choice. Learn how to find the best frames for your face shape. The glasses pictured here are Fleta by Warby Parker.

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Tatiana Ayazo/Rd.com (Illustration). Matthew Cohen/Rd.com (Photo)

Best sunglasses for a heart-shaped face:

Heart-shaped faces, like Reese Witherspoon, Halle Berry, and Zooey Deschanel, tend to have a broader forehead, high cheekbones, and narrower jaw with a more pronounced chin. “The best sunglasses for heart-shaped faces will de-emphasize the angle between the forehead and chin,” explains Catherine Brock, the founder and editor of thebudgetfashionista.com. Light-colored frames and those with exaggerated bottoms direct attention downward and add width to lower part of the face. Try: Gentle Monster Lovesome 56mm Sunglasses. The glasses pictured here are Sophie by Warby Parker.

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Tatiana Ayazo/Rd.com (Illustration). Matthew Cohen/Rd.com (Photo)

Best sunglasses for a square face:

Square faces are characterized by angular features and a strong jawline. Think Salma Hayek, Cameron Diaz, and Sandra Bullock. When shopping for sunglasses, look for thin, round, and oval shapes, which will help soften facial sharpness. Semi-rimless frames are also a great choice! “A half plastic, half metal combination frame works well,” says Monica Nguyen, a leading board-certified Doctor of Optometry. Try: Illesteva Milan IV Sunglasses or Ray-Ban Clubround Sunglasses. The glasses pictured here are Sun Sun by Article One Eyewear.

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Tatiana Ayazo/Rd.com (Illustration). Matthew Cohen/Rd.com (Photo)

Best sunglasses for a diamond-shaped face:

“The goal when selecting sunglasses for diamond-shaped faces—see Keira Knightley and Viola Davis—is to use the frame to broaden the appearance of the forehead,” says optometrist Dr. Barry Kay of Hollywood Eyes. Oval and cat-eye shapes help create balance by highlighting peppers and softening cheekbones. “Also, rimless frames are your friend, as this will really allow your cheekbones to shine,” notes model and Hollywood Eyes spokesperson, Victoria DiSorbo. Great options: Illesteva Leonard Mask Sunglasses. Avoid frames with a dark bridge or darker lower rims, which tend to draw attention to the middle of the face. The glasses pictured here are Walsh by Article One Eyewear.

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Tatiana Ayazo/Rd.com (Illustration). Matthew Cohen/Rd.com (Photo)

 Best sunglasses for an oblong face:

If you have an oblong face, like Liv Tyler and Sarah Jessica Parker, wider sunglasses, like aviators—especially those with decorative temples, are a great choice. These styles give the illusion of a shorter, wider face. Try: Sonix Highland 61mm Square Sunglasses or Betsey Johnson Beat The Heat Shades. Planning to spend time poolside or beachfront? Look for a wrapped style, which offers greater UV protection. The glasses pictured here are Oriel by Warby Parker.

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Tatiana Ayazo/Rd.com (Illustration). Matthew Cohen/Rd.com (Photo)

Best sunglasses for a high forehead:

If you’re self-conscious about your forehead, opt for tall lenses or oversized frames. “A good trick is to pick a pair of sunglasses with a really tall browline bridge, which lifts the face and takes attention away from a high forehead,” says Larisa Ginzburg, founder and designer at Vint&York. Try: KENDALL + KYLIE Jules Aviator Sunglasses or the Vint&York The Charleston. The glasses pictured here are Bennett by Warby Parker.

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Tatiana Ayazo/Rd.com (Illustration). Matthew Cohen/Rd.com (Photo)

Best sunglasses for a small face:

If you have a smaller face a la Miley Cyrus, look for more petite rectangular and square shapes and thinner frames—both metal and thinner acrylic—look best on small faces, according to Eva Spitzer, co-founder and designer at Cloudbase Optics. What to avoid? Steer clear of big chunky hipster type glasses. Try: Cloudbase Optics LeeWave Sunglasses. Considering a new cut for spring? Find out the best haircuts for your face shape. The glasses pictured here are Concord by Article One Eyewear.

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Tatiana Ayazo/Rd.com (Illustration). Matthew Cohen/Rd.com (Photo)

Best sunglasses for a prominent nose:

For people with a large nose, Ginzburg recommends purchasing a pair of sunnies with adjustable nose pads and a broader nose bridge. A frame that has a floating nose bridge, like the Vint&York Bryant, is also a good idea as it won’t leave marks on your skin from nose pads, and will sit comfortably. The glasses pictured here are Mott by Article One Eyewear.

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Tatiana Ayazo/Rd.com (Illustration). Matthew Cohen/Rd.com (Photo)

Best sunglasses for wide-set eyes:

“If you have wide-set eyes, you may find a pilot-shaped frame more attractive than a retro cat-eye to complement your facial features,” explains Hanlin. Try: Quay Muse Fade Sunglasses or Ray-Ban Classic Aviator Sunglasses. Love the look of a dramatic cat eye? The Hadid Eyewear Jet Setter Sunglasses are a purrrfect choice. The glasses pictured here are Tilley by Warby Parker.

Lindsay Cohn
Lindsay Cohn has a B.A. in Creative Writing & Communications from the University of Miami. Her work has appeared in Reader's Digest, Brides, Fodor's, Travel + Leisure, PureWow, USA Today, and more.