How Different Types of Glasses Frames Can Age You 

by Amina Katana
Woman wearing green dress and black glasses with 100&% written over top

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Our obsession with youth is a big deal. In fact, Americans spend billions each year to look younger. There’s everything from fillers to new clothes, but what if I told you that your glasses also play a massive part in how old you look?

Glasses are often an afterthought. But they should be the main characters! They sit front and center on your face after all. So, discover the top tips for avoiding the wrong types of glasses frames.

Glasses Can Affect How People See You

The irony is that we wear glasses to see the world better, but our glasses also affect how the world sees us! 

Like everything from shoes to jewelry, glasses can change your whole look. That’s why picking a pair that enhances you is a no-brainer. 

Pick Types of Glasses Frames That Enhance Your Features

Decide what your favorite facial features are and then enhance them with glasses. What do I mean?

Well, if you love your deep blue eyes, pick glasses with frames that make your eyes pop. If you’re always complimented on your cheekbones, pick a shape that makes them stand out.

The glasses on the right below are a great example of how the right shape can flatter you. They also match her feminine style, and the contrasting lens and arms look modern.

But enhancing certain features can age you. For example, some purple frames can bring out dark under-eye circles, or thick black frames can melt into your black eyebrows. The result isn’t always great, but by enhancing your best features, you can potentially appear years younger.

(Left) Woman wearing thick black glasses (Right) Woman wearing yellow dress paired with silver glasses
Cat-Eye Glasses and Thick Black Glasses

Choose Glasses That Complement Your Skin Tone

You might love the color purple, but what if it makes you look tired and dull? That’s the thing, different colors interact with our skin tone in various ways.

Milky skin tones are brought alive with gold frames, a pop of red, or a warm tone like orange. They’ll brighten your face, adding that youthful glow.

Warm skin tones pair perfectly with silver frames for added contrast, or bold greens, cozy browns, and vibrant blues. Adding some color will make your skin shine.

Pick Glasses That Work Well With Your Clothes

If you wear a lot of dark shades of black and gray, or if you love business chic looks like button-up shirts, avoid dowdy glasses. Certain boring glasses paired with formal outfits can age anyone, no matter how young they are!

Instead, opt for a pop of color to balance out your formal clothes. These bold Prada glasses will do the trick. 

Prada PR 09ZV eyeglasses featuring thick Etruscan marble frames
Prada PR 09ZV Magenta Eyeglasses

Make Sure to Think About Your Face Shape

I don’t believe there should be set rules for selecting glasses based on your face shape. It’s all about picking a pair that suits your unique face. Yes, you should consider proportions, and pick a pair that’s not too big or small but looks great on YOU.

They shouldn’t go too far up and cover your eyebrows, or too far down near the end of your nose. The edge of the frame looks best when it meets the edge of your face.

Consider what shape brings out your features, and you’ll knock years off. Sometimes styles that don’t suit us end up aging us. This rule applies to accessories and clothes. It’s really the power of fashion.

In the photos below, the woman on the left is wearing a fashionable outfit and cool round glasses, but they’re slightly too big. Look how far down her face they end up!

The woman on the right is wearing cat-eye glasses that far better suit her face shape.

 (Left) Woman wearing round glasses (Right) Woman wearing cat-eye glasses
Bold Round Glasses and Cat-Eye Glasses

Boring Glasses Can Age You

If you’ve chosen a boring pair of glasses, it might be time to change them up.

Bland, dated glasses can age your face by making you look old-fashioned. They have no spark, no sense of modern style. Nowadays, there are numerous pairs of statement glasses available. And there’s a brand and price point to suit everyone.

From funky printed frames to blingy logos, choose something that brings out your personality. Here are some more ideas:

  • Choose a pair with mixed materials, such as metal arms and an acetate frame.
  • Choose a bold color that complements your skin, hair, and eyes.
  • If you’re feeling bold, select a pair with diamonds, flowers, or other bling!
  • Try different types of glasses frames in shapes that suit you, such as cat-eye or oval.
Swarovski SK1015 glasses featuring silver diamond-encrusted frames
Swarovski SK1015 Silver Glasses

Add a Modern Twist to a Classic Style

Tortoiseshell glasses are timeless and suit all ages, but if you pick a classic style like this, add a modern twist. That will stop your glasses from aging you.

You could opt for cat-eye tortoiseshell glasses to make them cooler. Or instead of metal rectangle frames, you could try an aviator shape. Switching to a different shape is a simple solution if you don’t love bright, bold glasses.

Woman wearing a gold dress and cat-eye tortoiseshell glasses
Woman Wearing Cat-Eye Tortoiseshell Glasses

Avoid Rimless Glasses

If you want to take attention away from fine lines (no shame, they’re beautifully natural), then avoid rimless glasses. Why? Because they draw attention to the details of your face.

Instead, you can select a pair with thin frames. If you pick a flattering pair, they’ll draw attention to your best features.

Woman sitting by a pool wearing summer clothes and rimless glasses
Woman Wearing Rimless Glasses

Pick a Pair of Chunky Rims

The opposite of rimless glasses is chunky frames. Thick frames can make your face look petite and draw attention to its femininity.

How? Well, chunky frames add contrast between your features and the glasses. Unlike invisible rimless frames, they are loud and proud, showing off your fun side.

You don’t have to go for bright and thick frames. You could opt for gray, brown, or even black.

Balenciaga BB0312O glasses featuring Havana frames and a gold logo
Balenciaga BB0312O Havana Glasses

TL;DR

Now you’ve seen how glasses can make all the difference. Follow these simple tips, and you’ll stop your glasses from aging you.

  • Choose a pair that adds a pop of color.
  • Pick a pair that flatters your features and face shape.
  • Avoid those boring old-fashioned glasses and rimless styles.
  • Select glasses that complement your personal style, like printed frames, bling, and fun colors.

There, you have it, go forth and find a type of glasses frame that looks great!

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