Sunglasses are more than just a practical accessory to protect your eyes from the sun; they’re a powerful tool for making a statement and elevating your look. Whether you’re dressing up for a day out, running errands, or heading to a vacation destination, the right pair of sunglasses can transform your outfit. But how do you pick the perfect sunglasses for your ensemble? Let’s break down how to wear sunglasses to complement your outfit and elevate your style.
1. Match Sunglasses to Your Face Shape
The right sunglasses can highlight your best features and balance out your face shape. Just like with hats or scarves, face shape plays an important role in selecting the perfect pair of sunglasses.
For Oval Faces:
Oval faces have balanced proportions and can pull off almost any frame style. Try aviators, round sunglasses, or oversized frames for a chic and versatile look.
For Round Faces:
For round faces, angular frames such as square or rectangular sunglasses work well to add definition and create a balanced appearance.
For Square Faces:
Round or oval sunglasses soften the sharp angles of a square face. Look for frames with softer curves to add contrast and roundness to your features.
For Heart-Shaped Faces:
To balance a heart-shaped face with a wide forehead and narrow chin, go for sunglasses with wider bottoms, such as aviators or cat-eye frames. These styles draw attention away from the forehead and balance out your features.
For Long Faces:
Wide, oversized sunglasses work best for long faces, as they help to create a more balanced look. Round or large square frames are ideal for creating width across the face.
Pro Tip: Always try on different shapes and sizes to see what works best for your face shape, and don’t be afraid to experiment with bold styles.
2. Consider the Outfit’s Style
Sunglasses can either complement or contrast the style of your outfit, depending on the look you’re going for. The key is to find a pair that enhances your overall style and fits the vibe of the day.
Casual Outfits:
For casual looks, such as denim jeans, t-shirts, or summer dresses, go for simple, classic styles like aviators, wayfarers, or round sunglasses. These frames are timeless and go with everything, giving you a laid-back yet stylish vibe.
Dressy or Formal Outfits:
If you’re wearing something more sophisticated, like a tailored suit or a chic cocktail dress, opt for elegant sunglasses with a sleek design. Think oversized frames or cat-eye sunglasses for a glamorous, high-fashion look. Keep the frames minimal to avoid overpowering your outfit.
Bohemian Style:
For a free-spirited, bohemian style, try round or oversized sunglasses with unique details, such as tortoiseshell frames or colorful lenses. These sunglasses add personality to a flowy dress or a loose blouse and are perfect for beachy or outdoor events.
Sporty Looks:
If you’re dressing in athleisure or sporty attire, look for functional yet stylish sunglasses with sporty designs, such as wraparound sunglasses or active sunglasses with sleek frames. These sunglasses are not only stylish but also provide high performance during outdoor activities.
Pro Tip: Match the material of your sunglasses with the overall vibe of your outfit. For example, metal frames work well with more formal looks, while plastic or acetate frames are better suited for casual or relaxed outfits.
3. Coordinate Sunglasses with Your Color Palette
The color of your sunglasses should harmonize with your overall outfit and accessories. Whether you’re working with neutral tones, vibrant hues, or pastel shades, choosing the right color can help your sunglasses blend in or stand out.
Neutral Outfits:
If your outfit is neutral, such as black, white, or beige, feel free to play with sunglasses in bold or unexpected colors like red, blue, or tortoiseshell. This adds a pop of color without overwhelming your outfit.
Bright or Bold Outfits:
When wearing vibrant colors or bold patterns, opt for sunglasses in classic tones like black, brown, or gold. These colors complement the outfit without clashing with the vibrant hues.
Soft or Pastel Outfits:
For pastel or soft-colored outfits, go for sunglasses in light or neutral tones, such as soft pink, light gray, or ivory. This creates a balanced and harmonious look, especially when wearing dresses or light summer attire.
Pro Tip: When in doubt, black or tortoiseshell sunglasses are always a safe choice and work with almost any color palette.
4. Pay Attention to the Season
The season can also influence the style and color of sunglasses you choose. Just like clothing, sunglasses can reflect the vibe of the time of year.
Summer:
In the summer, sunglasses are a must-have for sun protection, but they also play a big role in adding style to your warm-weather outfits. Opt for lightweight frames in fun colors like turquoise, bright pink, or classic black. Consider more relaxed styles like oversized frames, cat-eyes, or fun round sunglasses for a laid-back, summery feel.
Winter:
In the winter, your sunglasses will likely serve more as a statement accessory than a necessity, but they can still be stylish. Pair classic sunglasses like aviators or wayfarers with cozy winter outfits. For a more chic look, go for oversized frames or sleek, angular designs in black or dark tortoiseshell.
Spring and Fall:
During these transitional months, sunglasses should be functional yet fashionable. Neutral or warm-toned sunglasses in colors like brown, gray, or gold work well with layered outfits and complement the changing weather. Opt for classic frames that can transition easily from a cozy sweater to a light jacket.
Pro Tip: In winter, look for sunglasses with UV protection, especially if you’re in snowy areas where the reflection of the sun can be harsh on your eyes.
5. Make Sunglasses a Statement Piece
If you want your sunglasses to be the focal point of your outfit, choose a bold frame that stands out. This works especially well when wearing simple, monochromatic outfits or more minimalistic styles. Statement sunglasses can become the highlight of your look, adding personality and flair.
How to Make Sunglasses a Statement Piece:
- Bold Frames: Choose oversized frames, unique shapes (such as geometric or cat-eye), or fun patterns like leopard print or neon colors to make your sunglasses pop.
- Colored Lenses: Sunglasses with colored lenses, such as yellow, blue, or pink, can add a playful and trendy twist to your look. Pair them with simple, neutral outfits to allow the sunglasses to take center stage.
- Unique Materials or Detailing: Look for sunglasses with unique materials like marble frames, metallic accents, or embellished detailing for an extra special touch.
Pro Tip: When making your sunglasses the focal point, keep the rest of your outfit relatively simple to avoid competing with your accessories.
Conclusion
Sunglasses are more than just a way to shield your eyes from the sun—they’re a statement accessory that can enhance any outfit. By selecting the right frame to match your face shape, outfit style, and seasonal needs, you can create a cohesive and stylish look. Whether you’re going for a casual vibe, an elegant evening look, or a bold fashion statement, sunglasses are the perfect finishing touch to complete your ensemble.
Let me know if you need more tips on accessorizing or any other style advice!