Eyeglasses fashion: To see well and look good

CEBU, Philippines — Eyeglasses are a most useful item. Nowadays they serve a double purpose – from purely helping a person to see, eyeglasses today are also a major fashion accessory. A nice pair of glasses can reinvent one’s look in a big way.

There are different reasons for wearing eyeglasses: nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism... or sheer protection. And, yes, for style too. Many people use eyeglasses to improve their outfits – instead of their eyesight.

Choosing the right frame can be a challenge, though. Should it be blue or green? Thin or thick? Round or angular? From the right choice of color and frame to the quality of material used in the construction, there are various types of eyewear that look great perched on the nose.

True, eyeglasses can add to the look – if the right pair is chosen. It’s much like any fashion choice; a wrong item can ruin the total look. The glasses on its own do not make the whole outfit.

Ideally, one’s choice of eyeglasses can emphasize and play up certain elements of an outfit, adding to the overall look rather than distracting from it. Take sunglasses, for example, which are very good protection from the harsh sunlight while also giving its wearer some notable fashion flair.

Some people believe eyeglasses make them look smarter. With others, it’s about appearing more professional and businesslike. Whether required to or not, some workers wear eyeglasses in order to get ahead on the job and look fashionable at the same time.

It’s no surprise, therefore, that one in every five people these days wear eyeglasses of one kind or the other, for different purposes. The occasions for putting eyeglasses on range from an important business meeting to a job interview to going on a romantic date. Fashion stylists consider eyewear as the “biggest fashion accessory of all time,” especially with a lot of choices available.

Many people, the fashion-conscious in particular, match their eyeglasses to their outfits. It’s no longer about just having one pair and wearing them for all occasions. They match their eyeglasses with the color of their shirt, and they have several pairs to fit every look they want.

As fashion accessory, eyeglasses are so important – because it is worn on the face. The right frame and color can easily make the wearer look good… and feel good. And that could amount to self-confidence.

The secret for making eyeglasses work for – and not against – its wearer is mostly in matching the face shape and, sometimes, the skin tone. For the frame to match right the shape of the face, there’s often a chart in the optometrist’s office for a guide. The following style tips at the website www.raconteur.net will also help:

For oval faces: “You can carry off bold styles, but always ensure your glasses are wider than the broadest part of your face.”

For square faces: “Rounder frames will soften your features.”

For round faces: “Angular, narrow frames will help lengthen your face.”

The right pair of eyeglasses can indeed make one see well and look good, all at the same time.