Eyeglasses: How To Find The Right Frames When Over 50

Do glasses actually age us, or is it just society’s perception of people who wear them? Nevertheless, women over 50 who want to update their look with a new pair of specs keep finding it very challenging, especially with so many options available. But fear not, we’re here to help.

In this article, we’ll be sharing the best glasses styles that will not only flatter your face shape but also make you look more stylish and young. Whether you have a square, round, heart, oval, or diamond-shaped face, we’ve got you covered. So, put on your favourite frames and get ready to transform your look with these expert tips. 

Choosing the right eyeglasses when over 50

Most of the time we forget that rather than choosing frames that make us look younger we should opt for those that match our face’s shape, skin tone and personality making us feel confident. Glasses are, in fact, an incredible opportunity to express our personal style, as well as enhance our features rather than obscuring them.

Let’s take for example Brooke Shields, Julia Roberts, Jennifer Aniston, and Demi Moore.  They are all over 50 and are also considered the best amongst celebrities at sporting glasses effortlessly, even on the red carpet, switching from a pair of black-rimmed squared silhouettes to a pair of classic wayfarers.

Their secret? Finding the right size and colour.

Identifying your face shape

Your glasses are not just a tool to help you see better, but they are also an accessory that can enhance your overall appearance. Choosing the right ones for your face shape is crucial as it can make a significant difference in how you look.

The best glasses to make you look younger are the ones that balance out and highlight your features. 

As a rule of thumb, stylists often suggest the counterbalancing method: opting for a frame that is the opposite of your face shape and that can help to soften your features, creating a more vibrant look.

For instance, if you want to balance a long face shape, you should try a slightly larger frame that has more of a structured square shape. In this way, the bigger proportion will help add width and balance to your face. In case you have a square face, instead, looking for frames with rounded edges to soften your look might be the winning choice.

In particular, according to stylists at Cohen Fashion Optical, if you aim to achieve a fresh look, you should opt for bold, thick eyeglass frames that can draw attention away from your nose to your eyes. On the other hand, cool eyeglasses with larger frames can also hide crow’s feet.

“Women over 50 should go for translucent acetate frames, which have a more contemporary feel – they explain-. Or try ombre eyewear frames, in which a darker tone on top fades to a lighter tone on the bottom to draw attention away from under-eye circles“.

And what about the classic cat-eye glasses (or frames that subtly turn up at the edges)? They can have the effect of an instant eye lift (no Botox required!) and make you look younger.

Here is a quick guide to choosing the perfect pair of glasses for your face shape.

Glasses styles for round faces

If you have a round face, you should choose glasses that can make your face appear longer and slimmer. Square or rectangular frames would be an excellent option for you as they can add structure and definition.

When choosing glasses for round faces, avoid round or oval frames as they can make your face appear even rounder. Additionally, small frames or frames with round lenses can make your face look disproportionate.

A great option for round faces is the classic Wayfarer style. These glasses have a rectangular shape with angled corners, making them an evergreen option. 

Glasses styles for square faces

If you have a square face, you should choose glasses that can soften your features and make your face appear more rounded. Round or oval frames can help to balance out your face and create a more youthful appearance. Also, those frames with curved edges or soft lines can help to add a touch of femininity to a square-shaped face.

Avoid angular or boxy frames as they can make your face look harsh and angular. It’s better to opt for cat-eye frames, which have a slight curve on the top that can help to add a touch of glamour to your look.

Glasses styles for heart-shaped faces

Frames that are wider at the bottom than the top can help to add balance to a heart-shaped face. Opt for curved edges or oval lines as they can help to soften your angular features and avoid frames that are too heavy, too thick or narrow.

A great option for heart-shaped faces is the classic aviator style. These glasses have a teardrop shape that is wider at the bottom than the top, making them perfect for balancing out a heart-shaped face. They are also a timeless style that can make you look even more stylish.

Glasses styles for oval faces

If you have an oval face, you’re in luck! Oval faces are versatile and can wear almost any glasses style. However, there are some frames that can enhance your features more than others. For instance, glasses with a strong brow line can help to highlight your eyes and add definition to your face as well as those with geometric shapes.

Avoid frames that are too large or too small as they can make your features appear disproportionate and stay away from eyeglasses that are too round or too square as this style can clash with the natural shape of an oval face.

A great option for you would be the classic rectangular frames. These glasses have a strong brow line that can help to highlight your eyes and add definition to your features. 

Classic eyeglasses style options

Whether you wear glasses every day, reach for them only on occasion, or just throw a pair on sometimes for a little extra fun, the frames you choose can ultimately dictate the way the world sees you — and more importantly, how you see yourself.

You can’t go wrong with the following classic style options.

• Rimless Glasses

A rimless pair of glasses is ideal for those women over 50 who like to display a minimalist look. Because of its simple lines and design, it goes with any look and also compliments any skin tone and features because of its neutral colour. When you are in doubt, choosing this frame can ease all the stress that you are having: they help by not attracting attention to your eyes while making clothes and other accessories pop out and dazzling those around you.

• Oversized Glasses

If you want to make a statement with your outfit, oversized frames like those ones Jennifer Lopez like wearing, are the best choice. Thanks to their versatility, not only these can accentuate features like a sharp jaw or a soft face, but they also give you a youthful appearance by placing focus on the eyes — not the signs of ageing that surround them.

• Thick Rimmed Glasses

Using a bold frame when looking for glasses is a must-have if you want to stand out from the crowd. Red, oranges, browns and burgundies, are usually considered by stylists more youthful than blue, grey and steel frames, which can make you look older than you are. On the other hand, bold black frames are considered to give a modern touch to any occasion and are a popular choice among women with grey hair, as the colours combine perfectly to create a unique look. Of course, this style is for someone that is not afraid to appear interesting and daring.

Lenses for your visual needs

Above all, before buying your next frames, make time for a comprehensive eye exam and find out what your true visual needs are. These days there are plenty of options when it’s time to choose the right for you: you can count not only on single, anti-glare, bifocals and progressive lenses but also those that can assist your vision concentration when going from one screen to another, such as from your desktop to your cell phone. Bye bye coke bottle lenses!

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