When it comes to eyeglass frames, choosing a color that complements your style, skin tone, hair color and wardrobe can be tricky. Some colors seem versatile at first glance, but may not work as well for daily wear. So what colors can you truly rely on to go with everything? Let’s explore some of the top options.
Black Frames
Black eyeglass frames are a classic choice that complement nearly every style and skin tone. Reasons why black frames are so versatile include:
- Black is a neutral color that acts as a blank canvas. It doesn’t compete with other colors you may be wearing.
- Black frames work with casual, professional, edgy and elegant looks. TheyTransition seamlessly from day to night.
- Black flatters all skin tones. It creates a contrast that makes features pop.
- Black frames disguise fingerprints and smudges better than light colors.
The main downside of black frames is that they can look overly harsh on very fair skin tones. But overall, it’s hard to go wrong with basic black. From cat-eyes to wayfarers, black frame styles give you plenty of options.
Tortoiseshell Frames
Tortoiseshell frames have a classic, retro vibe with their mix of brown and amber tones. Reasons they work with nearly everything:
- As a neutral, tortoiseshell complements other colors without clashing.
- The warm, reddish-brown hues flatter most complexions.
- Tortoiseshell works for both casual and professional settings.
- The pattern disguises fingerprints and smudges better than solid colors.
From cat-eyes to rounded styles, tortoiseshell frames offer versatility. Their main limitation is that they may overwhelm very fair skin tones. But overall, tortoiseshell is a sound choice for an everyday pair of eyeglasses.
Navy Blue Frames
Navy blue frames are an underrated neutral that works beautifully with many skin tones and wardrobe colors. Reasons navy frames complement most looks include:
- Navy flatters cool and warm skin undertones.
- Its dark hue acts as a neutral backdrop for clothing colors.
- Navy brings out the blues and greens in hazel and brown eyes.
- It works for both casual daily wear and professional settings.
From rectangular to cat-eye shapes, navy blue frames offer versatility. Just avoid lighter shades of blue that could clash with skin tones. Stick with deep navy hues and you’ll have a pair that goes with everything.
Clear or Translucent Frames
Clear and translucent frames have a barely-there look that seamlessly blends with any skin tone or style. Reasons they work with nearly any look:
- Crystal clear or frosted frames act as a neutral blank slate.
- They let the natural beauty of your face show through.
- Clear frames have an edgy, fashion-forward vibe.
- They work for both casual and professional settings.
The main caveat is that clear frames show smudges readily. But their versatility makes them worth the extra cleaning. From geometric shapes to cat-eyes, clear frames offer lots of style options.
Silver/Gunmetal Frames
Silver and gunmetal eyeglass frames complement both cool and warm complexions. Reasons they work with nearly everything:
- Silver and gunmetal act as neutral backdrops that let clothing take center stage.
- These metals flatter fair, olive and dark complexions.
- They have an edgy, sleek look that works for various aesthetics.
- Silver and gunmetal suit both casual and professional settings.
Stick with darker silver and gunmetal shades rather than light grays, which can wash out some skin tones. But overall, these metals give you frames with timeless versatility.
Gold/Bronze Frames
Gold and bronze eyeglass frames lend a touch of glamour. Reasons they complement most colors:
- Gold flatters warm skin tones with yellow, peach and olive undertones.
- Bronze complements those with cooler skin tones.
- These metals act as neutrals that don’t compete with clothing colors.
- Gold and bronze work for dressy occasions or adding polish to casual wear.
Stick with darker antique golds and bronzes rather than shiny pale gold frames. But overall, these metals give you a pair that elevates any outfit.
Two-Toned Frames
Two-toned frames merge versatile hues like black, brown, silver or gold. Benefits of these hybrid colors include:
- Pairing neutrals (like black and tortoiseshell) creates versatility.
- Complementary metals (like silver and gold) broaden your options.
- Two-toned frames work with both casual and dressy styles.
- The mix-and-match effect catches the eye.
From combining black and clear to tortoiseshell and silver, two-toned frames give you stylish versatility.
Choosing Frames for Your Coloring
While the frame colors above work with most skin tones, use these tips to choose the most flattering shades:
- Fair skin: Go for black, silver, gunmetal, light tortoiseshell or clear frames. Avoid pale gold tones.
- Medium skin: Opt for black, navy, light tortoiseshell, silver, bronze or antique gold frames.
- Olive skin: Try black, navy, tortoiseshell, silver, bronze and antique gold frames.
- Dark skin: Complement your tone with black, navy, tortoiseshell, gold and bronze frames.
Determine whether your skin leans cool (pink, red or bluish undertones) or warm (yellow, peach or golden undertones). This will help guide you to the most harmonizing frame hues.
Choosing Frame Shapes
In addition to versatile colors, opt for classic frame shapes with timeless appeal:
- Rectangle: Complements square, oval, triangular and diamond face shapes.
- Wayfarer: Suits oval, square and diamond face shapes.
- Cat-eye: Flattering on heart, oval and diamond face shapes.
- Round: Balances square, rectangular and oval faces.
Basic frame shapes in go-with-anything colors give you stylish versatility. Avoid overly flashy trends that may only briefly be in fashion.
Everyday Eyeglass Frame Materials
In addition to versatile colors, choose durable frame materials designed for daily wear:
| Frame Material | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Stainless steel | Durable, lightweight, corrosion-resistant |
| Titanium | Ultralight, hypoallergenic, durable |
| Acetate | Lightweight, scratch-resistant, stylish |
| Nylon | Strong, lightweight, flexible |
| Polycarbonate | Impact-resistant, lightweight |
These materials hold up well to daily use while also being comfortable and lightweight for extended wear.
Lens Options
Along with versatile frames, choose practical lenses suited for everyday use:
- Single vision: Ideal for focusing at one distance. Go for anti-reflective coating to reduce glare.
- Progressive: Multi-focal lenses for seeing at all distances. Choose anti-reflective and scratch-resistant coatings.
- Photochromic: Lenses that darken in sunlight and lighten indoors. Convenient for glasses you’ll wear daily.
Practical lenses make your eyeglasses suitable for all occasions, day or night.
Conclusion
Choosing eyeglass frames and lenses designed for versatility will maximize how often you wear your glasses. Go for classic colors like black, tortoiseshell, navy, silver/gunmetal and timeless shapes like wayfarers and rectangles. Durable metals and scratch-resistant lenses also boost everyday wearability. With a pragmatic approach, you can find an eyeglass pair that complements your personal style while going with everything in your wardrobe. The ability to seamlessly transition your glasses from workdays to weekends will help you get the most from your investment.
