Choosing the right color frame for your glasses is an important decision. The color of your frames can drastically affect your overall look and style. When selecting a frame color, there are a few key factors to consider: skin tone, hair color, eye color, personal style, and the occasion where you’ll be wearing your glasses. Taking the time to evaluate these aspects will help you settle on a frame hue that complements your appearance.
In the following sections, we’ll explore how different colors pair with varying complexions, hair hues, and eye colors. We’ll also look at frame options for different personal aesthetics. And finally, we’ll review which shades work best for different settings and events. With this comprehensive information, you’ll be equipped to select glasses frames in a shade that enhances your look.
Matching Frame Color to Skin Tone
One of the most important considerations when selecting a frame color is finding a hue that complements your skin tone. The right match can make your face appear vibrant and healthy, while the wrong choice can wash you out or make skin flaws more noticeable. Here are some recommendations on flattering frame colors for various complexions:
Warm Skin Tones
Warm skin tones include peach, yellow, or golden undertones. Ideal frame colors include:
– Brown: A rich brown frame adds warmth to bronze and olive complexions. Darker brown works well for medium to tan skin. Lighter brown complements fair or sallow warm skin.
– Tortoiseshell: Complex combination of brown, black, and tan complements glowing warm skin.
– Gold/Bronze: Metallic frames in gold, copper, or bronze make warm undertones glow.
– Red: Deep reds like oxblood or burgundy look beautiful with warm medium to tan skin.
– Orange: Peachy orange and coral complement fair warm complexions. Darker orange pops against darker warm skin.
Cool Skin Tones
Cool skin tones have hints of pink, red, or blue. Ideal frame colors include:
– Silver/Gunmetal: Silvery frames illuminate fair cool complexions. Gunmetal grey adds sophistication to medium cool skin.
– Purple: Lavender, lilac, plum, or amethyst flatter both light and dark cool undertones.
– Blue: Cerulean, navy, or cobalt enhance the pinkish hue of fair cool skin.
– Green: Olive, sage, mint, and forest green draw out the rosy glow of light cool complexions. Emerald and teal suit darker cool skin.
– Pink: Rose, salmon, and bright pink shades look youthful with light cool tones. Deeper pinks suit medium to tan skin.
Neutral Skin Tones
Neutral complexions don’t have strong warm or cool undertones. You have more flexibility with frame color, but some shades still look more natural than others. Try:
– Black: A classic that suits all neutral skin tones.
– Grey: Charcoal, slate, or silver complement neutral skin beautifully.
– Brown: Choose tan, beige, or light brown frames to enhance neutral or olive skin.
– Purple: Lavender and lilac bring out the subtle warmth of fair neutral skin.
– Red: Look for deeper reds with hints of brown or purple to suit medium neutral tones.
Matching Frame Color to Hair Color
In addition to your skin tone, your natural hair color provides guidance for selecting frame hues. You want the shades to complement each other, not compete. Here are effective pairings:
Blonde Hair
– Black: Classic and high contrast.
– Brown: Rich brown makes yellow or strawberry blonde hair pop.
– Tortoiseshell: Tan and brown mixes beautifully with golden blonde hair.
– Silver: Match light silvery blonde hair.
– Red: Choose bold reds or burnt oranges for drama.
– Purple: Light pinkish purple pairs with platinum and ash blondes.
Red Hair
– Brown: Chocolate brown complements auburn hair.
– Grey: Charcoal frames contrast with red tresses.
– Tortoiseshell: Tan and brown shades accentuate red locks.
– Purple: Emphasize red tones with plum or magenta frames.
– Green: Olive green and forest green flatter redheads.
– Blue: Cobalt or turquoise blue complements strawberry blonde shades.
Brown or Black Hair
– Tortoiseshell: Gradient mixes of brown/tan/black match well.
– Brown: Milk chocolate frames complement darker brown hair. Lighter nut brown fits lighter brown shades.
– Grey: Charcoal and silver bring out subtle highlights in dark hair.
– Red: Crimson, burgundy, or deep orange add striking contrast.
– Green: Forest, emerald, or sage green suit black/brown hair.
– Blue: Navy blue frames match black hair; robin’s egg blue pops against light brown.
Choosing Frames to Match Eye Color
Matching your eye color to your glasses frames makes the shade pop. When eyes and frames harmonize, it makes your gaze more vibrant. Consider these combos:
Brown Eyes
– Brown: Darker oak or chocolate flatters medium to dark brown eyes. Lighter tan or beige enhance lighter brown.
– Purple: Eggplant and plum make brown eyes dazzle.
– Hazel: Tortoiseshell with brown, tan, black echoes hazel eyes.
– Green: Olive, sage, and mossy greens intensify russet eye shades.
– Grey: Charcoal frames contrast with rich brown irises.
Green Eyes
– Brown: Medium to lighter nut brown and tan complement green.
– Green: Matching emerald or forest green shades make eyes pop.
– Hazel: Mix of brown, green, tan in tortoiseshell frames enhances hazel-green eyes.
– Grey: Light grey and silver bring out green flecks.
– Blue: Cerulean, turquoise, or cobalt make green eyes pierce.
Blue Eyes
– Black: High contrast with pale blue eyes.
– Grey: Softens piercing blue eyes.
– Blue: Match eye color with shades like navy, robin’s egg, or azure.
– Pink: Rose quartz and salmon bring out blue undertones.
– Purple: Lavender, lilac, and plum accentuate blue irises.
Hazel Eyes
– Brown: Echo eye color with cocoa and chestnut brown.
– Green: Match the green side with olive and mossy tones.
– Grey: Charcoal and ash grey play up color shifts.
– Blue: Cerulean and cobalt reflect the blue side of hazel.
– Tortoiseshell: Mix of brown, green, and black blend perfectly.
Selecting Frames for Your Personal Style
Beyond physical attributes, the color of your eyeglass frames should align with your personal style. Consider these frame suggestions for different aesthetics:
Preppy Style
– Tortoiseshell: Classic pattern gives off old money vibe.
– Tan: Khaki color fits in with prep wardrobe.
– Navy: Crisp, nautical style.
– Pink: Rose quartz for feminine preppy look.
Intellectual Style
– Black: Serious, scholarly vibe.
– Grey: Sophisticated and subtle.
– Brown: Rich brown feels grounded.
– Blue: Cerulean or robin’s egg blue has studious feel.
Creative Style
– Tortoiseshell: Eclectic pattern suits creative types.
– Purple: Eggplant or lilac provides creative edge.
– Red: Make bold statement with crimson or cherry red.
– Teal: Vibrant pop of color.
Edgy Style
– Black: Stark frames convey edgy aesthetic.
– Red: Blood orange or burgundy for dramatic effect.
– Metallic: Matte gold and rose gold edify edgy look.
– Neon: Acid green, yellow, or pink make bold declaration.
Vintage Style
– Tortoiseshell: Classic retro pattern.
– Clear: Mimics vintage wire-rim glasses.
– Horn: Made from natural materials with old-school look.
– Blue: Pale blue or pink for retro femme style.
Frame Color for Different Occasions
Certain frame colors work better for some occasions than others. Consider these recommendations:
Work
– Black: Professional, authoritative hue.
– Brown: Warm tan and beige fit conservative offices.
– Grey: Sophisticated charcoal or silver suits most careers.
– Tortoiseshell: Traditional pattern acceptable for many professions.
Casual Daytime
– Blue: Fun shades like cobalt, sky blue, or turquoise.
– Tortoiseshell: Works for most casual daytime activities.
– Purple: Playful lilac or violet shades.
– Clear: Minimalist choice for casual wear.
Formal Occasion
– Black: Fail-safe classic color.
– Grey: Dignified charcoal or dove grey.
– Silver: Metallic shine adds elegance.
– Tortoiseshell: Traditional pattern appropropriate for formalwear.
Funky Party
– Neon colors: Acid green, hot pink, highlighter yellow.
– Glittery/Crystal: For ultimate fun, choose glitter frames.
– Mismatched: Go bold with different colors on each side.
– White: Crisp and playful.
Factors for Children’s Eyeglass Frames
Selecting frames for children requires some special considerations. You want frames that are durable and complement their features, but also appeal to kids’ fashion sensibilities. Important factors include:
– Durability: Sturdy plastic or flexible frames withstand rough handling.
– Adjustability: Look for frames with adjustable nose pads and stems to accommodate growth.
– Color: Allow kids to pick colors they find fun and exciting.
– Style: While adult sizes come in every shape, limit kids’ frames to standard circular, oval, and rectangular shapes that fit their faces.
Some great kid-friendly frame colors include:
– Red – Vibrant and energetic
– Purple – Playful and creative
– Blue – Calming and cool
– Green – Fresh and fun
– Pink – Sweet for girls
– Tortoiseshell – Classy and smart
Conclusion
With a wide selection of frame colors available, take the time to consider your complexion, hair color, eye color, personal style, and the occasion when choosing eyeglass frames. Seek hues and tones that complement your coloring and flatter your appearance. Be sure to choose durable, adjustable children’s frames in fun colors they like. Thoughtful frame color selection helps you look your very best and conveys your personal flair.
