Choosing the right eyewear isn’t just about seeing clearly—it’s also about expressing your personal style. Your glasses are often the first thing people notice about you, so why not make them a standout feature? When it comes to optical fashion, understanding your face shape can make all the difference in selecting frames that flatter, balance, and enhance your natural features.
Whether you’re after a bold designer look or something sleek and understated, the secret to looking and feeling great in your specs starts with the right shape. In this face shape eyewear guide, we’ll walk you through how to identify your face shape and share expert tips on choosing glasses frames that suit your style.
Identifying Your Face Shape
Before diving into frame styles, it’s important to determine your face shape. Most faces fall into one of five general categories: round, square, oval, heart-shaped, or diamond. Each has distinct characteristics that can guide you toward the most flattering glasses frames.
Mirror Test Tip
Stand in front of a mirror and use a washable marker, lipstick, or even a bar of soap to trace the outline of your face (excluding ears and hair). Step back and examine the shape—it’s a quick and effective way to get a better sense of your facial contours.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Round: Full cheeks with a rounded chin and equal width and height.
- Square: Strong jawline and broad forehead, with equal width across the face.
- Oval: Balanced proportions, slightly longer than wide, with a gentle jawline.
- Heart: Wider forehead and cheekbones that narrow down to a pointed chin.
- Diamond: Narrow forehead and jawline with high, prominent cheekbones.
Knowing where you fit on this spectrum is the first step in finding the eyewear for face shapes that works best for you.
Best Eyewear for Each Face Shape
Round Face: Go Angular
Try: Square or rectangular frames, geometric shapes, or bold brow-line styles to add structure and sharp lines.
Avoid: Small, round, or rimless frames that can exaggerate the face’s natural softness.
Why it works: Angular frames create contrast against the curves of a round face, making your face appear longer and more defined.
Tip: Look for upswept styles like cat-eyes or frames with bold temples to draw the eye upward and elongate your face.
Square Face: Soften the Edges
Try: Round, oval, or butterfly frames that offer contrast to your strong jawline and angular features.
Avoid: Boxy, square, or thick frames that can intensify the squareness of your face.
Why it works: Curved lines soften and balance your features, creating a more harmonious look while still providing definition.
Tip: Choose a frame with a bit of width to match the broadness of your face, but go light on the detailing to avoid a heavy look.
Oval Face: Anything Goes (Almost)
Try: Almost any frame style—wayfarers, cat-eye, aviators, or oversized glasses all suit this balanced face shape.
Avoid: Frames that are too large or too small for your facial proportions, as they can disrupt the natural symmetry.
Why it works: Oval faces have naturally balanced features, allowing for versatility in style without overpowering the face.
Tip: Opt for frames that are as wide as or slightly wider than the broadest part of your face to maintain natural proportion and symmetry.
Heart-Shaped Face: Lighten the Look
Try: Rimless, bottom-heavy, or cat-eye frames with lower-set temples to draw attention away from the forehead and balance the face.
Avoid: Wide or heavy top frames that add bulk to the forehead area.
Why it works: These styles de-emphasise the upper portion of the face and add volume to the lower half, balancing the wider forehead and narrow chin.
Tip: Soft, neutral tones or transparent frames work beautifully for heart-shaped faces, as they create a light, airy aesthetic.
Diamond Face: Highlight Those Cheekbones
Try: Oval, rimless, or upswept cat-eye frames that draw attention to the eyes and brow line while showcasing your cheekbones.
Avoid: Narrow, boxy, or overly angular frames that might clash with your high cheekbones or make your features appear overly sharp.
Why it works: These frame styles add width to narrower areas of the face and highlight your naturally defined cheekbones without overwhelming them.
Tip: Look for frames with detailing along the brow or wider tops to accentuate your eyes and soften the lower half of the face.
Designer Frames That Match Your Look
Once you’ve nailed down the eyewear for your face shape, it’s time to explore frames that align with your personal aesthetic. At Northbridge Optical, we stock a curated range of designer frames to suit every taste—from classic to contemporary.
You’ll find iconic brands like:
- Maui Jim – Renowned for their high-clarity lenses and sporty sophistication.
- Tom Ford – Bold, high-fashion frames that make a statement.
- Moscot – Timeless, vintage-inspired designs perfect for a polished look.
Not sure what works best? Our expert team offers personalised fittings in-store, helping you try different styles, colours, and sizes until you find your perfect match. Whether you’re going for modern minimalism or bold and trendy, our optical styling tips ensure you’ll leave with eyewear that complements your look and lifestyle.
See Better. Look Sharper.
Finding the right frames is as much about style as it is about fit. With the right guidance and a clear understanding of your face shape, you can confidently choose glasses that feel great and look even better.Visit Northbridge Optical to explore designer frames tailored to your look – expert advice and standout style await.
Dr Sophie Dao is the co-owner and principal optometrist at Northbridge Optical, bringing more than 15 years of experience in boutique private practice. A UNSW graduate with Honours and full therapeutic endorsement, she is passionate about providing personalised, high-quality eye care for patients of all ages.
With a special interest in myopia management, Sophie has helped hundreds of children slow the progression of short-sightedness through treatments such as orthokeratology, atropine therapy and advanced myopia-control lenses. As someone who is short-sighted herself and a parent of young children, she understands firsthand the importance of early intervention and long-term vision health.
Sophie believes in creating a welcoming, community-focused experience where every patient feels understood and cared for. When she’s not in the practice, she enjoys spending time with her family and keeping up with the latest research in clinical optometry.
