There’s no shortage of stylish sunglasses out there, but which ones will fit perfectly and flatter your unique face shape? Trying on countless pairs at multiple stores or ordering and returning pairs online can quickly become dizzying. That’s why we’re helping you skip the trial-and-error blues by tapping eight fashion experts who already have done the legwork in order to determine which specific styles suit various face shapes the best. (Of course, there are no definite style rules, so don’t let this guidance limit you if you want to zig where others zag.) Keep reading to discover their top picks for both men and women, from luxe fashion finds to sporty-inspired shapes and classic frames.
Classic aviators
The iconic Ray Ban aviators have a dedicated fan base, and with good reason—they’re flattering on virtually everyone. Long-time fans of the brand include Nolan Meader, a New York City-based fashion stylist and editor, and Blake Van Patten, a St. Louis, Mo.-based fashion stylist. “The Ray Ban aviator is, in my opinion, the greatest pair of sunglasses ever made,” Meader says. “They look at home on a multitude of face shapes and I own them in 11 variations and carry at least two pairs with me at all times.” Van Patten still has her Aviator Classics from high school, “because they are just another timeless pair of shades that look great on pretty much anyone.” Van Patten describes herself as having a rectangular-shaped face, and notes that “regardless of face shape, you can opt for various lens sizes to truly select the most flattering pair for you.” Case in point, the extra small variation, which is one of very few styles on the market, is made specifically for those with smaller faces.
Soft cat-eye pick
Van Patten recommends a softer take on the cat-eye for those with diamond-shaped faces. “Cat-eye frames are one of the best styles for a diamond face shape and can really enhance [one’s] look with angular dimensions and help to balance the sharp angles,” she says. Free People’s design features rounded corners, which makes it all the more flattering. Available in five colorways, Van Patten has been leaning into the more colorful styles for spring and summer. “If you’re someone like me who doesn’t wear a lot of colorful clothing, accessories like sunglasses are a great way to add that pop of color,” she says.
Oversized metal frames
New York City and Los Angeles-based celebrity wardrobe imagist Posh McKoy recommends this retro-inspired style from Lanvin for square faces, explaining that an oversized design, as well as wire or semi-rimless frames, are best suited for the face shape. “Oversized frames draw attention to the center of the face,” also known as the T-zone, he says. In turn, the oversize lenses “soften the outer areas of the face.” Lanvin’s lasting heritage and couture sensibilities make the designer one of McKoy’s favorites for oversized frames, like this ’70s-inspired, gradient lens version.
Lower-price pick
If the designer price point is out of your range, or you have a habit of losing your sunglasses, there are stylish options that won’t break the bank. Birmingham, Ala.-based founder of MG Style, Mary Glenn McElveen recommends these non-polarized tortoise ones, and notes that they look just as good as higher end pairs. “The square shape is a bit wider versus the traditional cat-eye, which makes them a great choice for round- or heart-shaped faces.” Seven colorways are available, from classic tortoiseshell to light blue, so you should be able to find one that fits your personal style.
Bold cat-eye style
Two of our experts say these cat-eye sunglasses from Saint Laurent are their personal tried-and-true pick. New York City-based stylist and creative consultant Jaclyn Bloomfield notes the frames have the ability to flatter different face shapes, but especially those with oval-shaped faces. “The angular outer tip of the frame will add dimension to your rounded facial silhouette” resulting in a “sophisticated statement” she explains. Glenn McElveen, agrees: “I have an oval face so I love how this frame shape lifts at my cheekbones, making them appear more contoured and sharp while at the same time balancing out the proportions of my face.” Clean lines and the classic black colorway ensure that these can be styled with any outfit.
Angular cut
“I think aviator sunglasses always compliment an oval face as they give more vertical coverage,” says New York City-based fashion stylist, Hattie Doolittle. “I like this pair from Bottega Veneta because they’re sleek and give off a vintage feel with the gold metal frames and monochromatic lenses.” She notes that this pair has an unexpected masculine edge that will be flattering on both women and men, while the gold-tone metal frames and contrasting colored lenses offer an eye-catching touch.
Versatile shape
Eric McNeal, a New York City-based stylist, says this bold style from Nanushka “is something that is always in my styling kit and I use for all of my male clients.” His go-to pick for everything from red carpet to different styling techniques, the frames’ versatility can be found in the stealth, elongated oval shape that is “perfect for every face.” McNeal also calls out the sustainability aspect of this style; the brand notes they are made primarily of recycled materials, like bio-based plastics, that are biodegradable.
Lightweight frames
“Smaller faces do really well with wireless or lightweight smaller frames”, says Mary Gonsalves Kinney, the San Francisco-based stylist behind the service MGK Style. She likes this small but mighty pair from Saint Laurent, adding that the frames “help give the aura of a larger facial landscape.” The thin, metal frames on these sunglasses are cast in black and feature flush lenses and a wired brow bar, offering a clean, minimalist feel that you can wear when dressed up or down.
Retro-inspired option
If you have a heart-shaped face, McKoy recommends aviator, oval, rimless and round frames for the best fit. “I own four pairs of Tom Ford aviators, and I really believe they’re the best for all face shapes, but specifically heart-shaped faces,” he says. This particular unisex style is made from plastic and acetate and has a distinct retro feel. “From the slight nod to the ’70s with the tortoise frame to the thin stems and elongated silver T, these shades can make anyone feel like a superstar,” he says.
Rimless butterfly pair
“I have a round face, and I think oversize, butterfly sunglasses are the most complimentary for a round face shape because of the balance in proportions,” Doolittle says. “The angled corners on this pair are cut in a way that has a nice contrast of coverage without being too round and predictable.” Missoni’s winged, rimless sunglass style is a favorite, she says, because “I love the gradient lenses with the frameless edges as they pay a compliment to the retro 2000’s while keeping it contemporary and classic,” Doolittle says.
Sharp and sleek
These “sleek and distinct cat-eye frames will make you look exceptionally sharp no matter what you are wearing,” Bloomfield says. The polished black acetate material and signature three-dot design also comes in Ivory and Tortoiseshell. Who is this shape best for? “Even though cat-eye silhouettes can flatter a lot of different face shapes,” she notes, “ this particular style works best on oval faces as it can balance softer [and] rounded facial features with its angular design.”
Oversized tortoiseshell option
Chloé’s Gayia frames offer an oversize, rounded shape for a glamorous look. “A longer face can rock the oversized vibe well,” Gonsalves Kinney says. By centering the face, the sunglasses have a shortening effect for longer and oval face shapes and “the detail of the tortoise catches the eye and draws attention away from one’s facial length,” she says. They are also crafted with pre-consumer, recycled-acetate, the brand states, which means that each tortoiseshell pattern is unique to each pair.
Thick oval shape
For people with a diamond-shaped face, McKoy advocates for a rectangular, aviator or oval silhouette, like these unisex, thick-framed Givenchy sunnies. “Oval glasses have curves that contrast angular features and tend to be a bit wider, complementing the cheekbones and balancing out the proportions of the chin and nose,” he says. The logo on the nose bridge of these sunglasses give a special designer touch, reminiscent of ’90s Hollywood glamor, McKoy points out.
Round and metal-rimmed
If you have a heart-shaped face, you’ll have “lots of freedom when it comes to sunglasses,” Meader says. He recommends styles for this face shape including aviators, patterned frames and more specifically, this round Ray-Ban wired pair. It’s “well-made and will never go out of style,” he says. Available with both polarized and unpolarized lenses and in 12 colorways, this style was pulled straight from the archive and is versatile enough for casual and formal wear.