How To Pick The Right Sunglasses

Find the right sunglasses for your face with these expert tips!
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  • How do you find the right shades to complement your face? There's nothing like shopping for a new pair of sunglasses to make you feel like a certain storybook heroine. One pair is too big, the next is too small, and even if you get the right size, are you certain they're the most flattering style? Uncertainty is never enjoyable, so we called eyewear aficionado Benjamin Montoya--the designer of Benjamin Eyewear --to weigh in on the must-have styles for every face shape in our first-ever How To story. Scroll through for his tips and shop our must-try picks.

  • Heart-Shaped Face
    Photo credit: Getty Images

    Ray-Ban Aviator Large 55 Sunglasses ($183)

    When working with wide cheekbones and a narrow chin, otherwise known as a heart-shaped face, aviators are your best bet. That said, Montoya suggests staying away from oversized aviators with lenses that slope sharply from the nose pad to the outer cheekbone; this shape can weigh or drag the face down. Instead, pick ones that have a more rounded silhouette throughout. Additionally, cat-eye sunglasses that are not too narrow or pointy will also work for this shape.

  • Heart-Shaped Face
    Photo credit: INF Photo
  • Oliver Peoples Annaliesse Sunglasses ($365)

  • Oval-Shaped Face
    Photo credit: Getty Images

    Prism Portofino Eye Matte-Acetate Sunglasses ($425)

    Lucky for oval faces, Montoya says that just about every frame type complements this shape. "Just make sure that when choosing sunglasses--whether oversized or not--you pay attention to the width of the frames and the distance between the two lenses," he says. "There should be a gap on either side of your temples, and the sunglasses should not slide down the nose or cause discomfort in the nasal area." The color of the frame is important as well, Montoya points out, and in this case, you'll want to stick to colors that look best on you clothing-wise and translate that to sunglasses.

  • Anthropologie Sliced Geometry Shades ($38)

  • Oval-Shaped Face
    Photo credit: Getty Images

    Karen Walker Wizard Sunglasses ($275)

  • Square-Shaped Face
    Photo credit: Getty Images

    Illesteva Frieda Round-Frame Matte-Steel Sunglasses ($285)

    Square faces with a small forehead and strong jaw line should pick circular frames for a balanced look. You should avoid square styles or frames with hard shapes. "I recommend choosing sunglasses with softer, more rounded edges or even an oversized cat-eye, as those will complement broad features," says Montoya.

  • Square-Shaped Face
    Photo credit: Getty Images

    Giuse by Benjamin Eyewear Milton Sunglasses ($175) in Black

  • Madewell Sunglasses ($55) in Beach Pebble

  • Stella McCartney Oversized Square Sunglasses ($353)

  • Forever 21 Square Sunglasses ($6)

  • Round-Shaped Face
    Photo credit: Getty Images

    Benjamin Eyewear Brotherton Sunglasses ($375) in Tortoise

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