Here’s a pet peeve: Daily, I see both guys and girls wearing sunglasses or optical frames that are WAY too big for their faces. In traffic, on campus. It’s awful.
Buggy eyes look sloppy and I can’t take a person wearing them seriously. Usually they’re cheap too.
Unlike other accessories, glasses shopping is really a fine-tuning process. What shape complements your facial structure? Which colors highlight your eyes, or hair. Which frames are too heavy, and which look dated?
If you want to get scientific, you can actually measure out the best size for your face/head. I won’t get much into that, but you can read more here and here.
This summer, I want you to pick out some new sunglasses. Support the niche economy that is opticians. There are plenty of options, and there’s no reason to get lazy and buy generic.
[For another lesson on the industry, watch this 60 Minutes segment on Luxottica, the world’s largest producer and seller of high-end eyewear.]My long-running favorite brand Mosley Tribes was recently discontinued by its parent Oliver Peoples, replaced with ‘Oliver Peoples West.’ Similar styles and similar prices. I swear the San Luis is identical, minus the temple arms, to the Mosley Tribes Stafford frames I’ve worn for over a year.
This season and in general, I am a fan of tortoise in unique colors or combinations.
Also, clear acetate (plastic).
Metal sunglasses have always said “Top Gun” to me, but their benefit is lightness with a sporty attitude. They won’t slide down your nose or feel heavy after an all-day wear.
You can mix materials for a blended, modern look.
Also consider a matte finish vs. shiny, for a change.
Notice that many of the frames I like are trimmer, more pared down.
If you like to go absolutely bananas, I’m digging the Shwood offerings. The Portland-based brand makes wood, stone, and metal frames that are now sold at Nordstrom!
The classic Wayfarer, having had a major resurgence in the last few years, is too harsh now. The lines aren’t fresh, though the general shape with softer lines still complements many face types.
If you absolutely must don something ghastly and ostentatious, at least do it with a splash…
Not to add another layer of complexity to your decision, but lens polarization is a huge plus in bright sunny climates. It cuts glare substantially, is worth the extra cost.
The best local eyewear place is The Optic Shop in Hyde Park, so I would start there.
For endless online browsing, try these approved brands:
$…..Warby Parker – many can be too wide for my taste, but the shapes are classic and very affordable
$$…Illesteva – born in New York but made in Italy, these are painfully hip frames, sold at the likes of MR PORTER and The Oxford Exchange.
$$…Oliver Peoples West – formerly Mosley Tribes (*tear*)
$$$…Barton Perreira – simple, Japanese-made glasses in tasteful tones
I wanna see what you find!