Do you sometimes find that choosing the right shades for your face is tough? You're not alone. It can sometimes take a very long time. In this article, we will give you some tips that might assist with your decision. These are just general tips to get you thinking. Everyone has different tastes and styles. All that matters is that you are happy with your decision.

The first thing to remember is that sunglasses are as much about protecting your eyes from U.V. rays, as they are about fashion. That means that sunglasses will draw attention to your face. This can be a good thing if they fit right, or a not-so-good thing if they don't.

Shades will accentuate your facial features, so you want to make sure that the sunglasses you wear "blend in". That means that if you have a large face, large sunglasses are best. If you have a small face, then smaller sunglasses are best.

As a general rule, the shape of your sunglasses should be the opposite of the shape of your face. While this is not an exact science, we can consider that most people will fall into one of six different facial shapes:

  1. Oval: most frames will be suitable for an oval face. Contemporary shades with a slightly lower profile would be a good fit. For example, Ray-Ban's RB3362 Cockpit aviator sunglasses are perfect for an oval face.
  2. Round: with a round face, sunglasses that make the face appear longer are best. Shades that are slightly wider than the face and that have angular details will do the trick. Ray-Ban's Outdoorsman family of aviator sunglasses are a goof example of large, detailed sunglasses.
  3. Diamond: diamond shaped faces generally feature very strong cheekbones and slim jaws. Look for sunglasses with an oval shape to soften the harder edges. Ray-Ban's classic RB3025 Large Metal Aviator shades, the original aviator design, are an excellent choice.
  4. Square: a square face is recognizable by the strong jaw line and heavy brow. Think football player. Many different types of shades will work well, although a more oval design is best. As with an oval face, Ray-Ban RB3362 Cockpit model works very well.
  5. Long: the goal of wearig sunglasses if one has a long face is to make it a bit wider, and perhaps even a bit shorter. Rounded sunglasses with some detail on the frame are desired. Ray-Ban's RB3138 Shooter aviators are spot on for someone with a long face. The circular detail on the bridge will drawk attention away from the length of the face, and the rounded tear drop shape of the frame will provide a bit more of a shapely look.
  6. Triangle: a face shaped this way has a narrow jaw and wide forehead. Sunglasses that aren't too wide are preferable so as to not make the forehead look wider. For smaller people, Ray-Ban's RB3044 is an excellent choice, with a stronger teardrop shape that follows the shape of a triangular face quite nicely.

Skin Tone

People with very dark complexions (black) should stay away from black frames as the lack of contrast will look very plain, particularly with very dark lenses. However black frames can do wonders with brightly colored lenses, such as orange or yellow. Silver or gold frames look excellent against a dark skin tone. Mirrored lenses add a very special effect.

People with fair skin should also avoid black frames because it will clash too much. Silver frames look great and gold works just as well. If a dark frame is desired, then gunmetal should be an acceptable compromise. Blue or pink lenses look fantastic.

People with browner skin (olive, mixed, etc) have the widest choice available to them. Silver frames with silver mirrored lenses look amazing with dark hair. Don't be shy with gold and colored lenses, but also stay away from black unless you add color to the lens.

What's the deal with black?

There is nothing wrong with black and many people like it, however from a fashion sense it lacks a bit of boldness. Of course when going with a G15 XLT lens or polarized, its more about vision than it is about the frame and many Ray-Ban aviators with those lenses come with black frames. If black is your thing, go for it and don't hesitate.