A stylist’s simple guide on how to find the perfect pair of shades

Finding the perfect pair of sunglasses, well, that can feel like trying to find the perfect partner in life. It can be a long, winding task, but when you come across the style that suits you, things can feel quite peachy.

With spring upon us and summer edging close behind, we decided to chat to some of those in-the-know when it comes to selecting that timeless pair of shades.

Now is as good a time as ever to invest and spruce up, and who better to ask than Emma Matta of Soda Shades to talk about all things brows, cheekbones and measurements, and Rozalia Russian to dip a toe into the world of styling your specks.

Here’s your comprehensive guide to finding the perfect shades, plus a whole load of answers to commonly asked questions.

How do I know what glasses suit my face?

“Buying sunglasses can be an overwhelming experience. I believe it’s important to focus on what will suit your face and size, rather than what face shape you are,” explains Matta. 

“Someone with a square face may still have a petite face so it’s not easy to pigeonhole. Picking an ergonomically fitting pair in the style or vibe you’re after is more about complimenting and balancing your facial features.” 

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Though Matta stresses the importance of going into the selection process with an open mind, she concedes that your general face shape is a start, and key consideration not to be ignored. 

But the biggest takeaway? Simply deducing you have a square face and therefore round glasses are your one match, well, the peg may not fit. Throw out the rule book!

Should glasses cover my eyebrows?

Brows: Above, below, or in-line? Every option is right. Just ensure all elements in the equation have their moment. 

Some people love the look of oversized that covers up their brow and a deeper frame, and that’s fine. Matta recommends either going oversized, with a frame above the brow, or something that sits under the brow to frame the face. 

If you can, try not to select a pair that sits on top of your brow.

How should my glasses work with my cheekbones?

“Follow them, it’s as simple as that,” says Matta. 

The contour of your cheekbone should be matched to the outside edge angle of your piece of eye protection or functional vision enhancement equipment. You don’t want the edge of the frame to protrude too far beyond the line of your cheekbone. 

If you have a high-bridged nose, too, generally nose-pads will fit a lot better, and your optometrist can fit the frame to your face. This is why buying good quality is essential, so the material can be adjusted. Customisation is key. 

Why integrate nose pads? They essentially prevent your glasses from sliding off your face so lower-bridged folks will also find them super useful. 

Where should I start when looking for sunglasses?

Eyewear is no different from shopping for any other item of clothing. Pulling it off, that’s subjective. One of the most common mistakes people make is they purchase frames too wide or too narrow for their faces. Face width is the distance between pupils. 

If you already wear glasses or sunglasses, use your existing frames as a reference. Scan them for two numbers separated by a ¨. The left temple is the best place to start. The first number references the size in mm of a single lens, the second number references the bridge size or distance between the lenses. 

Matta explains that, “We want to achieve symmetry so the frames should accentuate symmetry not highlight or create disproportion. Like all apparel, sizing is a guide. Precise as possible while accounting for a minutia of design variances. And like other apparel, buy in your size and if it works you’ve won, if it doesn’t, then onto the next.” 

What about face shapes generally?

When selecting eyewear, it’s also important to look at the lens height, which is the distance between the top and bottom of the lens. If you have a long face, you may not want to go for something too narrow. 

Another rule of thumb: generally oversized styles like aviators generally suit most faces, and smaller circular frames on bigger faces tend not to suit. Though some like the kooky look, and this style has reemerged in recent years. 

So the conclusion there? Throw out the rule book, again. What you like trumps all. Ultimately, you’ll continue to wear them if you’re fond of them, as opposed to whether you suit them.

How to style sunglasses?

We tapped Rozalia Russian to let us in on a few must-knows when it comes to accessorising your accessory.

Her go-to mantra? “When I select my accessories I always select carefully to complete a look and sunglasses are no exception. Come summertime, it’s all about the lighter, more transparent lens. This will help elevate any summer outfit.” 

Though when it comes to everyday wear, Russian recommends a classic black cat-eye, or thin gold aviator with a lighter lens for an elevated look. 

What should I consider when buying sunglasses?

Sunglasses should always be viewed as an accessory, not an afterthought.

Russian explains, “The right glasses can really elevate a simple look and complete an outfit. I believe that everyone needs a variety of glasses on rotation almost like a sunglass wardrobe. If you were starting from the beginning I would suggest a black, brown, and aviator style that can be mixed and matched depending on your outfit.” 

Another style to beeline for: tortoise shell frames. They’re a must for summer – they’re elegant and contribute to that summer glow

Australian eyewear brand, Soda Shades, proudly announces an exclusive collaboration with renowned fashion entrepreneur Rozalia Russian. The limited-edition eyewear collection, launching on 17th September, is set to redefine luxury with frames inspired by Rozalia’s signature elegance and creativity. The collection features eight distinct and timeless shapes created from premium materials.