Choosing the right eyeglass frame color can make a noticeable difference in how old or young you appear. The frames that flatter you best will depend on your own coloring and style preferences. However, there are some general guidelines on frame colors for looking youthful.
Go for lighter colors
Lighter colored frames tend to make people look younger. Darker colors like black, brown, and dark tortoiseshell frames can be aging, especially if your hair is gray or white. Lighter metallic colors like silver, gold, rose gold, and titanium draw less attention and minimize differences between your hair and frame colors.
Try soft or neutral tones
Soft muted shades like tan, ivory, light pink, and peach can brighten your complexion. They prevent the frames from contrasting too starkly with your skin or overpowering your face. Neutral metallic shades like pewter, platinum, and silvery shades also create a youthful luminosity.
Complement your coloring
Determine whether cool or warm toned frames are more flattering with your hair, eyes, and skin. Cooler skin usually looks best in silver or black metal frames, while warm peachy complexions glow with rose gold or bronze. Blue, green, or hazel eyes pop against warm brown, beige, or honey frames. Brown or amber eyes stand out with cool blue-grays. Go for shades that pick up the tones in your irises.
Select the right shape
To look younger, choose smaller “smart” glasses shapes that don’t overwhelm your face. Styles like rectangles, ovals, and cat-eyes pull attention upwards and minimize signs of sagging. Make sure frames aren’t so large that they make your eyes look shrunken. However, don’t choose teeny frames if you have lots of wrinkles, as these will just accentuate lines.
Stay updated with trends
Update aging glasses by choosing modern colors and materials like clear plastic, tortoiseshell, two-toned, and mixed media frames. Some trendy youthful colors are transparent
frames, pale blues, lavenders, soft rose tones, and blush nudes. Go for modified cat-eyes, rounded rectangles, hexagons, or statement shapes.
Best frame colors and styles for different ages
Here’s a quick guide on choosing eyeglass frame colors and shapes in your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s+:
| Age | Best Colors | Best Frame Shapes |
|---|---|---|
| 20s | Bold colors like reds, blues, and purples; blacks, browns | Rectangles, wayfarers, aviators, cat-eyes |
| 30s | Muted tones like grays, taupes, blushes; versatile black | Ovals, rounded squares, wayfarers |
| 40s | Warm shades like tortoiseshells, coppers; cool grays | Modified rectangles, cat-eyes, aviators |
| 50s | Light neutrals like taupe, ivory; soft rose golds | Oversize ovals, rectangular, cat-eyes |
| 60s+ | Silvers, light metallics; beiges, camels | Rounded ovals, rectangles, modified aviators |
Consider frame materials
Plastic or composite frames tend to appear more youthful than wire frames. Their solid, opaque look camouflages wrinkles and age spots around the eyes. Composite frames also come in modern shapes and youthful colors like transparent blues and pinks.
Metal wire frames have a more mature, sophisticated look. However, lightweight titanium, aluminum, and stainless steel give a sleek, contemporary appearance. Their adjustable shape is good for accentuating your best features.
Get fitted properly
Get a professional fitting to select frames suited for your face shape and features. Proportionate frames that align with your brows and balance your face will make you look fresher and more youthful. Set the frames a finger width above your crease for ideal placement.
Keep scale in mind
Delicate thin frames and metal wires tend to look older, while substantial wider frames add maturity and sophistication. Heftier frames also balance out volume loss under the eyes. But very heavy, dark frames overwhelm small faces. Keep proportions in mind for your facial size.
Care for your frames
Regularly cleaning and straightening frames prevents a worn, saggy appearance which adds years. Tighten loose screws, reshape bent frames, and frequently wipe your glasses clean. Also update any frames that are very outdated or scratched for a more modern look.
Get anti-reflective treatment
Ask your optician to apply an anti-reflective coating on lenses. This reduces glare and fingerprints for a more translucent, youthful appearance. AR coating also allows your eyes to be seen more clearly.
Use proper eyewear cases
Keep frames in protective hard cases to prevent warping and damage. Microfiber pouches also gently clean your glasses whenever you store them. Using quality cases keeps frames looking newer longer.
Consider prescription sunglasses
Sunglasses ward off wrinkle-causing squinting and crow’s feet around the eyes. Stylish prescription shades with UV protection maintain a youthful appearance. Oversized wraparounds in mirrored or colored tints will make you look younger.
Conclusion
Frame shape, size, color, and style all impact how old you look in eyeglasses. To take years off your appearance, go for lightweight plastic frames in updated shapes and soft neutral or cool metallic tones. A professional fitting is key to getting frames suited for your facial proportions. Properly caring for your eyewear also prevents an aging, worn look. With some fashion-forward, flattering choices, your glasses can help you look youthful and vibrant.