Do you wear specs? If you do, then you need to read this!
Your glasses can make or break your whole look. Get them wrong and that will be what folks remember. They will be distracting and may even take away from all that good stuff you have to say. Get them right and it will be you that folks remember. But how do you know if they’re right or wrong? It’s more than just what is ‘a la mode’.
I was 27 when I got my first glasses. I was studying Occupational Therapy and I’d like to think I was quite the groovy student. I had a look! At the time (it was the late 90s) my typical study day outfit was the most ginormously flared jeans, that skimmed right over my three inch flatform trainers to touch the ground, some figure hugging flower power shirt or tie dye tee, cascading locks and a graffiti bag big enough for all my folders. You get the picture!
So how the heck did I go for my first eye test and come out of the opticians with small scale oval shaped lenses with the thinnest metal frames? I’ll tell you how! I wanted them to be invisible. I hated that I needed specs and chose the most non-descript pair I could find. I so wish I could go back in time and give myself the big dollop of confidence it would have taken to select a kick ass pair of chunky frames in glorious technicolour and complimentary to my style.
If only I’d had access to some advice. Because the other part of the experience was being told I need glasses then directed over to rows and rows of frames to choose from. Nobody helped with the selection process and my eye was just skimming over the plethora of options to find the most invisible ones.
Luckily today you don’t have to have this experience. Optical styling is a thing! It’s not available everywhere so you really have to seek it out. I mean why would you spend so much time and attention perfecting your outfit only to pop a boring pair of specs right slap in the middle of where you want people to look at you?
Nowadays my own style has matured. I still like a wide jean but not with frayed bits that suck up the puddles to the back of the knees and my days of skimpy floral figure-hugging shirts are well and truly behind me. The way I dress is so much more in line with who I am and not dictated to me by ‘fashion’. The same goes for my glasses. They have to look like they belong. I will not compromise on the colour and the shape. The colour must flatter my skin tone and clothing aesthetic and the shape must flatter my face and my personal style.
This is what I want for all my clients. After all your specs are possibly the most expensive accessory you will own. It’s why I work with optical dispensers who know about style and colour. It’s a craft! Working with people who know specs enables me to get the perfect pair for my clients every single time. There is a process involved and it should not be a decision taken lightly so don’t let anyone rush you. Ever!
Where I live in the heart of Worcestershire I have easy access to the best optical dispensers to the North and the South of the County. I don’t take my clients anywhere else. VIP Eyewear have the most colourful shop where they house their own brand Good Karma amongst others. You will find them in Tardebigge Court in Redditch where Julie, Lisa and the team will give you the warmest of welcomes and a full optical styling appointment. There is always a cuppa and chocolate biscuit of some description on offer. You will feel like you could stay all day! (But don’t, they get really busy)
Those living in the South of the County will find Forrest Optical Styling Studio in The Homend in Ledbury. Nestled in this picturesque town the stylish studio is right at home amongst boutiques and artisan shops so you may want to put a few hours on your car park ticket. Marie and Lisa will make you feel right at home whilst guiding you to the perfect choice of specs for you.
Both these female entrepreneur led businesses share decades of experience. They really know their stuff so finding the right style of glasses to enhance your overall look and complement your facial features is as easy as can be. Your glasses should be a reflection of your personality capturing your vibe.
What if you don’t have a VIP or a Forrest near you? Here are some things to consider before making any decisions about the frames you are putting on your face.
Face Shape and Size
Know your face shape. Decide whether you want glasses that balance and complement your features or offer drama with contrasting shape? Different frame shapes suit different face shapes but personal choice is key too. Similarly pay attention to the size of the frames in relation to your face size. Frames that are too large or too small can throw off the balance.
Frame Material
Consider the material of the frames. Options include plastic, metal, titanium, and more. Each material has its own aesthetic and comfort factors.
Colour
Choose frame colours that complement you, your skin tone, hair colour, and wardrobe. Are you wanting a neutral cost-efficient look where the colour goes with most of what you wear? Do you even know what your best neutrals are? Or are you looking for a pop? A high contrast colour that tells people about your personality? A colour analysis is a must and don’t skimp. Ensure you do your homework to find somebody who can see you in person in a well lit space with natural daylight and good quality drapes. This process should take no less than an hour and will be the best money you ever spent.
Style Profile
If you don’t know your own style profile it might be time to find out. Simply being a dedicated follower of fashion does not mean you are nailing the profile that best suits your personality and lifestyle. Chances are if you are such a soul you will need several pairs of specs to keep up with your need for perpetual change. For those with a more consistent style it’s important to find frames that look like they belong with the rest of your aesthetic. An image consultation is a must to determine your best look. If I work with a client to determine their best look is a strong edgy kickass vibe I will not be putting them in a classic medium neutral frame. Conversely if my client has a soft delicate look I will not be recommending large square black frames. My recommendations are not made just on the outward visual either; I need to know my client’s preferences. These should not be dictated by anyone else. Some of us prefer to balance our natural features, others may wish to enhance them and it’s nobody else’s decision but yours. Just make it an informed decision!
Comfort and Fit
Your optical dispenser should ensure a comfortable fit by checking that the frames don't pinch your nose, press on your temples, or sit too high or low. Don’t settle, speak up if they don’t feel right.
Always Try Before You Buy
Try on several frames and really look in the mirror for as long as you need to. Don’t be rushed. Take pics if you need to. Seeing images of how the glasses look on your face can be more informative than just looking in the mirror. If you feel pressured, you’re in the wrong shop.
Lifestyle
Think about your daily activities. If you're active, you might need more durable frames. For driving you may need an anti-glare coating. Tell your dispenser what you need to be doing whilst wearing your specs.
Budget
I’ve already said this but I’ll say it again. Your glasses (and your prescription sunglasses) could well be the most expensive accessory you own. I personally would not skimp. I would rather have one handbag and a few pairs of specs than the other way around. Only you can know your budget; nobody else can tell you what you should spend but have a think about where you do spend your money. I’ve stolen this sentiment from Julie at VIP Eyewear – she asks how many pairs of shoes you own? Then who’s looking at your feet? I think it’s well worth spending on the perfect pair/s of frames and having a few less pairs of shoes or handbags. I mean, do you actually need a glasses wardrobe? I know I don’t wear the same jewellery every day.
Remember that finding the right glasses is a personal choice, and the most important factor is how comfortable and confident you feel while wearing them. You can make a much more informed decision if you know your colours and style. If you don’t know ask your dispenser if they can advise on style and colour. If they can’t go somewhere else. Some image consultants will even accompany you at your appointment to ensure you find the right frames for you. I am always happy to offer this service to my clients. They are far less likely to make expensive mistakes and always love the compliments that follow when they wear their new purchase.
Looking good never looked so good. Follow my advice and you have guaranteed specs appeal. Still not sure - let's chat!
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