Trying On Eyeglass Frames: Bold or Soft?
I usually try on clothes for the blog, but this week I switched gears and went looking for new eyeglass frames, which turned out to be its own special kind of identity crisis.
Choosing frames is oddly personal. They sit right in the middle of your face, announce themselves before you’ve said a word, and somehow manage to make you look either polished and interesting or like you made one unfortunate decision under fluorescent lighting.
So today, I’m sharing the contenders.
Try not to let my expression sway you. I did my best to keep my face consistent, but people kept coming into the store, I started chatting, and lost track of what I was doing. There’s also quite a bit of glare on the lenses, so you’ll need to look past that and focus on the frames themselves.
I found several fun options, and I’d love your help narrowing them down.
The Franny has an oval shape with a slight cat-eye tilt that gives it some lift without going too far into “retired drama teacher.” The toffee tortoise feels warm and classic, and the shape is soft enough to be easy to wear every day. It also comes in Jet Black, but I think the tortoise has more personality.
The Marisol has a soft, round shape with a more noticeable bridge and bolder temples, so it makes a bit more of a statement without feeling heavy. The Nordic blue is unexpected, which I liked immediately. It’s not loud, but it’s definitely not apologizing for itself either. It also comes in Toffee Tortoise if you prefer a safer choice, but where’s the fun in that?
The Fara is a classic cat-eye with a lighter, more refined feel than some of the chunkier versions out there. The mix of crystal acetate and metal keeps it from looking too sweet or too severe. It has enough shape to be interesting, but not so much that it starts wearing you instead of the other way around.
The Ezra is a softly rounded metal frame made in Japan from lightweight titanium, with delicate detailing along the eyewire and nose bridge. This one feels a little more intellectual, a little more understated. It also comes in polished gold, but the silver feels cleaner and more modern to me.
The Rocco has a strong brow line and a softly squared bottom, which gives it a more architectural feel. The wide temples and gradient colorway make it a little bolder than some of the others, so this one definitely has presence. It’s the kind of frame that says you notice details and aren’t afraid to make a statement.
The Naima is an oversized acetate frame in a soft rosewater color. It has a playful, slightly glamorous feel without tipping into anything too flashy. Oversized frames can be tricky because they either look chic or like you borrowed your aunt’s readers from 1989, but this one manages to stay on the right side of that line.
The Wright has round lenses and a keyhole bridge, and it comes in several colors as well as a low-bridge fit option. That’s especially helpful if frames tend to slide down your face or sit awkwardly on your cheeks, which is enough to make even a beautiful frame irritating by lunchtime. The rosemary crystal color is subtle and interesting, which I always appreciate.
The Torrez is described as square, but to my eye it reads more softly rounded, which is probably why I liked it. The combination of tortoise fronts and metal temples gives it a nice balance of structure and lightness, and the adjustable nose pads are always worth mentioning because fit matters more than most of us want to admit. A frame can be gorgeous, but if it pinches or slides, it’s not the one.
I like several of these for completely different reasons, which isn’t especially helpful when the goal is to narrow them down.
And finally, if you’re fortunate enough to only need cheaters, I envy you. They’re much more affordable, so you can play with lots of pairs.
So I’m curious what you think. Do you prefer the bolder frames or the softer ones?
Love this post. I recently bought two pair of glasses and want to get a couple more. I like switching them out. You look nice in all the glasses but I like # 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10 best.
Of all the frames, I really like the Fara on your face. The iris with gold accents compliments your complexion. They seem to be the right thickness and proportion to allow the beauty of your eyes to stand out and project an overall light & youthful energy.
I think the Torrez and Wright frames look great! I prefer larger sized bold frames are the best, at least for me. They even help if I don’t feel like putting on makeup.
Fara Frame or Marisol in Nordic Blue.
So many great choices! I am a full-time eyeglass wearer, and I find that neutral colors work best for me. But I have two pairs…one in light tortoise and a second, bolder pair in blue to match my eyes. Here are my faves to highlight your lovely hair and eyes:
1 – Franny
2 – Naima
3 – Fara
I like the multicolored blue Bold Peppers Glasses on you! It was hard to pick just one because they all look good on you.
Ezra and Naima were my favorites, although I don’t think you can go wrong with any of them!
Honestly I feel you’d be happier long term with softer frames. You have lovely fair coloring and the bold frames, while they make a fun statement, can be overpowering for everyday wear.
This is an important consideration for most of us who don’t want or can’t have a wardrobe of frames. Great subject matter! Interesting to see what you choose.
I lean towards the bolder frames. They seem more current, and since eyeglasses are the first accessory people see on you, why not go bold? Although I have to say, I love the Fara frame on you too. Maybe buy more than one?
I prefer the Franny and the Fara on you. They don’t overpower your lovely face like some, and also don’t wash out with your light coloring. Since cataract surgery resolved my distance vision I only need readers. I have an expensive pair from the optometrist’s office, a $95 dollar from Warby Parker, and several pairs of Peepers in various styles and colors. A pair on the bedside table, a pair upstairs, a pair in the office, a pair in my purse, …. Enjoy!
Fara for the win with Naima coming in second. IMO
Jennifer the “Franny” looks stunning on you! They caught my eye immediately. I see a confident and interesting woman. No signs of a drama teacher.
I also liked the “Naima” on you which I found interesting because it is a contrast from the Franny.
I see a polished, feminine woman with high self-esteem.
I wear glasses so I understand all the choices out there. You are fortunate to be able to wear so many different styles and shapes so well.
Cindy
Who doesn’t like offering their opinion! Many of them look good on you, but I vote for Ezra and Marisol for more everyday wear. I think they both look chic on you. I like the ones you said are blue light blocking as well. How many are you buying??
I like the tortoise granny frame on you the best. Soft angles instead of the boxy type frames. We can see YOU instead of big frames. It is a hard decision considering the price of eyeglasses nowadays.
I love love love the Franny lasses on you. And all the peepers!
Definitely bolder! Franny looks great on you 🤓 and I love the colour of Marisol!
I liked the Franny frames the best.
Ilove the first ones.the darker brown.They suit your face,make your eyes pop and make you look younger.
My favorites on you are the Fara Frame.
They all are great contenders! My favorite is the “Farra” frame. I wish I could have your audience to help me choose!!!