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?
I like the Fara. It doesn’t over whelm your face. The light iris looks good with your skin tone.
Thanks for this topic. I agree that selecting frames for everyday wear is challenging. They are expensive and if I make a mistake I have to live with it for a while! I like the softer frames for you because I see your face. Bolder frames can be fun but I see the frames and not you, the person.
I like the Fara frame in Iris Crystal the best. The shape suits your face and the lighter color IMO is best for your coloring.
I agree! Love the color for you.
After looking at all the beautiful frames you tried on I will give you my honest opinion. My favorite frames were all of the Peepers. I think all of them looked great on you. The colors of the Peepers looked so good with your coloring. Each frame had it’s own distinct style. That is your choice. All of them great. Now for the other frames, many of them aged you. I think you look better in the bolder frames. Good luck choosing! After seeing your frames , I think I am ready to go shopping.
I really like the shape and color of the Iris. Also like the Rosewater and the Crystal Peepers.
I love the tortoise ones that have several examples.
Thank you for trying on all these glasses. You’re right – buying glasses is a bit awkward because they do sit right in the middle of your face. I love the Ezra and clear peepers on you. Both of those are lighter and showcase your face rather than focusing on the glasses
Good Morning Jennifer. I hate to tell you … I like them all. My least favorite, the wire rims. I’m glad to know there’s blue light blocking. I need to look into that.
Farra and Franny frames are my favorites.
I liked the Franny Frame and the Naima Frame in rosewater.
Fara and Ezra are my vote!
Thank you for all that you do 💗
Franny and Fara get all my votes!
Franny in Toffee Tortoise! I can’t help thinking Buddy Holly for the heavier frames. Franny feels modern and smart to me.
First pair are the best! by far! Small oval and color suit your face!
Fara or Ezra
Franny frames look great on you… That would be my choice for you……
I like the Franny, the Fara and the Torrez eye frames. I feel they look the best on you. They pop and don’t look overwhelming.
The first one is so pretty with your coloring.
Hi Jennifer – I so relate to this decision – these are difficult choices.
My choices for you:
#1 Torres terrazzo tortoise
#2 Franny frame in toffee tortoise
Blue blockers:
Eyebobs premium
Blue tortoise shell mix – middle pair
Second last one’s look fabulous on you.