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 think you look great in the Fara glasses. The color brings out your eye color and the frame is a terrific shape for your face.
Franny is my favorite! Stylish but not “too much” on your face. I kept going back to it.
A fun exercise! I prefer the bolder looks on you, and especially like the Franny Frames in toffee and lavender.
I liked Marisol best on you, shape and color. But your other choices look very nice too. I wear a wine colored frame….for some their are uncomfortable sadly…but a great color lol.
Jennifer,
I really like the Fara glasses on you. They look great with your coloring and eyes. Like the little pop of bling that coordinates so well with your jewelry. I also like the Rocco. They are bold and more casual, but also look well with your face shape. The blue at the top makes your eyes look so pretty and I like that the bottom seems to soften your face as the frame gradually fades away. Hope this helps.
Have a great day!
Jennifer I know what an agonizing decision this can be. I usually have two one way different pair that give me options for mood or outfit of day. I’m farsighted but end up wearing most of time cause what I do I need to see close. So that is a factor how often you wear. I was surprised by how much I liked Franny also Fara and surprise pick Rocco. Good luck with final choice I know it will be the right one
My favorites on you:
1. The Fara – love the color of frame. Nice shape on you, too.
2. Ezra- perfect if you want simple and elegant
3. Naima- if you’re wanting bold this is the one. The soft rose water color is lovely on you.
FARA is adorable on your face!!!
It is the best choice in my opinion. A fun yet fairly neutral color that is not too bold mixed with the metal temples to draw attention up. Frame fits your nose better than the keyhole options you modeled near the bottom of your post. The 2nd choice in my opinion is the Naima. Thicker frame but gets softened by the pretty rose color. I just ordered a new pair of acetate frames and excited to pick them up soon. Good luck with your decision.
I love the Rocco in Coastline Crystal —- makes your eye color POP and is modern.
Hi There, from Toronto, Canada.
I really like the first picture and the fourth picture.
They look sophisticated and speak energy!
Enjoy, whatever you choose!
They all look good but the Rocco on you is fabulous! Franny takes second place and Fara comes in third. IMHO.
The Fara, hands down.
You shine in them.
#1 Fara
#2 Wright
The Ezra is giving “retired math professor.”
Many of the bolder shapes/colors seem overpowering on your petite face. Goggle-like. We see the glasses before we see you.
I hate shopping for glasses! Thanks for sharing and letting us weigh in!
Fanny definitely looks the best on you, and Naima would also be great, but I think you need more color than the clear rose. To me, all the others look either ho-hum or trying too hard.
Love the Franny and the Rocco on you. They both bring out your blue eyes.
FARA FRAME IN IRIS CRYSTAL WITH RIESLING – This frame looks modern, the color and scale are smaller and it lets your face be the center of attention rather than the glasses.
#2 THESE PEEPERS HAVE MAXIMUM BLUE LIGHT BLOCKING FOR SCREENS.- These would be a fun second pair.
The Fara and The Wright both drew attention to your green eyes and were interesting in their own right, without overpowering or dominating your face as a whole and other facial features.
I really like “The Wright” frames on you! Many are flattering though…I’ve always loved tortoise frames too.
I’m so glad you asked! Definitely the Franny or the Marisol or those wonderful peepers at the end, the multi tortoise my favorite. None of the round shapes, particularly the metals, I think they look dated. Sorry!
Ezra is my number 1 on you, with Fara a close second