Avoid These Eyewear Shapes for a More Mature Face

We’ve seen razor-sleek glasses come in and out of style over the years, but mature fashionistas may want to give these a pass even when they’re en vogue. Speaking exclusively to Glam, stylist Joseph Katz advises avoiding “narrow or small frames, which can emphasize signs of aging” as well as “frames with harsh angles, which can appear too severe and clash with natural facial features.”

One easy fix for harsh, geometric silhouettes is to select oval or round frames. “These styles work particularly well for people with square or rectangular face shapes,” says Katz. “The curved edges help soften angular features and create a balanced, harmonious appearance. They’re especially flattering when the frame width aligns with the widest part of the face.” For instance, Katz loves the curvy and sleek Lupe Eyeglasses from Warby Parker, which come in two colors and start at only $95, at the time of writing.

Note: If this is your first time ordering eyewear on the internet, there are a few things you need to know before buying glasses online. But as long as you have all your prescription info handy, the digital realm can open you up to a whole new world of styling options — including rounded frames that play well with aging faces.

Setting aside narrow glasses eliminates a pretty big pool of contenders from your next optometric order, but they aren’t the only poor choice for older faces. Another no-go for the gracefully aging? “Frames with a downward sweep,” says style expert Joseph Katz. With a profile that naturally draws the eye downward, “they can create a drooping effect” — which nobody wants, regardless of age group. The same goes for styles that create any kind of focal point along the bottom rim, which pull focus downward.

Now, this may sound obvious. From makeup to accessories, you could reasonably expect everyone to pick looks that draw attention upward for a snatched effect. But as we’ve seen with trends like the downturned puppy-eye eyeliner look, quirky, bottom-heavy styles can work in certain contexts. But low-oriented glasses for older faces? Not one of the success stories.

To get a lifting effect from your spectacles, instead, you can’t go wrong by styling a pair of timeless cat-eye glasses. “This upswept style is perfect for round face shapes, as it creates the illusion of lift and adds definition to softer features,” Katz exclusively tells Glam. “The silhouette makes a statement while remaining versatile enough for everyday wear.” The Cat-Eye Glasses from Zenni are a perfect example and even come in three designs — black, tortoiseshell, or blue tortoiseshell — from the staggeringly low price of $27.95. Otherwise, Katz recommends the Admiral Glasses available on Eyebuydirect.

Shape is a crucial, nay, foundational aspect of choosing flattering glasses — but it’s not the only one. When narrowing down your selection, Joseph Katz also emphasizes the importance of color and detailing. “Overly embellished frames can appear dated or excessive,” he exclusively reveals to Glam. Meanwhile, the expert adds, “Gray frames tend to wash out many skin tones and rarely enhance facial features.” It doesn’t help that, like your face shape, your skin tone tends to change with age, often becoming wan or translucent as you lose pigmented skin cells.

For the best look on an older face, Katz suggests choosing colors that realistically complement your current skin tone, rather than the skin tone you had in years past. Depending on your look and preference, that might mean opting for the bold and bright (for a splurge, Katz recommends Gucci’s signature eyeglasses), “youthful, sophisticated” pastels, or the “fresh, light appearance” of metallic frames. Alternatively, the expert suggests going for something completely rimless, such as the Yoji Hirao Glasses, or something with a minimalist wiry rim, like the Paige Glasses from Zeelool.

Often, understated patterns are also a win for mature features. Tortoiseshell is a prime option — as Katz notes exclusively to Glam, “This classic pattern remains a timeless choice that bridges elegance and contemporary style. Its varied brown tones complement most skin tones and work well in both casual and formal settings.” Best of all, this look is easy to get, as there are countless tortoiseshell frames on the market. For instance, we love the chic simplicity of these tortoiseshell glasses from Lucky Brand, available at Frames Direct for $72.50.