Made in the Shade:
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Sunglasses
August 2026 Issue
The Lowcountry Lookbook
Story by Jacie Elizabeth Millen
Sunglasses aren’t just an accessory—they’re the finishing touch that
can transform your entire look.
The right pair enhances your features, sharpens your style, and brings intention to even the simplest outfit. While trends may shift, knowing which frames flatter your face shape is the secret to finding sunglasses you’ll reach for again and again.
Made in the Shade:
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Sunglasses
Sunglasses aren’t just an accessory—they’re the finishing touch that
can transform your entire look.
The right pair enhances your features, sharpens your style, and brings intention to even the simplest outfit. While trends may shift, knowing which frames flatter your face shape is the secret to finding sunglasses you’ll reach for again and again.
Oval Face:
The Lucky One
If you have an oval face, consider yourself fortunate. With balanced proportions and softly rounded features, nearly every frame style works beautifully.
This is your chance to experiment. Oversized squares, sleek aviators, retro cat-eyes, and bold geometric shapes all enhance your natural symmetry. Don’t shy away from statement colors or unique details—they’re made for you.
Round Face:
Add Definition
Round faces feature softer curves with similar width and length. To create contrast, opt for structured, angular frames that add definition.
Square, rectangular, and geometric styles help elongate the face and bring a modern edge. Classic black or tortoiseshell frames offer a polished, timeless finish.
Square Face:
Soften the Edges
Strong jawlines and broad foreheads define a square face shape. Balance these bold features with rounded or oval frames that soften angles without hiding them.
Aviators are always a flattering choice, while circular frames and gently curved oversized styles add effortless elegance.
Heart-Shaped Face:
Balance is Key
Heart-shaped faces have a wider forehead and a narrower chin. Look for frames that create balance by adding subtle width to the lower half of the face.
Aviators, round frames, and softly curved cat-eyes work beautifully. Lightweight or rimless styles keep the look refined and airy.
Diamond Face:
Highlight Your Features
With high cheekbones and a narrower forehead and jawline, diamond-shaped faces are naturally striking.
Cat-eye frames accentuate cheekbones, while oval and rimless styles soften the overall look. Choose designs with gentle curves to enhance your natural structure.
Beyond Face Shape: It’s About Your Style
While face shape is a helpful guide, personal style should always be a factor. Whether you gravitate toward bold statement frames or understated classics, the right pair should feel authentic to you—not just reflective of what’s trending.
And fit matters as much as style. Sunglasses should sit comfortably without slipping or pinching, with your eyes centered in each lens. Be sure to shop locally so you can try them on in person—how they feel on the bridge of your nose, your face and your ears are as important as how they look.
While style and comfort are two necessary factors, the real reason we wear sunglasses is to protect our vision. When shopping for a new pair, always look for lenses labeled 100% UVA and UVB protection or UV400. These protections block harmful ultraviolet rays linked to eye damage and premature aging around the eyes. Polarized lenses are a smart upgrade, reducing glare from water, roads, and other reflective surfaces for sharper, more comfortable vision.
Some people build their entire look around their shades. Think Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Tom Cruise in Risky Business and Top Gun, and the entire Blues Brothers band. The best pair isn’t the one everyone else is wearing—it’s the one that feels effortless, confident and protective, the one that brings out your inner star—the one that becomes your iconic signature.
The Power of a Pair
These powerful movie characters are instantly recognizable because their eyewear became part of their identity. That’s the power of a pair!
Aviators: Maverick (Top Gun), The Terminator
Wayfarers: The Blues Brothers, Joel (Risky Business)
Oversized Glamour: Holly Golightly (Breakfast at Tiffany’s)
Futuristic Narrow Frames: Neo and Morpheus (The Matrix)
Classic Black Shades: Agents J and K (Men in Black)
Haute Couture: Miranda Priestly (The Devil Wears Prada)