How To Choose The Right Pair of Glasses – Q&A with Sophie Boulanger, Co-founder of BonLook

I’ve had reading glasses since kindergarden but I’ve always avoided being seen in them. No matter how adorable a pair of glasses appears on the rack at the optometrist I always wind up looking like I’m wearing a horrible pair of disguise glasses – not cute. So when I met the girls from BonLook I knew I had a chance to turn it all around. CEO and Co-founder Sophie Boulanger walks me through how to choose the right shape, color, and style for my next pair of frames.

BonLook Co-founder, Tortoise Shell Glasses, Clear Frames, Rebecca Minkoff

photo of Sophie: courtesy of BonLook, pink clutch - Miu Miu, glasses case - Rebecca Minkoff, tortoise shell - BonLook, two toned frames - BonLook, cateye frames - BonLook

SB: How do I know what shape frame will compliment my face shape?

S: We have a great section on the website that describes this in detail: http://www.bonlook.com/page/how-order. Quickly, here are a few things to remember:

Round face: Avoid round frames; try to go for angular frames that will bring structure
Oval face: Almost every frame should fit you!
Square face: Look for oval and round frames that will soften your features
Heart face: Avoid very large frames that will emphasize your cheek bones

How To Choose The Right Glasses For Your Face

SB: Should I consider my hair style and color when selecting frames? Do you have any suggestions of good combinations?

S: In general, it’s best to try to follow the rule dark hair/dark frames, light hair/light frames. It will give more coherence to your whole look. But don’t hesitate to dare a dark style even if you have blond hair. It can give a lot of personality to your look.

turban - Free People, light frames - BonLook, lace headband - Free People, dark frames - BonLook

SB: What are some frames that you wish people would try more often (for men and women)?

S: A lot of men are more traditional in their choices and automatically go for rectangle frames. They should definitely try on more square eyeglasses because it can give a lot of edge to any outfit. As for women, they should really try to get their hands on some cateye frames. It’s the shape of the moment that instantly gives a feminine whimsical “je ne sais quoi”!

button front shirt – Aubin & Wills, shorts – Folk, belt – Jean Shop, loafers – Jimmy Choo, sunglasses – BonLook

SB: Can I punch up my style with glasses?

S: Of course! Eyeglasses is the fashionable item that can best define an entire outfit. Your personality is expressed through your eyewear choice.

Want a soft feminine look? Go for cateye
Intellectual? Try round
Edgy? Adopt square
Classic? Can’t go wrong with rectangle

cat-eye frames – BonLook, embellished tank – Rebecca Taylor, two toned frames – BonLook, collared blouse – Marni, square frames – BonLook, draped blouse – Vivienne Westwood Anglomania, rectangle frames – BonLook, button front blouse - Boy. by Band of Outsiders

SB: Tortoise shell frames are a classic. What hair and eye color look best with them?

S: One of the main reason for the tortoise shell’s popularity is that it actually works with all skin tones and hair/eye color. I would say it’s an even easier color than black, which can look severe on some people. Tortoise shell gives a more sophisticated and soft look.

tortoise shell frames – BonLook

SB: I love color frames but I’m afraid they won’t match my clothes. What color frames should I buy?

S: Lately we have been seeing a lot of color blocking so don’t be afraid to wear this trend with your eyeglasses! Mix and match your outfits with your favorite colorful frames. As a rule of thumb, tortoise shell, brown, black and clear go with everything.

SB: What frames are best for the following clothing styles?

S: Preppy: square and bold

lace earrings – Juliet & Company, yellow maxi dress – French Connection, bag – Missoni, heels – Kate Spade, tortoise shell frames – BonLook

Feminine: narrow delicate styles, any shape

heels – Dior, dress – Dot Gleam, bag – Miu Miu, delicate frames – BonLook

Minimalist: rectangle with simple lines

sheer tank – Madewell, draped skirt – Zero + Maria Cornejo, heels – L.A.M.B., rectangle frames – BonLook

French-chic: cateye

button front – Chloé, leather shorts – Drome, heels – 3.1 Phillip Lim, bag – 3.1 Phillip Lim, cat-eye frames – BonLook

Artsy: round

dress – Mary Katrantzou, booties – B Brian Atwood, round frames – BonLook

SB: Should I follow the same styling tips for eyeglasses and sunglasses?

S: As for shapes, definitely. But in terms of sizes, you can go for bigger frames that wouldn’t necessarily fit you as eyeglasses. The fact that the lenses are tinted “forgives” a lot so don’t hesitate to be funkier in your choice. Sunglasses have an important purpose but most of all they need to be fun!

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