Why the long face? Is it because you can’t find the right glasses?
If you are blessed with an oval face, then shopping for glasses should be a breeze. Characteristics of an oval face include balanced proportions, a smaller forehead, a narrow jawline, high cheekbones and longer facial features. Très chic.
A-list members of the oval face club include Beyonce, Ryan Gosling, Rihanna, Stanley Tucci, Bella Hadid, Anne Hathaway, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kelly Rowland and Jake Gyllenhaal. All possess symmetry across their appearance, and no doubt have epic eyewear archives to match.
Oval faces suit an array of different glasses shapes. Unlike square or round faces which can be swamped or ill-suited by certain specs, oval-faced shoppers can experiment with silhouettes from across the design spectrum.
If it were up to us, all oval faces would be donning oversized, Y2K more-is-more glasses to highlight their assets. However, we appreciate this isn’t for everyone. While some are keen to push the boat out and brave a new style, others prefer to keep things simple and opt for a pared-back option that will survive the trends cycle for years to come.
Sartorial introverts may favour an elegant square structure, or perhaps a classic aviator. Popularised by brands such as Ray-Ban, Gucci and Tom Ford, with a helping hand from Tom Cruise, the all-American aviator is not reserved solely for sunglasses and has entered everyday eyewear. Naturally, it has become a favourite among those after a unisex frame.
The streamlined components of an oval face also look fabulous when complemented by a pair of statement glasses. Cat-eye and large-scale silhouettes are top picks, especially when elevated by preppy pastel pigments or thick frames. May we even suggest a sprinkling of sparkle to infuse your reading with some razzmatazz? A diamante touch never misses when worn with confidence.
More classic frames harness the humble tortoiseshell and metal construction. These can always be amped up with a two-tone colour scheme, an unmissable logo to assert your fashion prowess or a kitsch charm.
Regardless of your size preferences, a new pair of glasses is an effortless way to heighten your everyday look. So, sit back, relax and browse the best glasses to suit your oval face shape. Our advice? Go big or go home.
See below
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Best places to buy glasses online: spectacles with UK delivery
Best sunglasses brands that celebrities are wearing in 2023
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Mens/Unisex glasses
Unofficial UNOM0187 (HH00) Glasses
The Gucci aesthetic with an uber-tempting price tag, Unofficial’s acetate glasses promise a lightweight, face-fitting frame, an aviator style and an easy-clean structure. Add a pop of brilliance to your everyday attire with their marmalade hue and decorative top rim. Harry Styles would approve.
Buy now £99.00, Vision Express
Cubitts Woolf Lenses
Nigel Kipling was the inspiration behind our inclusion of Cubitt’s Woolf lenses. He may have been second fiddle to Miranda Priestly, but The Devil Wears Prada character was second to none with his eyewear. The acetate Woolf specs offer a rounded, modern silhouette with bold graphic curves and a polished finish.
A style coveted by famed figures such as Le Corbusier and David Hockney, the 1950s round-eye frame has successfully stood the test of time. Cubitts’ offering further includes UV protection, an aluminium case, a refillable lens cleaner and complementary frame rehab after a year of use.
Buy now £150.00, Cubitts
Jimmy Fairly The Rocky Glasses
Another celebrity-inspired design, Jimmy Fairly’s creation The Rocky pays homage to Rocky Balboa. The glasses come in both optical and solar versions, which will take you from day to night with ease and elegance. An aviator-esque silhouette is flanked by gold accents and complete with a contrasting ebony rim that bridges the top of the frame, adding a geometric element to the design.
Buy now £159.00, Jimmy Fairly
Ace + Tate Neil Glasses
Ace + Tate has taken the eyewear sphere by storm. The Neil are a particular favourite of ours, with their lightweight feel, multitude of colours, wide lens and timeless design. Available in small, large and extra large to suit all face shapes, the item is elevated by thin prescription lenses and an anti-scratch lens coating so they stay in tip-top shape for longer.
Buy now £129.00, Ace + Tate
Nico Eyewear The Original Nico
Support heritage brands and invest in a pair of Nico Eyewear glasses. The brand champions vintage frames and retro structures, in addition to quality craftsmanship. The Original Nico, which was made in Italy, features a classic tortoiseshell palette, matte gold detailing and a sleek, square design.
Buy now £285.00, Nico Eyewear
Womens/Unisex glasses
Gucci Frameless Square Optical Frame
Gucci is the kingpin of eyewear, and these strawberry-adorned glasses prove this perfectly. Curated with gold metal structures, a frameless design, large square frames and detachable interlocking ‘G’ strawberry pendants, these Gucci specs are top of our wish lists. The berry best.
Buy now £440.00, Selfridges
Taylor Morris W2 C2 Glasses
For a more classic spin on the spectacle, head to Taylor Morris. The versatile accessory will draw attention to your eyes with its smooth, rounded appearance and buttery tortoiseshell finish. Handmade and complete with gold stainless steel metalwork, the unisex frame is a preppy yet practical choice for all genders.
Buy now £180.00, Taylor Morris
Loewe Oversized Square-Frame Gold-tone Optical Glasses
Loewe proves its prowess season after season, and the label’s eyewear demonstrates its excellence. These dramatic gold glasses, showcasing a fine gold metal rim, oversized lenses, a square silhouette and the brand's distinctive ‘Anagram’ motif on the arms culminate in an It-girl must-have. The designer piece comes with a case and can be fitted with prescription or UV-protective lenses.
Buy now £350.00, Net-A-Porter
Gentle Monster Elephant M01 Metal Frame Glasses
Fashion aficionados are very familiar with the work of Gentle Monster, but if you don’t know, get to know. Created by Seoul-based designer Hankook Kim, the collection is saturated with statement frames and avant-garde designs that blend harmoniously with edgy streetwear looks. The label’s Elephant M01 Metal Frame Glasses are made from sturdy titanium and embrace a metal bridge, a square frame, blue light protection and subtle branding.
Buy now £242.00, Selfridges
Celine Butterfly Metal Glasses
Y2K girlies, this is your chance to shine. Celine’s butterfly-style frames are a playful Nineties take on minimalist eyewear. The retro shades, crafted in Italy, display a refined silver tone, engraved logos on the temples and acetate tips. Spark eyewear envy both in the office or during swanky evening soirees.
Buy now £290.00, Matches Fashion
Bloobloom The Legend glasses
Cult label Bloobloom is never a sight for sore eyes. The brand’s Legend style is a boxy design for bold wearers, featuring large lenses, premium acetate material and a mesmerising champagne hue. We love the oversized style. Le geek, c’est chic.
Buy now £99.00, Bloobloom
