Eyeglasses and sunglasses have the power to significantly alter a person's appearance, capable of creating an instant 'glow-up' or, if chosen incorrectly, making an individual appear older. Personal stylist and style confidence expert Lisa Talbot notes that glasses are among the first features people notice due to their central placement on the face.
"It's not necessarily that someone looks 'better' with or without glasses, it's about whether the frame works with their face," Talbot stated. "The shape, scale, colour and even the thickness of the frame can either complement your features or compete with them." The right glasses can frame the face, draw attention to the eyes, create balance, and add personality, becoming a signature element of style. Conversely, ill-fitting frames can overwhelm the face or make features appear smaller.
Celebrities like Meryl Streep, Robert Downey Jr., and Elton John are known for their distinctive eyewear. However, even public figures such as Brad Pitt have been noted for occasionally selecting frames that are not optimally suited to their features. "I think Brad’s glasses could sometimes be slightly wider to sit flush to his temples for a more flattering fit to his face," Talbot observed.
Dar, a Mayfair hairdresser with over four decades of experience, suggests that up to 75% of people could look considerably better in glasses if frames were selected with their specific face in mind. "Glasses are like the frame around a beautiful painting: they should enhance what is already there," Dar explained. Frame selection should consider the eyes, eyebrows, cheekbones, jawline, and skin tone, alongside hair, neckline, body proportions, and overall silhouette. Factors like how hair is styled and whether a fringe is present can also impact how glasses appear.
Natasha Cooper, a retail trend expert at MediaVision, points to symmetry and facial proportions as key factors. "Different people have different head shapes and face proportions so finding the right shape for your face can really enhance your natural face proportions," she said. For example, rounder faces often suit rectangular frames, while square faces may be better complemented by softer, rounder shapes.
There is also a psychological element. Glasses are often associated with intelligence and being smart, which can be perceived as attractive qualities, influencing overall perception. Amish Patel, a skincare expert, echoes this, stating that glasses can add symmetry, a trait generally considered beautiful. "Coloured frames can also complement the wearer’s skin tone, adding warmth to their complexion, creating an instant 'glow up', and even making their eye colour look more enhanced," Patel added. Furthermore, glasses can conceal common concerns like dark under-eye circles or crow's feet, potentially boosting a wearer's confidence.
However, some well-known figures opt out of wearing glasses, even when they might be flattering. In 2020, Prince William discussed how his deteriorating eyesight, which led him to stop wearing contact lenses for work, actually helped manage his stage fright. He explained that not being able to clearly see the audience's faces created a "blur of faces," which alleviated his anxiety during speeches.