Four-eyed and fabulous

OPSM. Photo / Supplied

Reading glasses are now just as much a fashion item as sunglasses, with some clients ordering several pairs to give them different looks. But if you're one of the many people (an estimated 700,000 New Zealanders) putting off having an eye test because you're worried you'll need glasses, or don't want the hassle of updating the ones you already have, then it's time to forget all those playground "four-eyes" taunts.

Optometrists now say children have been known to convince their parents there's something wrong with their sight because they want the sort of cool frames their sight-challenged friends are wearing.

The eyewear revolution means that choosing frames need no longer be depressing or overwhelming. A much wider choice means shopping for specs can be as much fun as for sunnies. There are even similar trends emerging of bigger, brighter and more embellished frames, though reading glasses are thankfully a little more classic, so shouldn't date as fast as sunglass models can.

Choice is split fairly evenly between plastic and metal frames, with men favouring the latter.

With sunglasses, statement styles are popular, but with reading glasses which are often worn at work, it's important to get a versatile and integrated look. Face shape and personal style are the key determinants.

"There is a general rule that applies to face shape balancing - contrast, don't mimic a face shape to try to achieve a balanced look, advises OPSM's frames buyer, Joanne Pereira. "Long faces need shortening and wide faces need lengthening."

Rodney Wayne, the man behind the chain of salons, says because hairstyles are predominately about shape and geometry, it's "all about putting the perfect frame around a person's face to balance and bring perspective to the overall shape."

The two companies have teamed up with the Frame the Frames promotion where buying from the leading optometry chain earns you styling services from the salons to better carry off your new facial accessory with confidence. Viva has tapped into their expertise for some tips on choosing the best frames for your face.

Round faces: Aim for frames that are wider than they are deep. Rectangular styles will make your face look slimmer. Hairstyles should create an illusion of length without adding undue width, so graduated layers are good, removing weight from the sides.

Square faces: Those with square faces usually have broad foreheads and strong jaws with a square chin. Soften the look with a texturised, curvy or spiky hair cut and rounded or cat's-eyed frames to break up the square facial lines. Think wider rather than deeper.

Oval faces: This balanced face shape is the most versatile in terms of carrying off a wide range of hair and frame styles. The face narrows at the forehead and jaw line and typically has high cheekbones, and sometimes a pointed chin. Experiment away, if you have the will you can find a way to make most looks work, including up-dos. If your features are delicate be careful not to choose a frame that overpowers your face.

Long faces: An oblong face is longer than it is wide and has a higher forehead than the oval-shaped face. The aim is to create width and softness and this can be done with round or butterfly shaped glasses. Frames with detail along the top draw the eye in and give the impression of a shorter face. Hair styles need to break up length, so a fringe is a good way to disguise an expanse of forehead. Mid to longer lengths can be flicked up to provide outward movement and colour can add dimension.

Heart-shaped faces: With a wide forehead and high cheekbones, this face narrows through the jawline to a fine chin. It needs attention taken off the sloping chin with hairstyles that have movement and softness. A long fringe and soft curls can do the trick.

Rounded or oval glasses give softness, but it's important they don't exaggerate facial width, as the cat's eye style would. Light-coloured frames are a good option and it's best to avoid decoration around the top to avoid emphasising a wide, deep forehead.

At OPSM, Viva tried on everything from Chanel to Wayfarer opticals, after optometrist Jason Dhana did a good job of explaining exactly what our eyes were up to and what vision changes could be expected over the next few years. And assistant Shelley said she took her cues on what to advise from both the client's face shape and their personal appearance.

Some people could carry "personality" frames, while others would rather a safer choice. Her job was to pick up on what they liked and provide options.

Frames in hand, we headed across to Rodney Wayne Downtown, where we knew we were in good hands when we learned that Brian styles the boss' wife. He said it was fun helping people try new styles to show off their glasses and make sure their hair was sitting right.

* The Frame the Frames promotion requires a professional eye test ($75) and prescription glasses be purchased from OPSM by the end of the month. From the date of purchase, the Rodney Wayne styling offer is valid for three months. Appointments are required for both services.

To find the store nearest you, visit www.opsm.co.nz or call
0800 696776. See www.rodneywayne.co.nz

* Viva went to the OPSM in Westfield Downtown Shopping Centre, cnr Customs St & Albert St, Auckland. Ph. (09) 300 3295.