Any gal who found out she needed glasses in middle school probably felt like she had received the four-eyed curse (and, like me, fled to contacts as soon as she could).
Thankfully, that’s not the case anymore. Glasses are now such a fun fashion accessory that even people who don’t need their vision corrected are finding ways to wear them. And with the slew of online glasses boutiques now available, it’s easier than ever to invest in a pair of stylish new frames (or a few pairs) without breaking the bank.
Not sure about getting glasses online? Read on to learn all about how it works, and check out a few of our favorite finds to get you started!
Step 1: Get Your Prescription
Online glasses retailers generally include prescription lenses in their (much lower) prices. Before buying glasses online, keep in mind that you still need to pay a visit to your eye doctor. For one, it’s always a good idea to get your vision re-checked before investing in new lenses—but, you also need to get a written copy of your prescription so that you can enter the correct information when ordering your glasses.
For each eye, you should have the actual prescription number (sometimes abbreviated SPH), as well as a Cyl and Axis number for each eye, if you have an astigmatism. To order glasses online, you also need to know your pupillary distance (the distance between your two pupils). Eye docs don’t always include this on a prescription, so make sure to ask yours to add it.
Step 2: Find Your Shape
Have you always adored chunky rectangular glasses on other people, but never felt like they looked quite as good on you? It’s probably because of the shape of your face. Understanding a little bit about your face shape and what looks good on it can make the difference between a look that’s geeky-chic and, well, just geeky.
Check out the diagram below for some ideas of what sort of frames will work for your face shape. But keep in mind—these are only guidelines and don’t always hold true. (In other words, if you’re a square-faced gal set on rectangle frames, you can probably find a pair that works.)
The best way to see if frames look good on your face is to try them on—even if you’re shopping online. Most online glasses stores let you virtually try on glasses using a picture of yourself. It’s not perfect—and looks a little silly—but still can give you a sense of what works (and what really doesn’t). Some even offer home try-on, shipping you a selection of frames to test before you commit.
Step 3: Pick Your Frame
Now comes the fun part—actually shopping for your frames! There are plenty of websites out there offering a variety of options, so don’t stop searching until you’ve found your dream frames. I’ve got some inspiration for each face shape below to get you started.
The Little Black Frame
Simple black frames are a great place to start if you’re just getting back into the world of spectacles. They look good with everything, look great on everyone, and they instantly make you look like you’re ready for business.
The Tortoiseshell and the Hare
If you like the idea of a neutral color, but want a little more flair than all-black frames, try tortoise shell. The dark brown shade still looks professional, while the flecks of color add some fun and a vintage feel.
The Royal Jewel-Tones
Love color? Keep it office appropriate with rich jewel-toned frames. The deeper colors will pair with plenty of outfits and won’t be as shocking as a brighter hue.
Funky Flair
Ready to take the next step in the world of stylish glasses? Try one of these slightly more unique pairs. While they might not fit into super-corporate environments, test them out on casual Friday (or add some flair to a fun weekend outfit).
Shop for these glasses (and see when they’re on sale!) with Have to Have.
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