Quick Answer
The five most flattering glasses frame styles for men with oval face shapes are Rectangular, Square, Wayfarers, Aviators, and Clubmasters. These styles complement the balanced proportions of oval faces, which are characterised by a length approximately 1.5 times the width, with gently curved features and slightly narrower forehead and jawline compared to cheekbones.
Celebrities with oval faces like Idris Elba, Ryan Gosling, and Jake Gyllenhaal often choose angular frames to add definition to their naturally balanced features. For oval faces, almost any frame style works well, but those with straight lines and angles create the most flattering contrast to soft facial curves.
Key Styling Tips
- Choose frames that are as wide as (or slightly wider than) the broadest part of your face
- Angular frames create attractive contrast with your naturally curved features
- Avoid oversized frames that overwhelm your balanced proportions
- Select frame colours based on your personal seasonal colour palette
Want to learn more? Continue reading the full article below ↓
Men with oval face shapes are often considered fortunate in the eyewear world because their naturally balanced proportions accommodate virtually any frame style.
However, understanding which frames specifically enhance your oval features can elevate your style from merely acceptable to exceptionally flattering.
If you’re unsure whether you have an oval face shape, confirm your facial structure with our face shape analysis quiz before exploring these 5 expertly curated glasses styles designed to complement oval faces.
1. Rectangular Frames
Rectangular frames stand out as the premier choice for men with oval face shapes, creating a sophisticated contrast to naturally curved features.
The straight lines and angular corners of rectangular frames introduce geometric definition that enhances oval proportions without disrupting their inherent balance.
John Legend’s preference for rectangular frames demonstrates how these styles can add masculine structure to oval features.
Why it works: The angular nature of rectangular frames creates a pleasing contrast with the softer curves of oval faces. This juxtaposition adds definition to your features while maintaining your face’s natural harmony.
Styling tip: Choose medium to wide rectangular frames that align with your cheekbones. Frames that are too narrow can make your face appear longer, while those that are too wide may throw off your proportions.
2. Square Frames
Square frames offer a bold geometric counterpoint to the natural curves of oval face shapes, creating striking structural definition.
These frames introduce strong angles that complement oval proportions while adding a distinctly contemporary edge to your appearance.
Idris Elba showcases how square frames can transform oval features with their strong architectural lines.
Why it works: Square frames create attractive tension between their geometric shape and your face’s natural curves. This contrast enhances definition around the eyes and adds a structural element to oval features.
Styling tip: Ensure the frames are properly proportioned to your face size—oversized square frames can overwhelm, while those too small may appear disproportionate. The ideal width aligns with or is slightly wider than your cheekbones.
3. Wayfarer Frames
Wayfarer frames offer a timeless blend of structure and sophistication that perfectly complements oval face shapes.
With their distinctive trapezoidal silhouette and substantial frames, Wayfarers add architectural interest while maintaining proportion with oval features.
Jake Gyllenhaal’s frequent choice of Wayfarer-style frames demonstrates their harmonious relationship with oval face shapes.
Why it works: Wayfarers provide a perfect middle ground between round and square shapes. Their slight angularity adds definition to oval faces, while their curved elements maintain harmony with your natural features.
Styling tip: Look for Wayfarers with frames that parallel your eyebrow line. This alignment creates a natural extension of your facial architecture and anchors the frames harmoniously to your features.
4. Aviator Frames
Aviator frames offer a distinctive teardrop silhouette that introduces an element of sophistication to oval face shapes.
Their balanced proportions and subtle angles complement oval features while adding a touch of classic refinement.
Ryan Gosling’s preference for aviator frames showcases their ability to enhance oval face shapes with elegant geometry.
Why it works: Aviators combine angular top bars with softly curved bottoms, creating a perfect balance that mirrors the harmonious proportions of oval faces. Their subtle geometric elements add definition without overwhelming your natural features.
Styling tip: Choose aviators with frames proportional to your face size—those that align with your brow and cheekbone width create the most flattering effect. Avoid oversized aviators that can dominate rather than enhance your features.
5. Clubmaster Frames
Clubmaster frames offer a sophisticated blend of angles and curves that enhance oval face shapes with architectural precision.
Their distinctive browline design adds structural definition to the upper face while maintaining openness in the lower portion.
Justin Bieber’s occasional choice of Clubmaster-style frames demonstrates their compatibility with oval features.
Why it works: Clubmasters create visual interest through their contrasting elements—substantial upper frames and minimal lower portions. This structural variation adds dimension to oval faces while preserving their natural balance.
Styling tip: Select Clubmasters with browlines that follow your natural eyebrow arch. This alignment creates a harmonious extension of your features and anchors the frames naturally to your face.
The Role of Seasonal Colour Analysis in Frame Selection
While frame shape is paramount for structural compatibility, colour selection plays an equally crucial role in creating a harmonious overall appearance.
Your seasonal colour palette—determined by your skin tone, hair colour, and eye colour—should guide your frame colour choices for optimal style integration.
If you don’t know your seasonal colour, take our free quiz.
For Spring Men (Warm and Light)
If you have a Spring palette with warm golden undertones, choose frames in caramel, amber, warm tortoise, golden brown, or clear warm tones. These colours complement your natural warmth while maintaining visual harmony.
For Summer Men (Cool and Light)
Summer palettes with cool, soft undertones pair beautifully with frames in cool grey, blue-grey, mauve, rose brown, or cool tortoise patterns. These subtle tones enhance your natural colouring without creating harsh contrast.
For Autumn Men (Warm and Deep)
Autumn colour profiles with rich, warm undertones harmonise with frames in deep brown, olive green, bronze, copper, or warm tortoise with amber highlights. These substantial colours balance your natural depth and warmth.
For Winter Men (Cool and Deep)
Winter palettes with high contrast and cool undertones are enhanced by frames in black, navy, clear crystal, burgundy, or cool tortoise with black elements. These crisp colours complement your natural contrast levels.
For a comprehensive understanding of your personal colour palette, consider our Professional Seasonal Colour Analysis, which provides customised recommendations beyond basic seasonal guidelines.
Frames to Avoid for Oval Face Shapes
While oval faces can generally accommodate most styles, certain frames may detract from rather than enhance your natural proportions:
- Oversized Frames: Excessively large frames can overwhelm your balanced features and disrupt your face’s natural harmony.
- Very Small Frames: Tiny frames appear disproportionate against oval face dimensions and fail to create beneficial structural contrast.
- Perfectly Round Frames: While technically wearable, perfectly circular frames may not create the beneficial angular contrast that enhances oval features.
Conclusion
The versatility of oval face shapes allows for exceptional freedom in eyewear selection, but the most flattering choices introduce beneficial contrast through angular elements.
Whether opting for the bold structure of square frames or the refined balance of aviators, your oval face provides an ideal canvas for eyewear that enhances rather than competes with your natural features.
Take the First Step With The VOU’s Free Styling Quizzes
Start your style journey with our free resources. First, take our Face Shape Quiz to confirm your face shape and receive initial styling guidance.
Then, discover your most flattering colours with our Seasonal Colour Analysis Quiz.
Learn which garment styles suit you best through our Body Shape Quiz, and find your ideal personal style with our Fashion Style Quiz.
Transform Your Image with The VOU’s Professional Guidance
For comprehensive image development that goes beyond eyewear, The VOU offers expert styling services to ensure your complete look projects success and sophistication.
Our Professional Body Shape Analysis, Fashion Style Analysis, and Complete Image Transformation services work together to create a polished, successful appearance that commands respect in any setting.
Contact our expert stylists today for a personalised consultation that will transform not just your eyewear, but your entire image.
Visit our styling services page to explore how we can help you achieve the sophisticated, successful look you deserve.