Last Updated on May 8, 2023
Cat eye sunglasses are the epitome of retro chic. With their vintage charm, these are one of the most timeless styles of sunnies out there.
Also referred to as Manhattan, Harlequin, and upswept glasses, the cat eye shades made their debut in the 1930s. At the time, most eyewear was round and focused on functionality rather than style, but cat-eye frames offered both.
They had their moment again in the 60s when Hollywood stars like Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn wore them, and today they’ve become a staple shape for shades.
While some sunglasses might seem off-limits, cat eye styles are probably not one of them. These versatile frames suit many face shapes, which goes some way to explaining their longevity.
Whether you have a round, oval, heart or a square-shaped face, you can find a cat-eye style that will complement your features perfectly.
Here, we share the face shapes that work best for this style.
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Which face shapes suit cat eye sunglasses?
Pretty much all face shapes suit cat eye sunglasses, including round, oval, square and heart-shaped faces.
Of course, you should wear whatever you love. There are a few elements to look for each face shape, that will work to balance the face.
Round-shaped faces
If you have a round face, you’ll want to opt for cat-eye sunglasses that have angular lines. This will help to sharpen your features and give the illusion of a more defined face shape.
Frames with more pointed winged-out ends or a more squared shape will help to elongate your face and give it a balanced look.
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Cat-eye acetate sunglasses, £315, Saint Laurent – buy now
Cat-eye acetate sunglasses, £310, Celine – buy now
Mica cat-eye acetate sunglasses, £270, Saint Laurent – buy now
Oval-shaped faces
Oval faces are considered to be the ideal face shape because they are well-proportioned. This means that you can rock just about any style of sunglasses, including cat eye shapes.
If you have an oval face, you’ll want to look for those with a curved lens shape. This will complement the natural curves of your face and add a touch of playfulness to your look.
Santos de Cartier cat-eye gold-tone sunglasses, £835, Cartier – buy now
O’Lock cat-eye acetate and gold-tone sunglasses, £330, Fendi – buy now
Bobby cat-eye acetate and gold-tone sunglasses, £320, Dior – buy now
Square-shaped faces
If you have a square face, you’ll want to look for cat-eye sunglasses that are a little more rounded. This will help to soften your angular features.
Styles with a softer cat-eye shape or a more curved lens shape will complement your face nicely.
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Cat-eye acetate sunglasses, £320, Celine – buy now
Cat-eye sunglasses, now £212, Elie Saab – buy now
Cat-eye sunglasses, £671, Valentino – buy now
Heart-shaped faces
Heart-shaped faces have a wider forehead and a narrower chin.
To balance out your face, you’ll want to look for cat-eye frames that are wider at the bottom. This will help create a more symmetrical look, an oversized frame will work well too.
DiorBobby B1U cat-eye acetate and gold-tone sunglasses, £320, Dior – buy now
Cat-eye tortoiseshell acetate sunglasses, £265, Gucci- buy now
Oversized cat-eye acetate sunglasses, £305, Balenciaga – buy now
Are cat eye sunglasses good for round faces?
The great thing about cat eye sunglasses is that they suit just about every face shape.
The best styles round faces can wear include those with more angular or square shapes, as these help to balance out the face.
Are cat eye sunglasses good for oval faces?
You bet! Oval faces should look for rounder-shaped cat eye shades, as these will complement the natural curves of your face.
Which eye brow shapes should wear cat eye sunglasses?
Those with high arches look great in cat eye sunnies, as these shapes match perfectly.
Are cat eye sunglasses flattering?
Cat eye sunglasses are considered one of the most flattering styles on the planet, which is why the style is so enduring.
It’s been around since the 1930s, when Altina Schinasi stepped into an opticians and discovered a severe lack of stylish shades.
