What Face Shape Suits Cat Eye Sunglasses? Guide For Round, Square Oval Face Shapes
Spoiler: pretty much everyone.
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. They carry an allure of classic Hollywood and an elegance that modern frames can hardly match, and you’ll often spot them on the faces of style icons like Zoë Kravitz and Bella Hadid, proving their lasting appeal. If you’re questioning whether cat eyes are fit for you, fear not—I’m here to dish out the face shapes that complement cat eye styles perfectly. I’ll also point you to the best pairs that will sit just right on your unique contours.
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, I’ll be sharing the face shapes that work best for this style. So keep scrolling, because not only will I help you identify your face shape, I’ll also introduce you to the latest cat eye trends. And for those ready to shop, I’ve curated an irresistible selection from high-street favourites like Zara and Other Stories to coveted labels like Celine and Prada. If you’re drawn to designer cat eyes, read about our roundup of the best designer pairs of cat eye sunglasses this year. Next, check out the trendy designer shades for 2024.
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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. The upward sweep of the frame’s edges works wonders to elongate and balance facial proportions. Especially for rounder faces, the angular lines add definition and a touch of boldness to your look. The key here is to find the right angle and frame size that brings balance to your facial features.
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. For those with a square face, the soft curves of cat-eye glasses provide a beautiful contrast to sharp jawlines, while heart-shaped faces benefit from frames that are wider at the top, bringing balance to a more pronounced forehead.
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.
Zara Acetate Cateye Sunglasses
Acetate Cateye Sunglasses, £49.99, Zara – buy now
Zara’s cat eye sunglasses instantly add vintage glam to your look. If you’re going for the mob wife aesthetic or old Hollywood look, these sunnies are the perfect statement pair (minus the designer name, of course).
Topshop Poppy Angular Cat Eye Sunglasses
Topshop Poppy Angular Cat Eye Sunglasses, £16, ASOS – buy now
If you adore feminine and edgier styles, Topshop’s Poppy sunglasses are a stunning statement piece. Their bold, upswept angles add a dramatic flair to your dressed-up look.
Saint Laurent Mica Cat-Eye Acetate Sunglasses
Saint Laurent Mica cat-eye acetate sunglasses, £285, Net-A-Porter – buy now
Saint Laurent’s Mica cat-eye sunglasses are the perfect accessory that transcends all seasons. Pair them with a structured blazer for a sharp, sophisticated look that never goes out of style!
Celine CL40197U Women’s Cat’s Eye Sunglasses
Celine CL40197U Women’s Cat’s Eye Sunglasses, £300, John Lewis Partners – buy now
Own the spotlight with Celine’s cat eye sunglasses. Designed to flatter round faces, they’re as stylish as they are practical. They also come in stunning black frames.
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. But don’t shy away from angled cat-eyes either; their dynamic lines can inject an edgy sophistication to your ensemble, drawing just the right amount of attention to your eyes.
Le Specs Liar Lair Cat-Eye Tortoiseshell Acetate Sunglasses
Le Specs Liar Lair cat-eye tortoiseshell acetate sunglasses, £55, Net-A-Porter – buy now
Put on these Le Specs Liar Lair shades and channel your inner ’90s vibes. Whether you’re hitting the beach or strutting through the city, these cat-eye stunners have got your style game covered. The best part? They’re only for fifty-five quid!
Other Stories Cat-Eye Sunglasses
Other Stories Cat-Eye Sunglasses, £27, H&M – buy now
Other Stories’ cat eye sunnies with unique marbled frames add a touch of quirkiness to your overall look. Their lenses are polarised, too, making them perfect for a whole day at the beach or pool.
Prada Cat-Eye Acetate Sunglasses
Prada Cat-eye acetate sunglasses, £300, Net-A-Porter – buy now
Quiet luxury is all the buzz in the fashion scene this year, with style icons like Sofia Richie Grainge and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley dominating our IG feeds. If you’re in your quiet luxury era, these Prada cat eye sunglasses could be your holy grail.
Celine CL40187I Women’s Cat’s Eye Sunglasses
Celine CL40187I Women’s Cat’s Eye Sunglasses in Ivory/Grey, £300, John Lewis Partners – buy now
Feel like a style icon with these cat eye sunglasses from Celine! Designed to flatter oval-shaped faces, this ivory/grey pair is your go-to accessory for effortless glamour. It also comes in black/ grey variant.
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.
Celine Cat-Eye Acetate Sunglasses
Celine cat-eye acetate sunglasses in Ivory, £320, Net-A-Porter – buy now
Turn heads in these timeless Celine cat-eye sunglasses. Crafted from sleek ivory acetate with a hint of gold-tone glam, they offer retro-chic style with a modern twist. They complement well with a vintage polka dot dress or high-waisted capris and a crisp button-down.
Elie Saab Cat-Eye Sunglasses
Elie Saab cat-eye sunglasses, £409, Farfetch – buy now
Channeling old Hollywood glam, these Elie Saab cat-eye sunglasses are the epitome of timeless chic. With their tortoiseshell acetate frames and gradient lenses, they’re a must-have accessory for every fashionista.
Valentino Cat-Eye Sunglasses
Valentino cat-eye sunglasses, £835, Farfetch – buy now
Embrace understated luxury with these Valentino cat-eye sunglasses. The subtle glamour of these frames pairs perfectly with a sleek, monochrome ensemble or a tailored suit, adding a polished finish to your sophisticated look.
Vero Moda Wide Rim Cat Eye Sunglasses
Vero Moda wide rim cat eye sunglasses in orange, £15, ASOS – buy now
I think I’ve just found the perfect dupe for Loewe’s inflated cat eye sunnies, and that’s Vero Moda’s cat eye sunnies from ASOS. At £15, this pair comes with an all-too-familiar inflated frames. Their round lenses also complement well with square-shape faced girlies.
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
DiorBobby B1U cat-eye acetate and gold-tone sunglasses in white, £320, Net-A-Porter – buy now
The oversized frame of the DiorBobby B1U sunglasses perfectly complements your heart-shaped face. Plus, their crisp white colour and classic design adds a touch of retro glam to any outfit.
ASOS DESIGN Chunky Flare Cat Eye Sunglasses
ASOS DESIGN chunky flare cat eye sunglasses, £13, ASOS – buy now
Nothing beats bold, chunky black frames when giving luxe vibes. If your budget’s way over for designer pieces from Celine or Prada, this pair from ASOS captures the vibes perfectly at £13.
Gucci Cat-Eye Tortoiseshell Acetate Sunglasses
Gucci cat-eye tortoiseshell acetate sunglasses, £240, John Lewis Partners – buy now
Strut your stuff in these Gucci Cat’s Eye Sunglasses and instantly elevate your style game. With their bold tortoiseshell frames and range of colours, you’ll be turning heads wherever you go.
Versace VE4353 Women’s Cat’s Eye Sunglasses
Versace VE4353 Women’s Cat’s Eye Sunglasses, £203, John Lewis Partners – buy now
Whether you’re feeling classic or bold, Versace’s cat eye sunglasses with their chunky frames and vibrant patterns let your personality shine through every look.
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.
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