Choosing eyeglass frames can be a daunting task for many of us. One option to find the perfect set of frames is to try on as many pairs as we can get hold of. The other option is to understand the frame shapes and colours that will suit you best.

The Vision Council has advised people that when choosing a frame to suit their face shape they should consider three things. First of all, your frame should make the most of your best feature. So for instance if you have blue eyes, choosing blue frames will complement your look. Secondly, the shape of the frame should be in contrast to the shape of your face. Finally, the size of the frames should be in line with the size of your face.

Despite face shapes varying from person to person, we can identify seven main shapes. These are round, base-down triangle, diamond, square, base-up triangle, oval and oblong. A good optician will be able to advise you on what shape your face is, however you can also follow these rules.

If you have a round face the length and width will be in proportion with each other, with no angles. Narrow, angular frames will help make the face appear thinner, while rectangular shapes will help to lengthen the face.

Oval faces are in good proportion. Walnut-shaped frames may be a good option to keep the natural balance of the face.

Oblong faces are longer than they are wide. To make the most of your features, choose frames with more depth than width.

Diamond shapes are characterised by being narrower at the eye line and jaw line. Rimless or oval frames may suit this face type best.

People with a strong jaw line, broad forehead and whose faces are the same width as they are long are said to have square faces. The most flattering frames will be narrow as these will help the face appear longer and thinner.

Base-down triangular faces are narrow at the forehead and wider at the cheeks and chin. Try frames that have additional colour or detailing at the top such as cat-eye shapes. These will help accentuate the narrower upper part of the face.

If your face is wider at the top and gets narrower towards the chin then you are described as having a base-up triangular shape. Frames wider at the bottom and rimless frames will be the most flattering styles for this face shape.

When looking for a new pair of glasses, it can get a little confusing with all the choices out there. There are many things that must be taken into consideration when buying new frames such as colour, style, shape, face shape, personal style and budget. With our busy lifestyles you may also opt for more than pair of glasses for different areas of your life such as work and play. Our guide will help you make the right decision based around you.

Fashion experts claim that your frames can be described as expression of your personality as they show how you are presenting yourself to the rest of the world. So what should men be looking for when choosing new frames?

First of all, you need to decide what type of shape your face most closely matches. Most men will have square faces, with a wide and masculine jaw line. If you are one of these men, choose frames that are wider than they are long, with a curved lower edge as this will balance out your angular jaw. When considering design, try to avoid anything angular or with a square pattern.

Men with oval faces should try to avoid frames that will soften their look. Go for rectangular shapes over oval shapes and try to choose wide frames. Likewise try to stay away from frames with a lot of colour on the top rim.

Round faces are the same size and width with no clear jaw line. Steer clear of glasses that will sit on the cheeks and try to choose rectangular shapes. It is also worth trying to find frames the same width as your temples.

Men with triangular faces will have a small jaw and wider forehead. So you should choose frames with added detail on the top rims.

When it comes to what colour to choose there are a few guidelines men can follow. Most importantly try to find a shade that will suit your clothes, your style and your own colouring.

For instance, men with dark hair can get away with strong colours such as navy, brown or black. Those with red hair should wear bronze or brown colours to enhance their look. Blond or fair haired men should opt for light colours and gold.

Whatever you choose, make sure you feel comfortable and the frames reflect your own personality and style.