Rich autumn colors like brown and gold make tortoiseshell glasses a great style for fall.
And unlike seasonal trends that come and go (pumpkins, anyone?), tortoiseshell frames are a timeless accessory that can be worn year-round. But how do you find the right style or tortoiseshell glasses for your face and fashion sense?
In this article, I’ll discuss the best tortoiseshell glasses looks for fall, how to find the right style for you, and how to match your tortoiseshell glasses to your wardrobe. But first, let’s take a quick look at the history of tortoiseshell glasses
From Tortoise Shells to Acetate: The Evolution of Tortoiseshell Glasses
In the eighteenth century, the rarity of tortoiseshell glasses caused them to become known as a sign of “stealth wealth.” Unfortunately, that’s because the original tortoiseshell glasses were made from the shells of hawksbill turtles. The good news is that technology has since provided better options, such as acetate, and the practice of using real tortoise shells was outlawed in 1973.
Tortoiseshell glasses have evolved since the eighteenth century, with celebrities ushering in new styles every few decades. Audrey Hepburn popularized large tortoiseshell sunglasses in the classic 1961 movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
Not long after, Jackie Kennedy also famously wore oversized tortoiseshell sunglasses. You can learn about Jackie O sunglasses here.
The popularity of the tortoiseshell glasses has had its ups and downs in the years since, but the look has mostly remained a steady classic. Recently, Ryan Reynolds, Anne Hathaway, and Donald Glover have been seen in modern, slimmed-down styles of tortoiseshell glasses.
Hot Looks for Fall: Tortoiseshell Glasses
Tortoiseshell glasses are very versatile because they often feature earth tones that go with many colors. You can also get them in different frame shapes for your face.
If you have a round face, angular frames, such as square or rectangular, could work well for you. Check out Prada PR 17ZV or Prada PR B03V, which are both angular frames that come in a tortoise shade called Caramel Havana.
For square faces, look for round or oval frames. Consider the Miu Miu Mu 01XV frames; I love how they feature a simple oval shape and a warm brown-and-gold tortoise pattern perfect for autumn.
When it comes to the versatile oval face shape, most styles work, but you may want to avoid overly large frames. I like the Oliver Peoples OV5186 GREGORY PECK glasses, a small frame with round lenses that comes in the tortoise shade of Cocobolo.
For heart-shaped faces, look for bottom-heavy frames to provide balance (for example, aviators). The Salvatore Ferragamo SF3016 frames feature the classic aviator shape in a red tortoiseshell.
Finally, for diamond face shapes, try cat-eye or oval frames. Check out the Ray-Ban RX5510 frame. They offer a unique dark gray tortoise shade.
Looking for other tortoise glasses options? Check out this roundup of stylish tortoise eyeglasses.
How To Find the Right Shade of Tortoiseshell Glasses
Although it’s easy to think of tortoiseshell as just brown with flecks of gold and black, that isn’t the only possibility. While the “classic” tortoiseshell look is a speckled pattern with brown, gold, and black, I love how many different color options you can find for the tortoise pattern today.
Here’s how to find the right color palette for your tortoiseshell glasses. You can find these tortoiseshell frames at EZContacts, along with many other stylish options.
What color tones do you mostly wear?
- Warm. Consider the classic brown-gold-black combo with caramel or chestnut shades of brown. The Oakley OX8156 frames in Matte Brown Tortoise feature a warm chestnut base with lighter brown flecks, for example. If you prefer brighter colors, look at rust, coral, or marigold. Yellow-based greens like olive or moss may also work well for you.
- Cool. You might look for tortoise patterns with warm yellows or rust shades. Alternatively, pastels like light blue and lavender, or a fun jewel tone like sapphire or emerald could work well. I really like the Prada PR 09YV frames in 06Z101 Tortoise, with hints of blue and lavender.
- Neutral. Neutral skin tones do well with balanced shades of beige and gray, as well as mauve, sage green, soft olive, muted berry, and camel. The Prada PR19WV frames in Mauve Tortoise are a great option for neutral tones.
FAQs
Is it true that every pair of tortoiseshell glasses has a unique pattern?
Yes. While the overall pattern is generally the same, each pair of glasses has a unique combination of colors mixed throughout the material. So even if you and a friend buy the same pair of frames, the individual flecks of colors will be in different places on each pair.
Can I wear tortoiseshell glasses with other patterns?
Yes. Tortoise is a subtle, muted pattern that typically acts as a solid in your outfit. It pairs well with stripes, leopard print, and bold patterns that need to be center stage. Just make sure to choose complementary colors between your clothes and your glasses.
What jewelry should I pair with my tortoiseshell glasses?
The gold tones of most tortoise patterns usually fit best with gold-colored jewelry. However, some tortoise patterns feature shades of gray or silver mixed with black, such as the WiliWili SWEETSPIRE frames in Black Matte Tortoise.
