What Face Shape Can Wear Cat Eye Sunglasses?

When I pick out sunglasses for a client, I almost always do a cat eye style. Why? You guessed it. The upsweep at the outer edges of the frames flatters all face shapes, especially oblong and round faces. When a face is very round you need to break up the circle with some sharp angles like cat eye glasses have at their top tips. Put round sunglasses on a round face and you will immediately see the difference.

For very straight faces (like oblong faces), the extended edges of cat eye sunglasses give the face more curve and much-needed width to the forehead, so that the chin looks more narrow. As for oval and diamond face shapes, the angles and points of cat eye glasses complement these proportional face shapes perfectly. These face shapes can wear basically any shape of sunglasses. For square faces, the cat eye shape balances out the sharp edges of the jaw.

And don’t think I left out heart-shaped faces. Cat eye sunglasses work nicely with this Valentine face shape, but it’s important not to get cat eyes that are too big. Cat eye sunglasses basically mimic the heart face shape — they’re wide up top and narrow on the bottom. If you have a heart-shaped face and wear huge cat eye sunglasses you can end up exaggerating the wideness of your forehead and the narrowness of your chin.

I know face shapes are hard. I have been staring at my face in the mirror for a good 10 minutes now and I still can’t tell if I have an oval or diamond face. Thankfully, these faces can basically wear the same sunglasses.  Let’s talk more about this…

Best Cat Eye Sunglasses For Your Face Shape

There are so many different cat eye sunglasses out there from wide and exaggerated shades, to ones with more of a cat eye-inspired shape, like the sunnies I am wearing above. The most important aspect of picking the right cat eye shades for your face is size. If you have a petite face, no matter its shape, a gargantuan cat eye will look daffy on your smallish mug. To ensure you are getting the right size when ordering online, look at the millimeters measurement. This measurement is in reference to the widest part of the lens.

Lucky for us, Blenders Eyewear, which makes the sunglasses I’m wearing in the photo above, has this excellent image to show how measurements for sunglasses work. As you can see below, the pair I’m wearing measure 53mm at the widest part of the lens.

• Smaller faces should wear 48mm to 54mm cat eye sunglasses
• Medium-sized faces can wear 55mm to 57mm cat eye sunglasses
• Larger faces can wear 58mm to 63mm cat eye sunglasses

Beyond getting the right-sized cat eye sunglasses for your face, I also go into more detail about which cat-eye glasses go best with which face types with specific examples below. Scroll down to my recommended sunnies to see how each pair might work on your face shape.

How To Wear Cat Eye Sunglasses

Cat eye sunglasses are more than flattering, they are inevitably sexy. These sunglasses can enhance the sex appeal of an already sexy outfit or spice up a more professional look. You will notice they go beautifully with formal wear as well. The downside to this chic shape? It can look out of place with a casual look. Going hiking or running errands in sneakers and athleisure? Skip the cat eye and go for a sportier accessory. Other than that, cat eye shades are versatile, versatile, versatile. Meow.

Quay Australia Call The Shots 41mm Polarized Cat Eye Sunglasses

I adore Quay sunglasses. These square bottom 41mm polarized cat eyes are great for smaller round or oval faces. These will also work for oblong, diamond, and heart-shaped faces. They might be a little too sharp for square faces though. They are an amazing look for dressier occasions. These glasses are available at Nordstrom, Quay, and Dillard’s.

I also love that these do not have nose pads. Nose pads always catch and tangle my hair if I put my sunglasses on my head, which we always inevitably do.

Prada Women’s Cat Eye Sunglasses, 56mm

These Prada cat eye sunglasses are the most universally flattering and versatile sunglasses ever made. Seriously, they will look great on every single face shape. These sunglasses are available at Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, and Saks 5th Avenue.

I also love that these do not have nose pads. Nose pads always catch and tangle my hair if I put my sunglasses on my head, which we always inevitably do.

Quay Australia Call The Shots 48mm Gradient Cat Eye Sunglasses – Milky Caramel

These are very similar to the Quay sunglasses featured above, but as I mentioned I adore Quay sunglasses, and this yummy milky caramel color deserved its own shoutout. You’ll also notice they’re slightly larger, with 48 mm square bottoms. They’re great for smaller round or oval faces. These will also work for oblong, diamond, and heart-shaped faces. They might be a little too sharp for square faces though.

I also love that these do not have nose pads. Nose pads always catch and tangle my hair if I put my sunglasses on my head, which we always inevitably do.

Fendi 56mm Cat Eye Sunglasses

These 56mm Fendi sunglasses have the more traditional cat eye curve to the bottom of the lenses. They are great for all medium-sized face shapes, and amazing for dressier occasions.

I also love that these do not have nose pads. Nose pads always catch and tangle my hair if I put my sunglasses on my head, which we always inevitably do.

Quay Australia Noosa 55mm Cat Eye Sunglasses

Another great option from Quay. These 55mm cat eye sunglasses have rounded square lenses, and are great for medium-sized oblong, heart, diamond, and of course, oval, face shapes. They might be a little too round for round faces and a little too square for square faces. They are a fun look for trendier occasions, and are available at Nordstrom, Quay, and Dillard’s.

I also love that these do not have nose pads. Nose pads always catch and tangle my hair if I put my sunglasses on my head, which we always inevitably do.

Prada 53mm Cat Eye Sunglasses

These 53mm cat eye shades by Prada have a more rectangular lens. They’re great for all smaller-sized face shapes. They are the perfect pair of subtle cat eye sunglasses for all occasions, even casual wear.

I also love that these do not have nose pads. Nose pads always catch and tangle my hair if I put my sunglasses on my head, which we always inevitably do.

Blenders Eyewear Starlet Americano 53mm

You may have noticed from previous posts that I’m a big fan of Blenders sunglasses. This San Diego-based company makes affordable, stylish options that I love. These cat eye ones are the same ones featured in the image at the top of this post. I also featured them in my post on What Colors Go Well With Tan Pants — clearly, I can’t get enough of them!

At 53mm, these cat-eye-inspired shades flatter all smaller face shapes. They have a very “cool” look with their bronze accents and mixed materials, so pair these with on-trend looks.

I also love that these do not have nose pads. Nose pads always catch and tangle my hair if I put my sunglasses on my head, which we always inevitably do.

Isabel Marant 58mm Gradient Cat Eye Sunglasses – Ivory

These slim, but wide cat eye shades complement all regular to larger face shapes. They may, however, be a bit too narrow for a longer face (think oblong). These sunglasses work for all occasions.

I also love that these do not have nose pads. Nose pads always catch and tangle my hair if I put my sunglasses on my head, which we always inevitably do.

Diff Becky II 57mm Cat Eye Sunglasses

These 57mm cat eye sunglasses with a rounded square lens are great for medium to larger sized round, oblong, heart, diamond, and of course, oval, face shapes. The bottom might be too square for square faces though. These shades have a cool look for fiesty, yet dressier occasions.

I also love that these do not have nose pads. Nose pads always catch and tangle my hair if I put my sunglasses on my head, which we always inevitably do.

Tom Ford Nora 57mm Gradient Cat Eye Sunglasses

These 57mm cat eye glasses have a rounded rectangular lens that can work for all larger face shapes. The angled top on these sunnies really prevents them from being too square. These are great for most occasions. They’re available at Bergdorf Goodman, and Neiman Marcus.

I also love that these do not have nose pads. Nose pads always catch and tangle my hair if I put my sunglasses on my head, which we always inevitably do.

Kate Spade giana 54mm gradient cat eye sunglasses

These Kate Spade sunglasses are an amazing look for dressier occasions. Measuring 54mm with a rounded square lens, these cat eye glasses are great for medium-sized oblong, heart, diamond, and of course oval, face shapes. They might be a little too round for round faces and a little too square for square faces. These glasses are available at Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s and Dillard’s.

I also love that these do not have nose pads. Nose pads always catch and tangle my hair if I put my sunglasses on my head, which we always inevitably do.

Rag & Bone 51mm Cat Eye Sunglasses – Black Beige

These 51mm cat eye sunglasses have strong square angles that are great for smaller-sized round, oblong, heart, diamond, and of course, oval, face shapes. They might be a little too square for square faces, but you never know until you try! The extended edge at the top might balance out the shape. These are such a fun look for trendier occasions.

I also love that these do not have nose pads. Nose pads always catch and tangle my hair if I put my sunglasses on my head, which we always inevitably do.

Rag & Bone 51mm Sunglasses – Dark Havana

These 51mm sunglasses by rag & bone are another pair with strong square angles. They’re great for smaller-sized round, oblong, heart, diamond, and of course, oval, face shapes. As I mentioned above, they might be a little too square for square faces, but you never know until you try! The extended edge at the top might balance out the square shape. These are amazing for trendier occasions.

I also love that these do not have nose pads. Nose pads always catch and tangle my hair if I put my sunglasses on my head, which we always inevitably do.

Maui Jim Mariposa 56mm – Ivory

These 56mm cat eyes with contrasting shapes are a trendier look for all medium-sized face shapes, but the circular lenses may be too round for round faces. They’re available at Maui Jim and Dillard’s.

I also love that these do not have nose pads. Nose pads always catch and tangle my hair if I put my sunglasses on my head, which we always inevitably do.

Saint Laurent Kate 55mm Cat Eye Sunglasses

These 55mm ombre cat eyes are a trendier look for all medium-sized face shapes. You might think these would be too square for square faces, but there might be enough curves to them that it could work. These are the perfect look for trendier occasions. These are available at Nordstrom, Saks 5th Avenue, and Bloomingdale’s.

I also love that these do not have nose pads. Nose pads always catch and tangle my hair if I put my sunglasses on my head, which we always inevitably do.

Kate Spade New York Hensley 55mm Cat Eye Sunglasses

These 55mm cat eye sunglasses by Kate Spade are great for all medium-sized faces. They are a chic look for all occasions. I also love that these do not have nose pads. Nose pads always catch and tangle my hair if I put my sunglasses on my head, which we always inevitably do.

rag & bone 54mm Round Cat Eye Sunglasses

These 54mm round cat eye sunglasses by rag & bone are a fabulous look for all occasions. They’re great for smaller-sized square, oblong, heart, diamond, and of course, oval, face shapes. They will be too round for round faces though.

I also love that these do not have nose pads. Nose pads always catch and tangle my hair if I put my sunglasses on my head, which we always inevitably do.

Flattering Cat Eye Sunglasses From Years Past

Tom Ford Ani 58mm Gradient Cat Eye Sunglasses

These 58mm cat-eye sunnies are great for all medium to larger-sized faces. These are a chic look for all occasions. I also love that these do not have nose pads. Nose pads always catch and tangle my hair if I put my sunglasses on my head, which we always inevitably do.

Salvatore Ferragamo Vara 54mm Cat Eye Sunglasses

These cat eye sunglasses by Salvatore Ferragamo offer a statement look for all occasions with their chunkier cat eye. Measuring 54mm, these sunnies are a playful look for all medium-sized face shapes.

I also love that these do not have nose pads. Nose pads always catch and tangle my hair if I put my sunglasses on my head, which we always inevitably do.

Ray-Ban 52mm Transparent Cat Eye Sunglasses

These slim cat-eye shades will complement all smaller face shapes. They may be a bit too narrow for a longer face though. These shades will work for all occasions.

I also love that these do not have nose pads. Nose pads always catch and tangle my hair if I put my sunglasses on my head, which we always inevitably do.

Saint Laurent Women’s Cat Eye Sunglasses, 57mm

These 57mm cat eye sunnies with a rounded cat eye are great for larger-sized oblong, heart, diamond, and of course, oval, face shapes. They might be a little too round for round faces though. These sunglasses are an amazing look for a weekend look.

I originally wrote this post years ago and update it regularly due to its popularity. I’ve left these photos below for nostalgic purposes. Whenever I update older posts, I love to hold on to a collection of images as a bit of a time capsule so we can watch how our style evolves.

Isabel Marant 58mm Gradient Cat Eye Sunglasses – Black

These are the same as the pair above, just in a classic black color. Again, this slim-but-wide cat-eye style will complement all regular to larger face shapes, though they may be a bit too narrow for a longer oblong face. These sunglasses work for all occasions.

I also love that these do not have nose pads. Nose pads always catch and tangle my hair if I put my sunglasses on my head, which we always inevitably do.

Saint Laurent 57mm Cat Eye Sunglasses

Coach 57mm Gradient Sunglasses

These 57mm cat-eye sunglasses with rounded lenses are great for medium to larger sized oblong, heart, diamond, and of course, oval, face shapes. They might be a little too round for round faces, but should be okay for square faces. These are an amazing look for all occasions.

I also love that these do not have nose pads. Nose pads always catch and tangle my hair if I put my sunglasses on my head, which we always inevitably do.