HERE’S EXACTLY HOW TO DETERMINE YOUR FACE SHAPE

Forget cookie-cutter beauty! We’re all a kaleidoscope of unique features, defying rigid labels like “heart,” “square,” or “oval.” But navigating the endless ocean of hairstyles and makeup trends can feel like steering a blind ship. Fear not, beauty adventurers! Let’s chart a course towards your perfect look, using a handy tool: your face shape.

Think of it as your personal compass in the beauty world. Similar to how skin tone or eye color guide your makeup choices, knowing your face shape can be a shortcut to discovering flattering hairstyles and contouring techniques. Imagine Zendaya’s elongated elegance or Emma Stone’s playful curves; these are just a few faces in the diverse landscape of beauty. So, scroll down and check out how to find your face shape.

HOW TO FInd OUT YOUR FACE SHAPE

The best way to measure your face shape is to compare the length of your face to its width. To do so, follow the steps below.

  1. Use a ruler to measure from the center of your hairline to the bottom of your chin. This will be the length.
  2. Then, measure the width (right to left).
  3. You can also measure your jaw by noting the width of your face at its widest point, and your cheekbones by measuring across each cheek.

No need for rulers or protractors! Got a selfie? Perfect! Follow those handy steps we just outlined, trace your face on your phone screen, and voila! You’ve unlocked the first clue to your beauty compass: your face shape.

SQUARE

Forget soft curves, yours is a face sculpted in angles! If your jawline boasts a subtle slant with barely a hint of roundness, and straight lines define the sides of your face, then you’re rocking the square face shape.

Here’s what makes your square face shine:

  • Sharpness is your signature. Embrace your angular features with sleek, straight styles that showcase your jawline’s strength. Blunt bobs, chic pixies, or high ponytails will add height and soften angles, creating a stunning balance.
  • Texture is your friend. Don’t shy away from volume! Textured lobs, loose waves, or even a touch of tousled bedhead will add dimension and soften your jawline’s edge.
  • Side parts are your allies. They’ll elongate your face and add a touch of asymmetry that complements your natural angles. Experiment with deep side parts or playful off-center styles to find your perfect match.

Remember, your square face is a canvas for your unique beauty. Don’t be afraid to experiment, mix and match, and find what makes you feel confident and radiant. Embrace your bold lines and sharp features – the world is your runway! So go forth, square-faced friend, and own your beauty with every step you take.

Celebs with square face shape: Billie Piper, Demi Moore, Jennifer Aniston

HEART

Is your chin a touch pixie-like and your forehead the queen of your facial landscape? Then you, my friend, might be rocking a heart-shaped face! Think an upside-down triangle, not necessarily featuring the classic widow’s peak (though some heart-shaped beauties do).

But fear not, chin-pointers, your hair options are endless! Here’s what makes your heart shape shine:

  • Bangs, oh bangs! Embrace the classic frame with wispy, face-framing bangs, or go bold with a full fringe. They’ll balance your wider forehead and highlight your gorgeous cheekbones.
  • Length is your friend. Let your hair cascade down your shoulders or past, showcasing the natural flow of your face shape. Long waves, playful curls, or sleek straight strands – the choice is yours!
  • Mid-length magic. Don’t underestimate the power of the lob or mid-length layers. They’ll add volume and texture around your chin, creating a harmonious balance.

Bonus tip: Experiment with off-center parts or side-swept styles to further accentuate your heart’s natural charm. Remember, your face shape is just a starting point – let your inner beauty and personal style guide your hair journey! So go forth, heart-shaped friend, and rock your unique look with confidence!

Celebs with heart face shape: Scarlett Johansson, Reese Witherspoon, Taylor Swift

ROUND

Imagine a square face softened by gentle curves – that’s the magic of the round face! Unlike its square counterpart, your sides gracefully bow outwards, your chin is softly rounded, and your cheekbones reign supreme as the widest part of your landscape. Think Selena Gomez and Emma Stone – charming, playful, and effortlessly radiant.

Here’s what makes your round face shine:

  • Layers, layers, layers! Embrace your playful spirit with layers that frame your face and add volume around your cheekbones. Choppy layers, side-swept bangs, or wispy fringes will elongate your face and highlight your natural charm.
  • Voluminous magic. Don’t shy away from a bit of bounce! Voluminous pixies, textured lobs, or cascading waves will add dimension and balance your roundness, creating a stunningly harmonious look.
  • Off-center parts are your friends. They’ll break up the symmetry of your face and add a touch of intrigue. Experiment with deep side parts or playful off-center styles to find your perfect balance.

Don’t be afraid to experiment, mix and match, and find what makes you feel confident and radiant. Embrace your soft curves and playful spirit – the world is your playground! So go forth, round-faced friend, and let your inner light shine through with every smile you wear.

Celebs with round face shape: Selena Gomez, Kirsten Dunst, Emma Stone

OVAL

Imagine a gently curved egg, nestled upside down. That’s the essence of the oval face, a shape known for its balanced proportions and harmonious features. If your forehead is just a touch wider than your rounded chin, and your cheekbones take center stage as the widest part of your face, you might be rocking this effortlessly elegant look. Think Zendaya’s stunning grace or Gigi Hadid’s playful charm – oval faces are a canvas for endless possibilities!

Here’s what makes your oval face shine:

  • Versatility is your superpower. Oval faces are the chameleons of the hairstyle kingdom! Experiment with chic bobs, playful pixies, cascading waves, or sleek ponytails – you’ll find you can rock almost any style with confidence.
  • Bangs or no bangs, the choice is yours. Embrace your high forehead with wispy bangs or a full fringe, or let your natural browline take center stage. Either way, your oval features will effortlessly adapt.
  • Length is your playground. Short, long, or somewhere in between – your hair can flow freely with your unique style. Let your personality shine through your locks, whether you prefer flirty layers or a chic, blunt cut.

Celebs with oval face shape: Julia Roberts, Rihanna, Tyra Banks

DIAMOND

If someone drew lines connecting the center of your hairline to your cheekbones and down to your chin, it would create a diamond shape—hence, the name. Diamond faces have pointed chins and high cheekbones. The main difference between a diamond-shaped face and a heart-shaped face is the hairline—if you have a diamond-shaped face, your hairline will be narrower.

Your best hairstyles:

  • Embrace the angles. Don’t shy away from sharp lines! Blunt bobs, sleek straight styles, or deep side parts will complement your cheekbones and add height to your face, creating a stunningly balanced look.
  • Texture is your friend. Add a touch of dimension with textured layers or loose waves. They’ll soften your jawline and highlight your natural angles, creating a captivating play of light and shadow.
  • Play with asymmetry. Don’t be afraid to experiment with off-center parts or side-swept styles. They’ll break up the symmetry of your face and add a touch of intrigue, making your features even more captivating.

Celebs with diamond face shape: Jennifer Lopez, Viola Davis, Yvette Nicole Brown

RECTANGULAR/OBLONG

Your rectangular (oblong) face is a canvas of elegant lines and balanced proportions. Think Cindy Crawford’s timeless allure or Keira Knightley’s regal charm. While it shares some similarities with the square face, your oblong beauty shines in its elongated silhouette.

Here’s what makes your rectangular face stand out:

  • Proportional grace. Your forehead, cheeks, and jawline hold a harmonious balance in width, creating a naturally sophisticated look. Embrace this inherent elegance with sleek styles like blunt bobs or textured lobs.
  • Length is your friend. Don’t shy away from your vertical canvas! Long layers, cascading waves, or even a touch of volume will add dimension and complement your elongated features. Think mermaid waves or playful braids for a touch of fun.
  • Focus on the fringe. Bangs can be your secret weapon! Wispy face-framing layers, side-swept bangs, or even a full fringe can add horizontal interest and balance your face shape. Experiment and find what flatters your unique features.

Celebs with rectangular face shape: Anne Hathaway, Angelina Jolie, Jessica Chastain

FINAL TAKEAWAY

Similarly to identifying your face shape, understanding your skin undertone empowers you to discover makeup shades and clothing colors that complement your natural beauty. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can successfully determine your face shape and gain insights into the most flattering choices for your personal style.

Remember that individuality plays a significant role, and these guidelines serve as a starting point rather than strict rules. Embrace your unique features and experiment with different looks to find what makes you feel confident and comfortable. Whether your face is oval, round, square, heart-shaped, or diamond-shaped, the key is to celebrate your distinctive beauty. Armed with the knowledge of your face shape, you can make informed choices that highlight your strengths and express your personality. So, go ahead, explore the world of beauty tailored to your face shape, and let your authentic self shine through.

7 ESSENTIAL STYLE TIPS FOR MEN OVER 50 BEFORE YOU SHOP

Navigating the world of fashion in your 50s (and beyond!) may seem daunting, but trust me, it’s entirely achievable. While I can’t personally guide every man receiving an AARP membership in the mail, I can offer you this comprehensive guide to dressing for mature men.

If you’re new to my writing, you might be asking yourself: Caroline, as a 29-year-old woman who spends her free time watching Nordic crime dramas and perfecting my homemade macaroni and cheese, what do I know about the style dilemmas faced by men approaching early retirement?

Well, for one, I have a soft spot for well-dressed older gentlemen.

Every man over 50 has unique wardrobe needs that reflect his personal style and lifestyle. Whether you’re searching for casual attire, looking for shopping recommendations, or simply wanting to elevate your fashion game, dressing well at this age can be just as exciting and diverse as it is for younger men.

Not sure where to begin? No need to fret! Below, 7 tips on nailing mature style for men:

Get a tailor

Everyone I’ve spoken with in the realm of men’s style, especially for those over 50, agrees on one crucial point: the difference between “a guy wearing clothes” and “a well-dressed man” often comes down to good tailoring.

Building a relationship with a tailor is essential for any mature man looking to elevate his style.

Consider your tailor your clothing’s doctor. Just as you have a dentist for your teeth, an internist for your health, and a dermatologist for those pesky moles, it’s time to have a tailor on speed dial to ensure your wardrobe is in top shape.

Now, I can already hear you thinking: “The clothes I own fit me just fine!”

But let’s be real—no man, and I mean none of you, can wear off-the-rack clothing perfectly.

Sure, you don’t need to have every t-shirt tailored or sweatpants hemmed, but those button-down shirts you wear daily with jeans or chinos? Get the sleeves adjusted to the right length.

And don’t forget about those jeans and chinos! 

What about the blazer you wear for dinner with your spouse each week? Could it use a little adjustment to fit you better?

Think of this process like visiting a doctor. You don’t go in every day for every little issue, but for the significant matters, you want to consult a professional. 

Focus on the finishing touches 

When it comes to presentation, the key differentiator between well-dressed men and those who simply wear clothes is the extra attention to detail. These subtle touches may not be immediately noticeable, but once you see them, they make a significant difference.

This attention to detail extends beyond your clothing to grooming, including a well-maintained beard (and nose hairs!), clean nails and cuticles, and a pleasant scent. Just look at the smart tie and coordinating socks worn by Stanley Tucci—voted the most stylish man of 2023 by Style Girlfriend followers!

Accessories are an excellent way to elevate your style as a man over 50. A beautiful scarf can enhance a simple blue overcoat, while the right shoes can complete your outfit—just as easily as the wrong ones can ruin it.

Investing in accessories is a smart choice for your wardrobe. Timeless pieces, like a classic pair of glasses, will never go out of style, and if you choose quality items built to last, you’ll enjoy them for years to come.

I’d like to highlight timepieces: they’re one of the first things I notice on a man. If you wear a watch, I can’t help but notice which one it is.

Let me be clear: you don’t need to spend a fortune on a watch. However, if you can invest in a quality timepiece, it’s often worth it. Even an affordable tank-style Seiko can make you look polished and distinguished.

Invest in forever pieces

By avoiding fleeting trends, you can invest more wisely in your wardrobe. Why? Because when you focus on timeless pieces, you know you’ll wear them for more than just one season.

Instead of purchasing multiple inexpensive shirts and trousers, consider buying one or two high-quality staple items. Then, invest in having those pieces tailored to fit you perfectly. The final step? Embrace the ease and simplicity of cultivating a signature personal style!

Look for brands that prioritize craftsmanship and quality. 

While you may not have the budget to splurge on every item in your closet, you can be strategic about your spending.

Identify the pieces you wear most frequently. If you rarely wear sweaters but often don blazers—think of a post-presidential Barack Obama—prioritize your budget accordingly to reflect your lifestyle.

Lean into a Monochromatic Color Palette

Monochromatic dressing involves combining pieces from the same color family to create a cohesive and polished look. This style not only elongates your body but also gives you a sleek, modern appearance with minimal effort.

Take, for example, the character Steve Martin, 79, plays on Only Murders in the Building. He often sports monochromatic ensembles, like blue jeans paired with a white shirt and a blue knit sweater or overcoat.

For men over 50, these outfits are not only simple to assemble but also effortlessly elevate your style.

You can approach monochromatic dressing in a few different ways. Our favorite at Team SG is the black and blue route—opting for rich, deep blues like navy—or embracing earth tones, such as pairing tan chinos with a chunky oatmeal rollneck sweater.

Aim for leveling up your personal style instead of chasing trends

Here’s a little secret: I often share this advice with my younger clients, but it’s especially true for older gentlemen—dressing for who you are, rather than trying to keep up with the latest trends, makes all the difference.

By midlife, you’ve witnessed countless trends come and go, which makes it easier to identify which cuts and styles flatter you and which colors and textures enhance your personal aesthetic.

Consider what clothing aligns with your lifestyle and which pieces don’t quite fit who you are. 

Think of this guideline not as a limitation, but as a permission slip to bypass fleeting trends. That’s a true luxury! As men age, they naturally become more distinguished—there’s a reason the term “silver fox” is a compliment.

Allyson B. Fanger, the costume designer for Netflix’s (criminally underrated, in my opinion) *Grace and Frankie*, shared that one of the joys of dressing older characters like Robert and Sol—played by Martin Sheen and Sam Waterston, both in their eighties—is that these men have lived rich lives.

The show features two lawyers who leave their wives for each other after their kids have grown up, and their style is spot on.

Robert and Sol don’t need to evolve further in their fashion choices, which makes dressing them all the more enjoyable for Fanger.

They each have favorite brands, signature color palettes, and distinct approaches to style.

Robert is traditional, favoring button-down shirts and chinos—he’s a Brooks Brothers man through and through.

Sol, on the other hand, embodies the spirit of a hippie, opting for Cubavera camp shirts and comfortable Tommy Bahama linen pants.

These characters exemplify how, regardless of personal taste or style, it’s entirely possible to achieve top-notch personal fashion at any age.

Ultimately, knowing who you are and being confident in that is the cornerstone of any man’s style, and that understanding becomes more profound as you accumulate life experience.

Adopt a wardrobe uniform

Larry David, at 76, is a big advocate for uniform dressing. While many people think of a daily uniform as a traditional suit and tie, David exemplifies how versatile and liberating this approach can be.

He’s a king of casual style—if you’re searching for casual clothing ideas for men over 50, the *Curb Your Enthusiasm* star offers an excellent blueprint.

His go-to wardrobe staples include crewneck sweaters, zip-ups, AG 5-pocket chinos, and soft shoulder blazers. 

If the thought of choosing an outfit every day feels overwhelming, this dressing strategy might be perfect for you. 

Consider building a capsule wardrobe filled with a few pieces you love: your favorite pants, a handful of shirts that make you feel your best, and some knitwear or jackets.

And don’t hesitate to buy items you adore in multiple colors! (This is another trick David uses.)

This way, each morning, you can reach into your closet and confidently know that whatever you pick will likely coordinate beautifully.

Be yourself 

It might sound a bit silly to wrap up a list of style tips with a reminder to just accept yourself, but hear me out. You might think, “My style is just a ripped sports jersey and Crocs,” and to that, I say: maybe it’s time for a change! (Just kidding… or am I?)

What I really mean is don’t overthink dressing for a particular age. These style tips are helpful if you’re unsure where to start or want to elevate your look. But if you already have a signature style or enjoy dressing outside the norm, don’t let the number in front of your age hold you back. Embrace what makes you unique and wear it with confidence!

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, navigating style in your 50s and beyond doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Embrace the principles of good tailoring, invest in timeless pieces, and build a wardrobe that reflects who you are. Remember, personal style is all about confidence and authenticity—wear what makes you feel good, whether it’s a classic blazer or a funky shirt.

Don’t shy away from experimenting with accessories and details that can elevate your look. And most importantly, don’t let age define your fashion choices. Celebrate your individuality and express yourself through your clothing. After all, style is a lifelong journey, and it’s never too late to redefine your aesthetic!