Finding the right frame and lens colour
Frame colour, lens tint, skin tone, undertone, hair colour and personal contrast can all affect how a pair appears when worn. A colour that looks understated on one person may feel much stronger on another.
These are not strict rules. They are simply useful starting points when deciding which colourway feels most balanced and most like you.
Start with your undertone
Skin tone refers to how light or deep your complexion is. Undertone refers to the subtle colour beneath it, commonly described as warm, cool or neutral.
Warm undertones often have golden, peach or olive qualities. They tend to work naturally with coffee and tortoise frames, amber and warm brown tones, champagne and bronze, brown or green-brown lenses.
Cool undertones may have pink, red or blue qualities. They often pair well with black and smoke frames, crystal and cool translucent tones, slate or blue-grey shades, grey and grey-green lenses.
Neutral undertones can usually move comfortably between both warm and cool colours.
This does not mean you should avoid colours outside your undertone. Contrast can be intentional. The aim is simply to understand why some colours blend naturally while others make a stronger statement.
Consider your natural contrast
Contrast describes the difference between your skin, hair and facial features.
Someone with dark hair and a lighter complexion may naturally suit a strongly defined frame such as black. The frame reflects the contrast already present in the face.
Someone with softer colouring may prefer a translucent or lighter frame that does not dominate their features. As a general guide:
- Higher contrast: black, dark tortoise and strongly defined colours.
- Lower contrast: crystal, champagne, smoke and softer translucent shades.
- Medium contrast: coffee, olive and balanced neutral tones.
How frame colours change the appearance
Black creates the strongest outline around the eyes. It feels clean, confident and versatile, but it will appear more prominent on lighter complexions. It works particularly well for people who prefer a clearly defined frame or regularly wear black, navy and other neutral colours.
Coffee & tortoise frames tend to feel softer than black while still providing definition. Their variation in colour can work particularly well with warm complexions, brown hair and earthy wardrobes. Translucent coffee frames can also reveal subtle red and amber tones as the light changes.
Crystal and transparent frames reduce the visual weight of the sunglasses and allow more of the wearer’s natural colouring to show through. They are particularly useful for someone who wants a full acetate frame without a strong block of colour across the face.
Smoke and cool translucent colours sits between black and crystal. It provides definition without the intensity of a solid black frame. Its cooler tone can work well with grey, black, navy and other understated colours.
Lens colour matters too
The lens changes the overall colour balance of the sunglasses.
Grey lenses tend to feel neutral and understated. They work easily with black, crystal and smoke frames and generally preserve the natural appearance of colour.
Brown lenses add warmth and often create a softer, more relaxed appearance. They pair naturally with coffee, tortoise, champagne and other warm frame colours.
Green-grey lenses sit between warm and cool. They can add subtle colour without becoming overly noticeable.
The combination matters as much as either element alone. A warm frame with a warm lens will feel cohesive, while contrasting frame and lens colours can create a more distinctive look.
Choosing between VANDA colourways
Within the CAPRI collection:
- Black offers the strongest definition and the most classic appearance.
- Coffee adds warmth and visible depth, particularly in natural light.
- Crystal feels lighter and allows the shape of the frame to stand out without heavy colour.
- Smoke offers a cooler, softer alternative to black.
As VANDA introduces additional colours, the same principles will apply. Consider warmth, contrast and how the complete frame-and-lens combination works against your complexion.
There is no frame colour reserved for one particular skin tone.
Undertone and contrast can help explain why certain colours feel immediately natural, but personal style remains more important than any rule.
The right pair should complement your features without asking you to become someone else.
