Style is only the first job of a good pair of sunglasses. Three other, quieter jobs happen at once, and the first is hiding what you are thinking. They frame the one part of the face people look at first. And they tell the room you are in no hurry to explain yourself.
That is a lot to ask of a pair of frames. The right ones do all of it before you have said a word.
Job one: they hide what you are thinking
The eyes are where people read you. A good lens gives you a small, quiet advantage: you decide how much of your reaction anyone sees. In a negotiation, a difficult meeting or a crowded room, that composure is useful, and a little mysterious.
Job two: they frame the one part of the face people look at first
People meet your eyes before they meet anything else. A frame chooses the shape of that first impression. A structured rectangle reads as precise and assured. A softer oval reads as warm and open. A bold angle reads as decisive.
This is why frame choice matters more than almost any other accessory. It sits exactly where the attention goes.
Job three: they tell the room you are in no hurry
Wearing sunglasses well is a form of unhurried confidence. It says you are comfortable being seen without being explained. You do not need to fill the silence, and you are not rushing to justify what you are wearing.
Why the right frame is rarely the loudest one
The most convincing frames do not compete for attention. They match the confidence of the person wearing them. A loud frame worn nervously looks like a costume. A quiet frame worn with ease looks like authority.
That is the principle behind power dressing: the clothes and accessories carry weight because the wearer is not straining to be noticed.
Wearing frames as power dressing in Johannesburg
This is one of the objectives we wanted to achieve with our Shades In The City campaign: showing frames as power dressing, and how to wear them in a Johannesburg boardroom rather than on a runway.
A few starting points:
- Choose structure for daylight. Clean, structured shapes suit a Highveld morning and a business setting.
- Go darker and slimmer for evening. The same confidence, a quieter profile.
- Keep the hardware refined. Fine metal detail or a subtle house mark says more than a large logo.
- Match the frame to your tailoring. Sharp suiting wants a clean line. Relaxed linen can take a softer shape.
- Take them off when it matters. Power dressing includes knowing when to lower the frames and meet someone's eyes.
Finding yours
The right frame is the one that matches your own confidence, which is why we recommend trying several. The difference between a good frame and the right one is usually obvious within a minute of seeing it on you.
Which pair of sunglasses has given you the most confidence, and why? Bring that pair, or a picture of it, to your fitting. It is the best brief we can be given.
Frequently asked questions
What do sunglasses say about you?
Beyond style, they hide what you are thinking, they frame the part of the face people look at first, and they signal that you are in no hurry to explain yourself. The shape and finish you choose shape that first impression.
What sunglasses look professional?
Clean, structured shapes in black or dark tortoiseshell with refined hardware. A classic rectangle, a soft square or a refined aviator will sit well with tailoring and look considered.
Is it appropriate to wear sunglasses in a business setting?
Outdoors, such as arrivals, lunches and site visits, yes. Indoors and when greeting someone, take them off so people can meet your eyes. Knowing when to remove them is part of wearing them well.
Book a private fitting
To find the frame that matches your confidence, book a private fitting at our Sandton showroom.
Freckle Eyewear Showroom
Sandton City Office Towers, 12th Floor, Rivonia Rd, Sandhurst, Sandton 2196
Monday to Friday, 09h00 to 17h00. Saturday, 09h00 to 15h00, strictly by appointment.
Call or WhatsApp: 064 889 2142
