Are you down to earth or more like Dame Edna? Your glasses really do say a lot about your personality.
Amazingly, there isn't a lot of scientific research about how glasses can change the way people see you -- as opposed to how they see what's in front of them. But there's a high correlation with the Hollywood notion that the fastest way to turn actors into looking like scientists is to make them put on a pair of not very flattering spectacles.
It might even help an actor to become the part they are playing: a recent study found that certain folk felt more competent and scholastic when asked to finish tasks whilst wearing glasses, instead of doing the same tasks without them says a Senior Lecturer in psychology at the London College of Fashion.
Exactly what types of glasses do this best is not easy to ascertain, given this lack of academic investigation.
But fashion studies suggest broadly that a traditional looking shape in a neutral color is best for people who want to convey a professional air.
On the other hand, it might be worth considering that glasses-wearers, despite being viewed as intelligent can also be viewed by some as being followers rather than leaders. "It may be that wearing strong glasses could counter that. For instance, you could choose black plastic square-framed glasses," says Carolyn Mair from the London College of Fashion.
Glasses can unquestionably make a difference to how people areviewed, says Jennifer Holloway, the author of Personal Branding for Brits. "They are important because they emphasise your eyes and encourage people to focus on them. But they are not the only thing people notice about you. They have to work with your whole package to send the right message."
When it comes to choosing the right pair of glasses, three main factors send the right message: color, material and shape.
"Red is powerful, orange is seen as creative, yellow is cheery and green and brown are very down-to-earth," Holloway says. "Blue and purple are quite strong colours, while black can be dramatic but also serious. Bright plastic glasses with glittery sides tell me that the wearer is quirky and creative."
Metal-rimmed glasses can be seen as quitter than their plastic alternative, although the thickness and shape also come into the picture. Lighter frames in conservative shapes are more serious looking than heavy rectangles or huge plastic circles.
Wearing well known brands and choosing styles associated with famous celebrities adds an extra layer. Gucci's logo on the frame probably suggests the wearer likes fashion and bling, whilst Dame Edna diamanté offerings make for a more flamboyant style.
"Putting this all together, if you want to build trust and confidence in a professional context, you should probably choose a classic oval or almond shape in silver, gold or perhaps a brown tortoiseshell," Holloway says.
"If you want people to know that you are creative, maybe go for something a bit more geometric with designs along the arms, or even something a bit retro-looking."
However, people should avoid going too far: choose glasses that completely go against other messages that you are sending out will create a confusing, contradictory impression.
"There's no point wearing glasses that yell creative if you simply aren't," Holloway says. "It will be obvious that there is a mismatch, which will not do your personal brand any good."
Owning different glasses for different occasions allows people to emphasize different aspects of their personality.
"I have multiple pairs of glasses but they are all almost identical," Mair says. "Some are light tortoiseshell, some are darker tortoiseshell. They are all square shaped and a little bit retro. But one pair has a pink layer inside -- that's my wildest pair."
Paul is a journalist and author of numerous blogs and web sites. This latest blog launched some five months ago is dedicated to all things Luxury. Articles cover latest news and stories on all bespoke, hancrafted, luxury products and services from all over the World. Often certain products and services are worth particular attention and Designer Sunglasses are one of these.
