Wear different glasses for different occasions

Glasses never looked so good. If you wear them regularly and your finances allow, you'll want to get several pair. Switch styles to suit your mood, the occasion or activity.

Begin with a basic pair of glasses for conservative business wear or if you can afford only one pair. Basic doesn't mean boring. It means simple in style, neutral in color and without ornamentation so they go well with your entire wardrobe and are appropriate for the many occasions in your life.

Simple gold frames and real or imitation tortoise shell glasses in brown, gray-brown or gray and with clear or very pale tinted lenses are recommended for basic. Gold lends itself to dressy occasions somewhat more easily.

Colored plastic glasses are generally poor choices for basic. Decorated, cut-out or designer glasses are out. Choose nothing "cutesy" if you want to be taken seriously in business or leadership situations.

Softly angular frames make you appear considerably more assertive. They are recommended for women in business and are particularly effective for shorter, smaller women. They also place you behind a psychologically protective barrier that prevents most people from advancing closer than invited.

If you are in a more creative business, you can be more creative and fashion-conscious in your selection of eyewear. Rimless, beveled-edge or tinted lenses are appropriate options. Even then, avoid darker tinted lenses on the job. The shading creates a barrier between you and others and may decrease your effectiveness.

It's wise to have an extra pair of basic glasses as a hedge against loss or breakage. Take them along when you travel and always carry a copy of your lens prescription.

Casual glasses for casual and sportive occasions may be selected in larger styles with heavier frames. If you wear them less often, you have the option of buying fun and trendy styles in brighter colors. Consider gold, silver, bronze or copper frames. Consider leather or plastic frames in brown and earth-tone hues.

Elegant glasses for women on dress-up or glamour occasions aren't essential but are nice to have. They offer a change of mood and more feminine feeling. Consider simple gold or silver frames, rhinestone rims and rimless beveled-edge lenses in smaller sizes and elegant shapes.