Check out my pic on the Straight Dope People Pages
I get a LOT of negative comments, not on my own physical looks, but rather my glasses. Are they really that bad? They are gold-colored, metal frames, BTW. I would appreciate any sincere constructive criticism please.
Also, some dislike the goatee, but that pic is a couple yrs. old now, and my facial hair style has changed. It’s quite “toned down” from what it used to be.
I like the goatee, but then I have a fixation on facial hair. The glasses, however, don’t match your face. Maybe if they were sunglasses. I think you should look at darker, nonmetallic frames.
Sorry guy, but yeah, they are. I had those type once; but am now happy with my small “intellectual-looking” glasses. Also, women have better taste than men; find one to take with you when you get new ones. It’s worth the effort, believe me…
I think they look just fine, MSK. I can’t see anything to complain about. What exactly is supposed to be wrong with them?
MSK,
As one that just got new glasses…
YES, get new glasses. Something more hip and in. I have had soooo many compliments on the new glasses I feel like a new person.
I also got new sunglasses that are also hip and in.
Trust me, it took a Doper friend to lay the facts on me even though I knew it before I finally got off the chair and went to get new frames.
Check out Lenscrafter’s site…you can get an idea of what may look good before you get in an eyewear store.
Yeah, dude…those suck. I know, I’ve got some like them. Time for an update. Take a girl along. (Not necessarily because they have better taste, but just because girls are cool.) And hey, what about contacts? That’s what I’ve got and I absolutely love 'em.
But then I’ve always had a thing for small plastic disks.
MSK, for FWIW, I took one of my best male friends with me.
Hey, nothing like someone from the opposite sex to give you an honest opinion 
Oh and I didn’t mean that you look weird or anything but you could use an update.
I think you could use a new pair, something smaller and darker. That may just be my personal preference, though.
Sorry, MSK. They are outdated and cover too much of your face. Looks like they have a yellowish tint, too, from the picture. Yellow tints are not flattering on many people.
I gotta agree on the glasses, MSK… I really don’t like the kind that cover a third of one’s face.
Yup. Out they go. AFAIC, the smaller the better where glasses are concerned. If you don’t want contacts and you can’t afford laser surgery, get the smallest, thinnest pair of glasses you can find. When I went shopping last (hm…'bout two years ago, I guess), I went to Lenscrafters and asked for any that were the same size and shape as my eye. And I got 'em. Each lens is about an inch and a half wide. I get complimented on them lots.
Something to consider.
I looked like that about 5 years ago…
Given that you have ‘toned down’ the facial, get smaller glasses. Do it today. And dont get a ‘tint’.
Tinted glasses + goatee = CREEPY.
Take it easy.
MSK,
I feel for you. I don’t wear specs, but I just got harassed to hell over my shades recently.
And these aren’t Foster Grants, they’re $200 Revos. I guess it’s time for a change. Big frames are out, small frames are in.
sigh
I really liked my shades too…
I think they are to light.
you shoul have darker.
I wouldn’t say they are bad but I think smaller, darker frames would look much better. In fact, I predict you being added to several people’s laminated/crush/lust lists if you changed to the different frames or contacts! (Well, at least one person’s list…
)
I really don’t think they’re THAT bad, I’ve seen much worse, but still, you could use something more contemporary. And I agree, a darker frame, maybe a black metallic, and I think you’d look really hot with something in an oval-shape.
Go for something small and sort of delicate, you don’t want your glasses to overpower your face, you want them to enhance it, to frame your eyes and give you that sexy intellectual look.
As the others have mentioned, take someone whose opinion you trust, not necessarily a woman, just someone with really good taste, and get their opinion. (I know plenty of guys with better fashion sense than me.) I know that whenever I buy glasses by myself, the frames I choose are absolutely wretched. Case in point: My senior year of high school, I went to buy glasses, and ended up picking out frames similar to yours, but only in dark blue. I got a lot of compliments…from little old ladies wearing electric blue eyeshadow up to their eyebrows. Eeeewwwww…
Your picture is great, but I agree that smaller frames would look much better. You might want to take some Polaroids (or digital pics) of yourself wearing different frames before making your final decision. That way, you can mull it over for a bit and get lots of input from others.
Oh, and extended wear contacts are wonderful! It’s great to wake up in the morning, shower, etc., and be able to see! They are so thin that I usually don’t even know they’re there! Your optometrist will give you a complimentary pair or two to try, and they’re really not expensive at all. I am supposed to take them out every week, but they’re so comfy that I often forget. It is important to remember though, and I’m trying to do better in that area.
If you do settle for new glasses (or contacts), remember to post a new picture.
MSK – looks like the consensus is that you need some new specs. I agree, BTW. Certainly, you don’t look bad – you’re a nice looking guy who just needs an updated set of glasses. When you go to pick the new ones, take someone along to help choose. Male or female, just someone whose taste you trust. Oh, and keep the goatee. IMHO.
And, post a new picture, so we can all see the new look, ok?
Jess
MSK,
You’re a CUTIE-PIE. Yes, indeed. Ahem. Now, about the glasses. You don’t sound too comfortable with them anymore. Maybe you liked them when you got them, but now you’re a little tired of them? Glasses suck–the styles change and you find yourself a walking throw-back. If YOU want new glasses–isn’t it time for a check-up anyway?–get some new frames that say something about YOU. Like the little round spec? Or the chunky Elvis Costello types? Pick something you feel good in and comfortable wearing. Too many times I tried glasses that wore ME, instead of the other way around.
Good luck…(note to self: must amend my laminated list…)
Well, I have to say is, “wow.”
Thanks for all of the compliments on me, and the truth about my glasses. I don’t know when I will be able to afford an eye exam and new specs, though. I know it’s time to. I haven’t had an eye exam or new glasses in 4 years!! I sometimes go to the glasses shop and browse around. I don’t think it will be cheap to get both. Will probably hit me up about 300.00+ for exam/specs. Ouch
Unfortunately, I know no one who has a hip fashion sense, who could help me. 
I would just have to rely on the people at the shop. I know some of the shops have people who are there specifically just for matching frame styles to faces.
FYI, my current lenses are not tinted. I think they just don’t photograph well, obviously.
As for contacts, I am not against that at all, however, I may not be able to get them. IIRC, contacts available for people with astigmatism, are only for up to a certain degree of astigmatism. I don’t know to what “degree” my astigmatism currently is.
As for laser RK… I dont think I could allow myself to do that. The thought of any type of eye surgery just freaks me out. I can’t help but think “what if something went wrong?” They’re my EYES!!! eeek! :eek:
Thanks, for all of your comments. They are greatly appreciated. (esp. the personal flattery from all the ladies! :o ) Keep em coming! 
You’re all too kind.
I need to try an experiment. Next time I go to my fav bar or club, I will leave my specs in the car, and see what happens. Maybe I will be received a little better, by the ladies.
Oh and BTW, It’s too bad Harry Carray is no longer living. That OLD NAVY woman and him would be a perfect match. LOL What’s up with her anyways? Do her glasses come with wipers, washer fluid jets, and defrost? LOL Thank God, my specs aren’t like that!!!