Fashion trends: Sunny side up

Fashion trends: Sunny side up (Photo: iStock)

Sunglasses are the unsung heroes of eye protection and fashion.

These versatile accessories do more than just protect your eyes from the sun. They’re an instant ticket to looking effortlessly cool, a quick cover-up for tired eyes and essential for protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays.

Whether you’re a fashionista or just someone who enjoys the sunshine, sunglasses are one of the best investments you can make in both style and health.

Let’s talk about face shapes and how they can help determine the most flattering pair of sunglasses for you. The reason some people look like they were born to wear aviators or wayfarers is largely down to their face shape.

If you have a round face, rectangular or angular frames are ideal because they add definition and make your cheekbones stand out.

If you have an oval face, consider yourself lucky - almost any style of sunglasses will work for you, from oversized to sporty.

Square faces, with their strong angles, benefit from round or oval frames to soften these edges. If you have a heart-shaped face, aviator or cat-eye frames will help to balance your facial structure, particularly the chin.

If you have a diamond-shaped face, rimless or oval frames will work wonders, complementing your cheekbones without overpowering them. And if you’ve got an elongated face, oversized sunglasses are the way to go, adding width and balance to your features.

As well as the shape of the frame, the size of the lenses plays a big part in both style and practicality. While bigger isn’t always better, when it comes to sunglasses, larger lenses offer better protection from UV rays and glare.

This is especially useful if you’re someone who enjoys outdoor activities. Wraparound styles are particularly useful for sports enthusiasts, as they offer all-around protection by blocking light from all angles.

Whether you’re on the ski slopes or hiking along a sunny trail, these styles offer the best eye coverage, ensuring you’re the only one not squinting in bright light.

Sunglasses are also the perfect finishing touch to any outfit, effortlessly enhancing your look. Whether you’re heading to the beach or running errands, a pair of classic Wayfarers can give you that relaxed surfer vibe, transforming a simple jeans and T-shirt combo into something cool and stylish.

If you’ve got a date or want to make an impression, a pair of aviators have a laid-back yet sophisticated charm, giving you that effortless ‘this is how I woke up’ look.

For more formal occasions, oversized or cat-eye frames channel old Hollywood glamour and instantly make you look polished and put together. Whatever the occasion, sunglasses are the cherry on top of your outfit, completing the look with minimal effort.

And there’s the growing trend of wearing sunglasses at night. Although impractical, this power move has become a fashion statement. Wearing sunglasses after dark isn’t about function; it’s about projecting confidence and mystery.

It gives off a “too cool to care” vibe and adds an element of intrigue to your look. While it may not be the best idea for navigating obstacles in low light, the trend is all about making a statement.

So if you’re feeling bold, go ahead and embrace your inner night owl by rocking your sunglasses after sundown - just maybe have a friend guide you around to avoid any accidental collisions.

In short, whether you’re protecting your eyes from the sun or upping your fashion game, sunglasses are an essential accessory that can instantly transform your look.

They offer the perfect blend of practicality and style, making them the ultimate fashion sidekick. With the right sunglasses, you can look cool, feel confident and enjoy complete eye protection, all while making a fashion statement that’s uniquely yours.