How to Pick the Perfect Sunglasses for Summer

You know you've got to find just the right footwear, outfits, and accessories for summer, but what about eyewear? After all your summer look won't be complete without the right pair of shades.

Choose shades based on your face shape

Yes, the oversized shades are in this summer, and yes, sunglasses with slightly lighter lenses are quite fashionable. But, don't just pick up the first pair of huge shades with lenses that aren't black. Consider the shape of your face and the shape of the frame of the sunglasses to make your look both flattering and friendly.

If you have an oval face, the most common face shape, choose sunglasses that have frames that are wider than the broadest part of your face, which will probably be between your eyes and cheekbones. Steer clear of glasses that have low temples, since this will make your forehead look longer than the rest of your face. It's also a good idea to follow your brow line, so that it doesn't look like you're surprised or alarmed when you put your sunglasses on.

For a rounder face, select frames that will make your face look thinner and elongated. You can accomplish this with angular frames and sunglasses with a higher temple will make your profile longer. Avoid very round frames; these will make your face look a little too full.

If your face is diamond-shaped, which is the rarest face shape, you should select sunglasses that widen the forehead and minimize the cheekbones. Stay away from decorated temples, because this could make the face look disproportioned; instead, try glasses with no rims or frames that are heavier on top.

Don't try to match your shade colors with your outfit

Now that everyone is slowly (but surely) figuring out that you don't have to wear the same lipstick or eye shadow shade as your outfit, it's time to reinforce this rule when it comes to sunglasses. Just because your glasses have a brown or tan tint to them, doesn't mean that you should only wear these shades when you're wearing brown. Tinted shades look great with monochromatic outfits, because it breaks the monotony, and may even bring out certain colors in your accessories.

However, it's best to match the look of your shades with the overall look of the outfit; sunglasses that are all one color (frames and lenses) can be worn with just about any outfit, and glasses with smaller rims and frames look great with clothes that are very tailored. But, it's best to make sure that you're comfortable with your sunglasses/ outfit combination, so try a few pairs on before you step out with your new summer look to find a look that is most suitable for you. When you feel like you look your best, this is bound to show.

Don't spend a ton of money on shades

Sure, sunglasses are an important accessory, but that doesn't mean you have to spend a lot of money to find shades that look good on you. You can find a number of great sunglasses styles at places like Old Navy, Gap, Target, and even Wal-Mart. It's best to have a pair or two of sunglasses that are a little pricey, however; you can use these year after year. But, if you want to experiment with your look a little bit, or aren't quite sure which sunglasses look best on you, pick up a few pairs at the stores mentioned above, or at local discount department stores and thrift stores to match up with your new summer outfits. Sunglasses are one of the last things to go out of style, and your face isn't going to change shape, so you won't have to worry about buying a new pair every year-unless, of course you want to. Like any accessory, you can never have too many sunglasses.