Reserved not just for bright summer days but required on a daily basis, sporting good eyewear is as much about protecting your eyes as it is about making a fashion statement.
According to accessory designer, Karuna Rampal, “Reflective sunglasses have truly been the flavour of the season. Mirrored frames have been flaunted by celebs such as Blake Lively, Jessica Alba and Hilary Duff, among others. They come with the ‘cool’ quotient and the best part is that they are available in different colours from yellow and funky blue to military green. Also, you don’t have just one style to choose from — Aviators, Cat-eye frames and Wayfarers are your best bet.”
Remember the time when coloured contact lenses were an absolute must-have? Well, now is the time for coloured sunglasses. Ditch traditional blacks and boring browns and embrace colour, the fashion police say. Go for offbeat colour choices and if you’ve got the confidence to pull it off, get a pair where each glass is of a different shade.
“I would still cast my vote in favour of aviators,” says Dania Sheikh, manager of an eyewear retail store. “They go with so many looks, from cool and casual to sporty and biker chic even! I think this time around, however, people are being experimental with different colours. Cool blues, greens and greys are great for men and women. There are many women, however, who prefer pink or purple. We also have customers who are asking for retro-styled sunglasses. Inspiration for these frames dates back to the 60s and 70s but the youngsters love them for their modern design interpretations. Also, since they’re usually oversized, there are many takers.”
White frames have been in the limelight for a while now. They are classy, clean and simple, and work best with a monochrome outfit. Whether it is your hair or your nails, ombre seems all the rage. The same is also true of sunglasses. Earlier, you would find glasses in graduated shades, with the darker colour on top and the lighter towards the bottom. This year, however, the reverse ombre trend is gaining popularity.
Like they say, ‘when in doubt, wear red,’ with sunglasses, when you’re unsure, just add some sparkle! Delicately embellished frames are quite a hit with the younger crowd. “From tiny rhinestones and glitter-dusted rims to OTT-studded pieces that are uber glam, there is a wide variety to choose from,” says collegian, Raina Singhal. “However, if you’re opting for a blingy pair, ensure the rest of your outfit is simple and understated. Also, you can skip accessorising.”
Oversized sunglasses still have a huge fan following. They are practical and ultra-comfy. Oval-shaped glasses are also making their presence felt this year, especially with big designer houses.
While it’s always good to know what’s trending in the fashion circuit, it’s also important not to follow trends blindly but to pick a style that suits you, and in this case, your face shape, best. If you’ve got a round face, try on a pair of oversized rectangular frames.
Aviators look best on those with a heart-shaped face. Cat-eye designs are especially popular among women with oval faces. Most importantly, invest in a pair of sunglasses that are polarised and that give your eyes UV protection. After all, it is best when fashion and functionality go hand in hand!
