No spring or summer outfit is complete these days without a pair of oversized shades or classic aviator sunglasses, for adding some instant style to your wardrobe.

Sunglasses are no longer just practical eyewear to protect you from squinting in the sun. These up-to-the–minute shades are becoming just as much an integral part of a fashionistas wardrobe as a bag or shoes.

Sunglasses have become the ultimate in fashion accessories for creating instant glamor and style. If your budget doesn’t stretch to this year’s designer “it” bag or this season’s statement shoes, then a pair of hip frames (whether vintage, high street or designer) can give you an immediate makeover.

More than Practical Eyewear

Sunglasses protect your eyes from sun damage, and premature wrinkles caused by squinting in the sun. However, a pair of shades can do so much more. They can make you appear glamorous and sexy, secretive and mysterious, hide the effects of a heavy night, and provide you with sanctuary when you look tired or feel antisocial.

Your sunglasses make a personal statement; the style you choose says a lot about your personality and your mood. Choosing a pair that best suits your facial shape is no longer an issue, with so many styles and colors to choose from. Oversizes sunnies never go out of fashion (due to their face saving properties!) but select a frame which flatters your face rather than envelopes it!

Sunglass Styles

No longer just a simple pair of frames, frrom designer to budget brand, neutral to fashion-forward shades, thick frames to rimelss.

There are wraparounds, aviators, visors, cat-eyes or butterfly. Shapes vary from triangular, oblong, and square, to oval and the round rims, reminiscent of John Lennon. Mirrored and super-dark lenses will hide a late night, and brightly colored frames reflect current fashion trends.

Nothing beats a classic pair of Ray-Bans, having mastered the look with its many aviator-style gradient-lens frames.

Have several pairs of sunnies in your wardrobe, to team with your outfits and match your mood.

Women’s Sunglasses for 2008

Trends for the summer include brightly-colored frames (variations on blue, yellow, red,and metallics), bejeweled styles and classic aviators. Whether it be a white pair to give a nod to the nautical look or sexy oversized Jacqui Onassis-type shades to team with a tailored trench coat or fluid pants.

2008 is the year of the embellishment, and sunglasses also come in for this treatment. There are a wide selection of jeweled frames, from crystals to rhinestones to large gems. Let them dazzle in the sunlight and add a sense of sophistication to your wardrobe.

Think Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. These cool retro style frames are glamorous and trendy, the retro influence, whether from 40s to 70s, is big this year.

A classic pair of Top Gun-type aviators will take you from season to season, Kate Moss and Sienna Miller style. There are a number of variations on the aviator this year and, according to styledash.com, almost everyone seems to be wearing them!

Tiffany & Co Atlas Aviators at $430 are really hot, with their ornate frames and Swarovski crystals. Go vintage with a pair of Gianfranco Ferre sunglasses or Christian Dior Vintage Oversized frames (Asos £110), or visit the vintage sunglass shop.

Sunglasses that Last

Generally speaking (unless you go for ultra disposable high-fashion), your sexy shades will transcend many seasons, allowing you to enlarge your shades collection every year. In the article “Sunglasses: what’s up with shades!” (HeraldNet.com April 8th 2008), Gregg Andrews, fashion director for Nordstrom says that “sunglasses give you instant attitude…….Having great sunglasses is just as important as having great shoes and a great bag."

However, don't forget that as well as following fashion trends, it is wise to choose the right style frames for your face shape.