Shades size up for summer
Features
When the designers such as Versace and Chanel started to launch oversized sunglasses a few seasons ago, most people’s thoughts turned to bug eyes. But this year, oversized sunglasses are huge, in more ways than one.
Oversized shades have moved away from the bug-eye look and hark back to style icon Jackie Onassis, who made large frames so famous back in the late 1960s. These retro glasses look super stylish with this summer’s feminine looks and they provide much more protection from harmful ultra violet rays. But only if you buy right.
Colour wise, you have a choice ranging from classic black and tortoiseshell frames with dark tinted lenses from designers Chanel and Versace to white frames with dark lenses from Miu Miu. Designer-inspired shades are all over the high street and you can buy great styles with good UV protection for next to nothing.
As well as the Jackie O shades, you can expect to see some more of the aviator-style that ruled the scene last summer. These metal-rimmed teardrop shades offer men a chance to get in on the fashion of oversized glasses.
When choosing oversized glasses, be aware of what will and won’t suit your facial shape. If you have a round face, you should really avoid large round glasses as they will only emphasis the roundness of your face. Instead, choose rectangular shape glasses that will help to square off your face. Should you have a square face, the reverse is true so you should choose round sunglasses to soften the lines of your face. If you are lucky enough to have an oval face, you can usually carry off almost any style. Whatever your facial shape, you should buy oversized shades with caution if you have a petite face.
When choosing sunglasses, you should look for more than just style. It is so important to check for UV screening. Most knock-off designer shades may look good and give the illusion of shielding your eyes from the sun but they may well be doing more harm than good. This is because darkened lenses without UV protection cause the pupil to dilate, letting in more harmful UV rays.
Follow these tips to ensure you are looking your best and adequately caring for your eyes.
Only choose shades that absorb both types of ultraviolet radiation: UVA and UVB. You should look for stickers that say the lenses provide a minimum of 90 per cent protection from UVA and 95 per cent from UVB radiation, but you should only trust this statement from a reputable trader and brand.
Price has almost no bearing on how well a pair of sunglasses will protect you from UV radiation, so check the label. Higher-priced shades usually reflect style and/or durability, not necessarily protection.
Don’t settle for just polarised lenses. While they may do a good job of reducing glare, they don’t provide adequate UV protection.
Don’t be fooled by lens colour or darkness. It is a special chemical coating that gives a lens the ability to block UV rays. Nonetheless, brown, amber and grey lenses usually provide the best protection.
Picture caption: Big eyed look – oversized shades are back in fashion.
MyVillage 30th June
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