In the Florida Keys, sunglasses are a fashion accessory worn daily. And you can never have too many pairs. All that wear makes them easy to lose, scratch, and break — making sunglasses a purchase made multiple times throughout year. According to the market research group NPD, women spent $1.85 billion on sunglasses from June 2014 to June 2015. That’s a lot of eyewear. To help you find the most flattering shades for your summer wardrobe, take a look below at some tips before your next purchase.
Shape
Sunglasses come in many shapes but are not a one-size-fits-all accessory. The first step in finding your most flattering frames starts with analyzing the shape of your face.
- Round: A round face is widest across the cheekbones. Rectangular and geometric shapes will help elongate your face. Styles to try: oversized, rectangular, cat eye.
- Square: If your face is square with a strong jaw, wide forehead and wide cheekbones, soften your features with rimless shades or curvier frames. Styles to try: Aviators, round, cat eye.
- Heart: If you have a broad brow and narrow chin, try a style that is wider on the top than the bottom. Shapes that are extend past the width of your face will complement you. Styles to try: rectangular, aviators, sport, retro square.
- Oval: Oval shaped faces are longer than they are wide. This face shape allows for more flexibility letting you wear pretty much any style you want. Styles to try: rectangular, oversized, round.
Tint
We all know how important sun protection is for our skin but have you thought about protecting your eyes? Sunglasses are not just a fashion accessory; they are also meant to protect your eyes. Make sure the pair you wear provide 98 to 100 percent UVA and UVB protection. If the label reads “UV absorbing” or “blocks most UV light,” you are not providing enough sun protection for your eyes.
- Gradient – These ombre tinted shades are perfect for combating overhead rays during peek daylight hours.
- Mirrored – These lenses boast increased protection by blocking out more light than other tints.
- Polarized – If you spend a lot of time on the water or outdoors, these are perfect for you as they reduce glare.
- Tinted – Darker hues are best for bright and sunny weather like we have in the Florida Keys.
Color
Whether you are all about classic black or prefer leopard print with gold embellishments, the range of color and patterns available for your shades are endless. So if you find a pair you love, better buy two. Make that three – one in each color of course.
Look for your next pair of sunglasses at Tropical Optical at 81933 Overseas Highway in Islamorada or the Optical Shoppe at 2357 Overseas Highway in Marathon for the latest selection of designer eyewear.
— Leah Maki is a fashion-obsessed style Keys blogger, formerly from Minnesota. Her current infatuations include statement pieces, dramatic heels, red lipstick and vintage costume jewelry. Visit LeahsFabulousFinds.com for more of her musings.
