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    1. Style

    The Definitive Guide To The Coolest Sunglasses Around Right Now

    What kind of sunglasses should we be wearing? It's the big summer question. After all, they can make or break an outfit. Fortunately we're on hand to help you navigate your way through the optical maze and find a pair that will make even the biggest A-lister jealous.

    By Holly Welch
    Published 29 May 2014 In Features

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    Italia 1.jpg
    Italia 1.jpg
    (Image credit: PR)
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    What kind of sunglasses should we be wearing? It's the big summer question. After all, they can make or break an outfit. Fortunately we're on hand to help you navigate your way through the optical maze and find a pair that will make even the biggest A-lister jealous.

    But remember: rule number one is only go for what suits your face shape. Sunglasses are a highly personal thing, there is zero point wearing any of the below if they don’t suit you. If you do, you'll end up looking like a hot mess, and nobody wants that.

    Use this as a guide to help find your perfect pair:

    Mirrored lenses

    Basically, this is the lense for this summer. End of. Already seen on the likes of Beyoncé , Emma Stone and Alessandra Ambrosia to name a few. It's an easy trend to adopt because they come in all styles. Look for coloured or metallic - it doesn't matter, just make sure they reflect.

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    Our favourite pair are from hip Italian brand Italia Independent. They come in super-cool plain bright colours but we think the camo adds a certain little something.

    The Perspex frame

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    Look for super-chunky and super-see-through. If you can get a pair that makes the lense look like it's floating then that’s perfect. Good for people with a bit of a tan, not so good for very pale skin. Hip Australian brand Quay has some very good pairs. We love their Penelopys.

    penelopy_clear_angle.jpg

    penelopy_clear_angle.jpg
    (Image credit: pr)

    The alt material

    Wood, bamboo, velvet, felt: you name it, it's out there. Chanel even did a boucle pair to match their infamous boucle jackets. American label Woodzee has a brilliant selection and check out Finlay and Co for coloured woods and woodern inserts.

    What to read next
    • Best Summer Sandals 2026 5 Sandal Trends Every Stylish Woman Is Wearing This Summer
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    FINLAY & CO £140 @ THECORNER 1.jpg

    (Image credit: FINLAY & CO £140 @ THECORNER 1.jpg)

    The kooky pair

    Erdem’s SS14 shades looked seriously like something you’d wear during an eye test (see photo below) and Jean-Charles De Castelbajac had lavish gold lips for lenses. If you want to make a statement, go right ahead.

    Erdem 1 .jpg

    Erdem 1 .jpg
    (Image credit: Jason Lloyd Evans)

    The classic

    Raybans are still 100 per totally acceptable. They're a classic and are here to stay - hurrah. Whether you favour a Wayfarer or an Aviator, they’ll be in your life forever like a trusted old friend. The MC fashion team all own a pair to rock when the sun is out.

    Ray ban 11.jpg

    Ray ban 11.jpg
    (Image credit: Pr)

    And, if you needed convincing, here's a photo of Taylor Swift to remind us just how good they are.

    Raybans 1.jpg

    Raybans 1.jpg
    (Image credit: Rex)

    Need a gorgeous spring bag to go with your shades? Look no further...

    Holly Welch
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