– Look at the bright side with a new sunnie-

A good excuse to hide your eyes after a wild night and an early wake-up call? Of course, sunglasses! It's my salvation, not only to conceal watery drink eyes but especially to give a random outfit that extra touch. To maintain my status as a Follower of Fashion, I treat myself regularly to a current pair. Just like clothing, sunglasses are subject to trends and even if it’s glamorous, the Jackie O frame with those curled legs from Prada is soooo 2013.

Well-meaning style advice (which frame suits which face shape) I let pass me by. I choose a model because I find it irresistible. Wearing sunglasses definitely falls under the easiest fashion statement to make; for relatively little money, you show how fashion-proof you are. Moreover, a pound too much doesn’t matter because glasses always fit… But still, sunglasses are more than a fashion accessory:

Pay attention and read what you need to know about sunglasses and lenses and what you need to do, besides a cool frame, to make a good choice..

Protection

A good pair of sunglasses is essential for protecting your eyes and the thin skin around your eyes. They protect against the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. Approved sunglasses in Europe carry the CE mark. This means that the lenses block UV rays. The numbers from 0 to 4 indicate the color intensity of the lenses. 0 is for indoors or a cloudy day, CE 2 for nice weather, CE 3 for bright light, and CE 4 for extreme sunlight. CE 3 is usually sufficient.

Also pay attention to the color of your lenses

Gray: tempers strong sunlight and gives colors a true-to-life representation.
Brown: prevents glare from sunlight.
Yellow: provides a sharp image but the color representation is not great.
Green: limits glare, partially filters blue, and provides clear contrast. 

Favorite models for summer 2014

Think big: all well-known designers opt for large and striking models
Pilot glasses or aviators are here to stay. Colored mirrored lenses - gold! - make the classic model very 2014
The generous cat-eye model - think Audrey Hepburn - adds a glamorous twist and is super feminine.
Frames with a matte finish (black or pastel)
Models with flowers and stones
My personal must-have? One with a white frame