While they are sometimes shoved down the back of the couch, sat on in the car and generally treated with a degree of neglect, the humble pair of sunglasses is playing a starring role in summer's roll call of must-have accessories.
Remember Kate Hudson's purple-tinged rimless frames in Almost Famous or Tom Cruise's Ray Ban aviators in Top Gun? In both of those films, the actors' sunglasses deserved a line of their own in the closing credits.
Fashion houses want us to stop treating sunglasses like overcoats (ie something you only own one of and replace every two to five years) and start treating them like shoes or bags, an accessory that is carefully chosen to match both outfit and occasion.
![](http://web.archive.org./web/20161225165701im_/http://imgur.com/RFmMSr7.jpg)
Penny Lane aka Kate Hudson gave good specs in Almost Famous.
Alexandra Kerr, a senior buyer for Sunglass Hut, suggests three is a good number for a basic sunglasses wardrobe.
"To dress up have a pair of fashionable pair with some embellishment ... For the beach go for something classic with a polarised lens. Finally for sports, look for an Oakley or a Ray-Ban tech that you will be able to wear when you go for a run or cycle," she says.
It's also worth making this summer the one you seek out an independent sunglasses label. While we all love our Tom Fords and Celines, get some instant street cred by supporting smaller brands, such as the disruptor of 2016, Hawkers, which now sells 10,000 pairs a day in 50 countries, including Australia as of last month. Other brands worth checking out include Sunday Somewhere, Thierry Lasry and local brand The 5th, which recently expanded its watch empire to include shades.
And if you want your sunglasses with a side of soul, new label Wild Soul will donate a portion of each sale to one of six charities, including the Water Collective.
Finally, a quick note about shapes. Oval faces suit most styles, so long as they're not too wide; rectangular faces should seek round edges to soften angles; round faces should seek more angular or architectural styles; and heart-shaped faces look great in frames with exaggerated bottoms and in light colours.
The coloured lens
The aviator has been reworked this summer with a rainbow of coloured lenses in oranges, greens and pinks. A rose gold frame with a blush lens looks great with a pastel summer frock.
![](http://web.archive.org./web/20161225165701im_/http://imgur.com/F3QJhxi.jpg)
Tangerine dream ... Rita Ora. Photo: Getty Images
![](http://web.archive.org./web/20161225165701im_/http://imgur.com/mYLrOSV.jpg)
Esther, $49.
![](http://web.archive.org./web/20161225165701im_/http://imgur.com/Cu0pSN3.jpg)
Ray-Ban from Sunglass Hut, $210.
The reworked cats eye
Feminine and flattering, the cats eye suits almost any face shape. Just be conscious of the width – you want the arms a finger's width or less from your temples.
![](http://web.archive.org./web/20161225165701im_/http://imgur.com/FuIFisP.jpg)
Cool cat ... Kelly Osbourne.
![](http://web.archive.org./web/20161225165701im_/http://imgur.com/q7L8hCv.jpg)
Rubi, $19.95.
![](http://web.archive.org./web/20161225165701im_/http://imgur.com/m0n7Mvd.jpg)
Prada from Stylebop.com, $308.
The reflective lens
The surfer's favourite looks great with a small frame so as not to overwhelm the face.
![](http://web.archive.org./web/20161225165701im_/http://imgur.com/RXu99Ya.jpg)
Who's looking at you, Olivia Palermo? Photo: Getty Images
![](http://web.archive.org./web/20161225165701im_/http://imgur.com/yOhzDLM.jpg)
Karen Walker Eyewear, $349.
![](http://web.archive.org./web/20161225165701im_/http://imgur.com/0rPGART.jpg)
Hawkers Australia, $59.
The double bridge
This look creates a larger, bolder and more fashion forward frame, according to Kerr. Look to brands including Giorgio Armani, Miu Miu and Vogue Eyewear for good examples of this trend.
![](http://web.archive.org./web/20161225165701im_/http://imgur.com/xaIkvgX.jpg)
Two bridges are better than one ... Kylie Jenner. Photo: Getty Images
![](http://web.archive.org./web/20161225165701im_/http://imgur.com/PTIyNWV.jpg)
Tom Ford from Stylebop.com, $366. Photo: Getty Images
![](http://web.archive.org./web/20161225165701im_/http://imgur.com/K74ZQVd.jpg)
Giorgio Armani, $390.
The round lens
Perfect for most face shapes, especially those who are rectangular or heart-shaped. The round edges help soften any strong angles.
![](http://web.archive.org./web/20161225165701im_/http://imgur.com/o99hA7J.jpg)
Gigi Hadid gives two trends for one with a rounded lens with a double bridge. Photo: Getty Images
![](http://web.archive.org./web/20161225165701im_/http://imgur.com/GTbb3Y8.jpg)
Karen Walker Eyewear, $429.
![](http://web.archive.org./web/20161225165701im_/http://imgur.com/oi5sWay.jpg)
Prada from Sunglass Hut, $430.