The art of choosing sunglasses

Only Princess Diana could carry off Wimbledon white-rimmed aviators with such style. Pictured in the Royal Box at The Championships in 1986, The Princess of Wales brought an edge to her natural elegance in these striking shades. White sunglasses scream summer so are a great addition to a holiday wardrobe, pairing well with colourful fabrics. 

If you find white too stark then opt for ivory as a softer alternative.

Coloured shades

You can’t go wrong with a classic Audrey Hepburn style black shade paired with monochrome outfits, but they can sometimes look too harsh with the softer colour palette and floaty frocks of summer. A tinted lens and tortoiseshell frame can be a softer option for paler skin complexions and lighter hair colours. There are also lots of colourful and pastel frames around which can be good to match with your outfit for a more coherent, perfectly styled look.

Cat Eye

For a quirkier, jaunty look, go for a cat eye shade. I find this retro shape gives an instant smile to your face and highlights the cheek bones. Pair with a bright lip for maximum retro glam effect.

Oversized

I love an oversized shade – they add maximum style with minimal effort. The oversized lenses are great for extra sun protection of the delicate eye area too. As with other statement accessories, a sharp pair of oversized shades can really upgrade even the most casual of summer outfits.

Aviators

Aviators (curved lenses, lightweight metal frames and double or triple nose bridges) were originally developed in the 1930s for pilots to protect their eyes while flying. The style has endured across the decades, and with the recent release of Top Gun: Maverick, the aviator is sure to be popular this summer.

Wayfarer

If you’re looking for a play-it-safe starter shade, then the Wayfarer or D-frame is the one for you. The classic D-shaped lense is a great everyday look – as worn by the Duchess of Cambridge here during her G7 visit to Cornwall. Not too flashy or overly glamorous, it’s a wearable, timeless style that will suit all face shapes and is versatile, enabling you to pair it with smart or casual outfits.