The summer season is the perfect time for fashionistas to show off the latest trendy shades - that they protect us from those harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays is just an added bonus. With this season's latest trends, everyone will definitely find a pair that suits them. Like history, fashion repeats itself, and this has been especially true for the past few years. Currently, 70s-insipred sunglasses are taking over with a new attitude. Shades with thick plastic frames are the look for this summer season. If there is one name you should always remember when buying a pair of sunglasses, Ray Ban is it. More specifically, the vintage Ray Ban Wayfarers are the item to eye. Don't feel compelled to go for the classic black, make a splash with bright colored frames or, for the more adventurous, try the dual colored frames. The vintage Ray Ban aviator sunglasses are still trendy styles for both men and women, which is great because they make everyone look sexy. Men should go for the dark or mirrored lenses while the ladies can spice up the look with purple and pink lenses. Some designs add gems to the sides - bling is never bad. Of course, the popular aviator trend is not exclusive to Ray Ban. Roberto Cavalli and Valentino have great collections this year. With sunglasses, size matters: the bigger, the better. This year, both men and women are sporting oversized sunglasses, and the colored frames add a nice summery feel. The whole color spectrum is available - red, green, purple and other bright colors - but white frames seem to be the favorite. Go for the square frames since the round shape has been around for several seasons. And even though the general trend is leaning towards oversized sunglasses, make sure they're not too big for your face, a major fashion faux-pas. The Jackie O look is here to stay so you can confidently invest in several styles from this trend. Another popular trend on the catwalks this summer is the wraparound sunglasses. Better known as the snowboarder goggles, some shy away from this style, but this summer top designers like Tom Ford have taken the look to a whole new level, with different styles, colors and sizes. Keeping the oversized frame trend in mind, the large wraparounds come in square shapes as well. Men should go for the sleek and simple design. The round John Lennon sunglasses are also a hit this summer, but if you want one pair to last the whole season, try another style because you'll get bored wearing these everyday for three months. Another tortoise shell frame, also a vintage look, was brought to the forefront this year with designs by Ralph Lauren and Michael Kors. These are pretty posh but should serve as a secondary option. Gradient lenses are in this season, mostly found with colors going from black on top to clear on the bottom. When buying a pair of sunglasses, keep in mind the following: . Frames should never be wider than the sides of you face. . Make sure the color of the lenses and the frame suits you. . The hooks behind the ear shouldn't pinch. . The bridge shouldn't be so tight as to leave indents on your nose when you take them off.
