Photo: Liz Marion / Flickr

Sunglasses are the essential summer accessory. Besides protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays, the shades you wear can either add to – or detract from – your look. Stay on trend this summer by borrowing some tips from the stars. Go big like Kim Kardashian, think 50s like Scarlett Johansson or go with bold pop art-inspired prints like Welsh songstress Marina Diamondis.

Going big

Celebs have always loved oversized sunglasses. This season the likes of Kim Kardashian, Nicole Ritchie and Rihanna are opting for butterfly-shaped frames. Rihanna has been spotted wearing a pair of Prada’s P18IS, but if you don’t have £140 to spend on your shades, don’t worry. You’ll find cheaper knock-offs in the shops soon, so stay on the lookout.

Think 50s

50s-inpired cat eye frames are making a serious comeback. They’re wider at the top than at the bottom, slanting up like cats’ eyes. They were featured prominently in Miu Miu’s collection in Paris Fashion Week in March, and the trend has caught on quickly. Sexy star Scarlett Johansson, pop star Katy Perry and the flamboyant Lady Gaga have all been spotted wearing cat eye frames.

Prints and pop art

Marina Diamondis of Marina and the Diamonds has been seen wearing pop art frames a la John Lennon. Some have criticized her red and white striped sunglasses for being far too loud, but we think we’ll be seeing more of this style in the weeks to come. If you’d like to tone it down, printed frames come in loads of different colours and styles, so you’re likely to find a pair that suits you.

If you’re not sure which sunglasses style to pick, consider the shape of your face before choosing a pair. Most frames work on oval faces, while square faces are best suited to rounded shades. If you have a round face, choose an angular style and for a heart-shaped face go for bottom-heavy frames.

Tags: fashion, Fashion trends, sunglasses, UV protection