Of course we have to wear sunglasses to protect our eyes from the sun's dangerous UV rays, but at the same time, who can claim that sunglasses aren't flattering? Whatever your facial features, whatever your style, there is a pair of sunglasses out there for you.

If there was ever a year with an emphasis on designer sunglasses, this is it. From colored tints to rimless frames, it's the year that music, especially hip-hop, had a notable influence on fashion. But it's not about what the famous are wearing -- it's about what suits you. So check out what sunglass styles are popular, and add some punch to your look.

aviator

No need to be a fighter pilot to wear aviator shades, the style that Ray-Ban popularized. Aviator sunglasses were extremely popular in the '80s, as well as last season. A more classic style, they look great with just about anything you wear, and are sure to last a few seasons to come. Aviator sunglasses usually have larger rectangular frames that round out at the bottom, and have metal rims. Rest assured you'll see plenty of them in the movie Pearl Harbor, as Ray-Ban is one of its sponsors.

Aviator designer sunglasses look great with everything from jeans and a T-shirt, to a suit.

rimless

Whether they're aviator style, rectangular or more oval, rimless designer sunglasses are one of the popular styles of the season, and they're even cropping up in eyeglass lines. These are more fragile because they have no rims whatsoever surrounding the lens. They're also a great option if you have trouble finding sunglasses that suit you, as the lack of rims makes the sunglasses subtler.

Rimless sunglasses can be worn with any outfit, although you may not want to wear them while playing sports.

shielding your eyes

Although shields provide a sportier look, they've been made classier thanks to colored tints and metallic arms. Shields look more like protective sunglasses, since they completely cover your eyes with a single lens, and aren't separated by a bridge. The arms of the sunglasses are usually screwed into the plastic lens.

Shields look great with jeans and a shirt, or straight leg pants with a jean jacket. They're not as suitable with a suit and you may not want to blend them with a leather jacket, as it might be too much.

plastic protectors

Plastic frames are still in style and will probably remain so for a long time. You can find sporty plastic shades such as wraps by Bolle or Stussy, more revamped glasses from Oakley, or classier shades by designer brands such as Gucci or Ray-Ban.

Since plastic sunglasses are simpler, they can be worn with most outfits... unless, of course, you're wearing the suped-up style right out of Mission: Impossible 2.

If you want to find these sunglass styles and more, then I suggest you check out Ashford.com.

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Article Suggested By: James Hors, Milan, Italy
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