The season has changed and the temperature is dropping, but the sun is still blazing high, making sunglasses an item that everyone should own.

Sunglasses not only deflect the sun’s glare, but they also shield the eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Just because they are a necessity does not mean they cannot serve as a fashionable accessory.

While there isn’t an exact science to choosing the right type of shades, it is important to make sure to pick a pair that compliments the shape of your face. Sunglasses have been known give insight into the personalities of both men and women.

According to Eyeglasses.com, cat-eye styles work best with heart-shaped faces because they can balance the slender jaw line and wide forehead. Square-shaped faces should go for glasses that will soften their features such as round frames. The opposite goes for circle-shaped faces: they should opt for square frames, as they will make the face appear longer and slimmer. Oval shaped faces are the luckiest of all because they are able to pull off any style.

Kenneth Greene, owner of Greene Eyes Optical, specializes in selling quality sunglasses and eyewear.

“My motto is don’t let the glasses wear you, but you should wear them,” said Greene, who takes a one-on-one approach with customers to make sure they receive the right type of glasses. He sells designer brands such as Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry, and Carrera.

While age does not play a big part in the type of shades a customer may want, lifestyle does. Through Greene’s years of experience he has learned that the more active, adventurous types go for slim and dark-tint glasses, rather than the fashionable ones.

[quote]“I have customers that are always active and doing more outdoor activities. For them it is not really about cost as it is efficiency,” he said. “They usually go for the sportier look because they are more durable for different conditions involved in biking, hiking, and even golfing.”[/quote]

For the fashion forward crowd Greene also specializes in the latest designs and styles, from the ever-popular aviator style that everyone loves to wear to the classic “Jackie-O” wide lenses with round frames that were made popular by former first lady Jackie Onassis Kennedy. Greene also carries the Clark Kent-inspired square frame glasses that are making a comeback.

Yes, sunglasses protect our eyes from the dangers of UV rays and macular degeneration, but who says you can’t be haute and healthy at the same time.

Written by Mayah Martin