by Arielle Paech

Ever since I can remember, my mother has stressed to always, and I mean always, wear sunglasses when outside. Even on partly cloudy days. In fact, this notion is so ingrained in my head that the only time I don't wear sunglasses is at night or in the rain. My mother's concern is not for the general health of my eyes but for the delicate skin surrounding my eyes that so easily wrinkles. I'd spent years trying to find the ultimate pair that suited my face and was also super stylish. But now these miracle sunglasses have seen better days. I have spent a better part of this spring and summer searching for their replacement. If you are also on a similar quest or are just looking for that perfect summer accessory, here are some tips that will help you find a suitable style for your face shape.

First, find out what face shape you have. Take a good look in the mirror and if you have to, outline your face on the mirror with lipstick (or some other writing instrument that will easily erase with Windex) to see what basic shape category your face falls into. The most common shapes are oval, round, square, oblong, triangle and diamond and believe it or not there is a pair of shades that will look great on every shape out there, although some maybe easier to find depending on the current accessory trend of the season.

Oval:
You are lucky if you have an oval face, almost any style works for this shape as it is perfectly proportioned. It's good to experiment with the latest looks such as over-sized or wraparounds. Square shaped frames with gently rounded edges and higher temples will also compliment this shape.
Try: Gucci Open Temple Oversized Sunglasses
Celebrity Match: Beyonce, Drew Barrymore

Round:
The goal of finding a pair of shades for this face shape is to make it appear longer and thinner. In general, look for frames equal to or slightly wider than the broadest part of the face. You want to minimize the curves and add definition with soft, angular, rectangle or double brow-styles. Choosing a pair with higher temples will create a longer profile and ones with brow bars (such as aviators) will also pull the eye upwards, making the face longer.
Try: Prada Large Butterfly Frame Sunglasses
Celebrity Match: Kate Hudson. Isla Fischer

Square:
This face shape consists of a strong jawline, broad forehead and chin. Oval sunglasses will soften the contours of the face, although softly curved frames will work as well. A word to the wise - make sure the styles are no wider than the top of your cheekbones.
Try: Ray-Ban Retro Cat Eye Sunglasses
Celebrity Match: Katie Holmes, Demi Moore

Oblong:
If you have an oblong face shape, you will want to try a pair that will widen and shorten the face with a pair that does not extend beyond the widest part of your face. Select a pair with a round or square shape, these will best compliment your face shape. Frames with short horizontal and long vertical lines, ones with decorative or contrasting temples also work well by adding width to the face. Over-sized styles will also make your face appear smaller as they cover more of your face, breaking up the length.
Try: Michele 'South Pointe' Oversized Sunglasses
Celebrity Match: Liv Tyler, Sarah Jessica Parker

Triangle:
This face shape is narrow at the jaw and wide in the forehead. To soften the lower portion of the face by accenting the eye area and opting for delicate styles that won't draw attention to the forehead. Styles such as cat-eyes that angle outwards at the top corner will be wide enough to balance the jawline. Aviators with metal frames or rimless bottoms are a great option for this face shape.
Try: Tom Ford 'Charles' Aviator Sunglasses
Celebrity Match: Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon

Diamond:
This face shape has wide or high cheekbones with a narrow forehead and chin. Oval sunglasses will soften the contours of the face, although softly curved square frames will also work as well. When selecting a pair, be sure to choose a style that is no wider than the top of the cheekbones.
Try: Nina Ricci 'Jackie' Vintage Inspired Oversized Sunglasses
Celebrity Match: Linda Evangelista, Cate Blanchet

Arielle Paech is a Toronto-based image consultant.