Flatter your face with sunglasses that suit its shape as well as your personal style

It might be time to set your sights on a new pair of shades. Why not do it with a bit of style?

For some, sunglasses are like shoes, and they simply cannot live with just one pair. Many of us keep a pair in the SUV, one at work and several more at home — to match outfits, activities, or moods.

Styling and photos by KIMBERLY SMITH/Staff (ENLARGE)

Shapely shades for summer include (left, for triangular-shaped faces) white Ray-Ban’s ($129.95) and (right, for oval faces) pink-framed Dolce & Gabbana’s ($135). Both styles are available at Sunglass Hut.

Perhaps that’s why Americans purchased 110.3 million pairs of sunglasses in 2006, up 6.9 percent from the previous year, according to the Sunglass Association of America.

Tibor Gross, president of the trade group, attributes those numbers to “an increase in contact lens wearers, better consumer education regarding UV protection and growth in cataract surgeries and Lasik procedures.”

Last year retail sales totaled $2.16 billion, compared with $1.91 billion in 2005. Not surprisingly, sales in the South totaled 35.9 percent of the overall market.

This season, styles focus on wraparounds with trim at the temples, sporty shields, classic aviators and oversize looks that spell cool.

Plastic and metal frame colors include white hot white, black, red, green, tortoise and pastel shades of pink and blue; prices range from $10 for a pair from a street vendor to $700 for a pair of studded rimless stunners by Gucci.

But high prices don’t necessarily mean better eye protection.

In addition to the brand name, sunglass prices are typically driven by the quality of the materials.

More expensive versions “generally have much crisper optics, accommodate optical prescriptions and provide advanced features such as UV blockage, anti-reflection and glare protection,” said Dr. Maurice Zadeh, president of the Georgia Optometric Association.

Regardless of the price, some opt for glasses that create an entirely new persona. Others look for shades that reinforce a cultivated image.

Whatever you choose, selecting the right pair of sunglasses takes time. The key is to find a shape that flatters your face. And don’t forget the kids, Zadeh said. “Children as young as 4 years of age may benefit from non-prescription sunglasses, especially during the summer months.”

Flattering shades

Follow these tips to find the most flattering pair of sunglasses for your face. Soon you, too, will become an eye-con.

Oval faces feature a narrow forehead and jaw line with high cheekbones.

What works: any frame that is no wider than the broadest part of the face. Wraparounds and square or rectangular styles are best.

What doesn’t work: frames that are too narrow and make the face appear longer.

Round faces have soft curves with similar width and length.

What works: styles with straight or angular lines, such as rectangle or square frames. These version make face appear a bit longer and thinner. Also, look for deep colors to minimize fullness.

What doesn’t work: round frames.

Square faces have a strong jaw line, wide chin and cheekbones, and a broad forehead.

What works: frames that are slightly rounded or oval to soften and balance features. Subtle rimless frames add contrast and visual interest to a strong, square face.

What doesn’t work: square or rectangular frames, which exaggerate the jaw.

Triangular-shaped faces are defined by a broad forehead and narrow mouth and chin.

What works: Frames with a thin rim and vertical lines will help balance the bottom part of the face.

What doesn’t work: large frames, heavy nose bridges, bold colors and square shapes

Heart-shaped faces have a wide forehead, high cheekbones, narrowing at the chin.

What works: frames that minimize the width at the top of the face and add width below the eyes. Frames that feature rounded tops and squared-off bottoms. Round frames in lighter colors balance and soften a wide forehead.

What doesn’t work: frames that are decorative at the top or wider at the top than the bottom.

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