As the go-to for getting around seemingly 'unnoticed' and shielding eyes from nonexistent sun indoors and at night, the unnecessary use of sunglasses by celebs mean they get a lot of bad press.

For us mere mortals however, they're not only essential for protecting against actual sun damage, but also your summer accessory du jour. They should be given as much thought and consideration as you would your wool pea coat for winter or back-to-work tote in the New Year. 

As straightforward as one would imagine sunglasses shopping to be (go to a shop, try on a few, buy the best looking pair, or even simpler, take a gamble online) there’s a minefield of different frame materials, styles and coloured lenses. You’d be forgiven for thinking the latter are to complement your outfits, they’re in fact designed to suit different activities.

From top: Quay Australia occtagon mirrored, £35,  Asos. Accentuate cheekbones with an angular style ; turquoise cheetah, £55, Mr Boho. The fun blue detail will lift a simple outfit. 

For day-to-day wear, opt for a grey lens; if you’re outdoors and often in grassy areas, a brown lens is recommended. Green lenses are best for sporting activities as they enhance colours, although 'a polarized lens is best for driving, skiing and sailing as it completely blocks out light glares,’ says Richard Peck, managing director at Sunglass Hut. Planning to read on the beach this summer? 'Opt for a graduated lens - the lighter colour at the bottom allows a clear vision of your book whilst still being protected’ says Peck.

All sunglasses should provide 100% UV protection - look for the letters 'CE’ which stand for European Conformity, on the right inside arm to be sure. The CE marking is only given to sunglasses which fulfil the standards of UV protection. 

Fans of Dior’s So Real sunglasses (£280-£539), who include Lupita Nyong’o and Olivia Palermo will be pleased to know they are CE certified, but so are all of Asos’ own brand sunnies which are a teeny snip of the price at around £18. The same goes for French sunglasses brand Le Specs, known for their classic styles with modern twists (£25-£85.)

The higher price tag of designer sunglasses is down to their initial cost to make - the Dior So Real are hand-painted to create that two-tone mirrored-effect lens. With all three brands offering 100% UV protection, and with extra detailing aside, essentially the higher price tag will be for the branding and design.   

As well as suiting your lifestyle, sunglasses should complement your complexion and face shape. A quick chat among our fashion team and a pink frame (blonde, slim face), an orange lens (great with a tan, almond-shaped eyes) and oversized tortoiseshell aviators (brunette, good cheekbones) are the choices that grace the faces of colleagues, proving this isn’t a suits-all accessory. It’s completely subjective.

'When picking a pair to suit you, look for opposites to balance out your proportions,’ advises Anna Laub, founder of holiday label Prism. 'Work with the angles on your face - square frames look great on rounder faces.’ Laub agreed that too chunky a frame can look silly and a tad try-hard - 'it’s good if you can see your eyebrows.’ 

Square

Soften a strong jaw line and wide cheekbones with curvy styles in warm or neutral tones - as a rule, the stronger your features, the bigger the frame should be.

From top: Bordeaux, £216, Miu Miu, Sunglasses Shop. The low rounded bridge allows eyebrows to peak over the top; ombre aviator, £18,Topshop. Perfect for beach holidays;  butterfly frame, £260, Prada,NET-A-PORTER. A feminine butterfly style and soft lens will balance your proportions. 

Round

Adding definition is key. Slim your cheeks and lengthen the space in between your features with a frame slightly wider than your face.

From top: Classic retro, £8, Asos. Bright blue tones have a neat whitening effect on teeth; Wayfarer, £134, Ray-Ban. Available in a larger and smaller size;  Enamelled, £15.99, Zara. This simple chic colourway will look great with workwear .

Heart or diamond 

'Cat-eye frames and hard, rectangular edges will sit well on high cheekbones, but ensure the choice of frame is small and neat,’ Hutchfield advises. 

From top: Le Specs milky tortoise, £53, Sunglasses Shop. The subtle khaki gradient softens a pointy chin ; cat-eye with smoke lens, £10,Asos. The smoky lens and total UV protection is ideal for outdoors; Brooklyn matte metal, £265, Prism London.

Long

'Rectangular shapes and wrap around styles will add width to a slim face, particularly if in a block colour,’ advises David Hutchfield, senior optician at Sunglasses Shop.   

From top: Chunky square, £18, Urban Outfitters. Summery alternative to tortoiseshell; Little God in rose gold, £195, Sunday Somewhere. The pale pink lens adds a feminine touch to a chunky frame ; Gucci green 3827, £225, Liberty.  A good shade for brunettes. 

Oval

You can afford to be adventurous as most styles will suit your face. 'Experiment with prints, detailed arms and metal frames - they’re huge this season,’ says Laub, and will all add definition.

   

From top: Rollright metallic purple lens, £170, Taylor Morris. Will flatter fair, olive and dark complexions; Hollywood Pool, £190, Karen Walker, matchesfashion.com. Oval shapes can pull off large rounded retro styles best .