With summer just around the corner, it’s the right time to think about eyewear – to protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and to be en vogue during the summer season, the main emphasis of which is placed on details and bright accessories. And what are the best accessories for the summer if not sunglasses?

Now it is hard to even imagine the times when glasses were used almost for every purpose but not as a fashion item. They were invented first not even for eye protection but to conceal the eye expression of Chinese judges and preserve the secret of justice administration till the end of the legal procedure. The military was the second who took over the tradition of wearing so-called sunglasses when, while preparing his intrusion into Africa, Napoleon made all his soldiers wear dark glasses to protect their eyes from bright African sun. Several soldiers had not obeyed the order and, as a result, quitted Black Continent having suffered from cataracts. Now medics state that this is not the only danger you may face, neglecting wearing sunglasses. Macular degeneration and photokeratitis are also in the list.

So, who should we be obliged to for such a stylish item of our wardrobe as sunglasses? The sunglasses we are used to wearing today were invented by Sam Foster, founder of the Foster Grant company,  in 1929. At first it was picked up by the Army Air Corps, who made a big order of the new invention for their pilots to eliminate the dangers of high-altitude glare.

Only during 1960s, Foster Grant Company has managed to launch their eye apparel on the fashion market. Picked up by such famous fashion houses as Goldsmith, Christian Dior, Coco Chanel and Oscar de la Renta and welcomed by many celebrities, including Sophia Loren, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Michael Caine, sunglasses have instantly become a must-have fashion item in the 70's.

This summer popular aviators came to us from the early 40's when Ray Ban created anti-glare aviator style sunglasses with the help of polarized lens technology by Edwin H. Land. The secret of this season's favorites is in frames materials, colors and sizes: aviators became bigger, with frames from metal and plastic in plum, russet and turquoise hues. Color trend for lenses is mainly dark brown or pink. Probably, the success of the movie "Aviator" played certain role in adding the popularity points to this type of sunglasses, just the same as "Man in Black" increased the sales volume of Ray Ban sunglasses to 10 millions. 

The 70's sunglasses are also en vogue again. Large oversized eyewear a la Jackie O, which became popular thanks to Jacqueline Kennedy's passion for such type of sunglasses, should be in all time favorite ivory color and decorated with pastes and rhinestones. Other colors you can choose from are jade, heather, sherry, coral and sand.

As for the shape and size, small and narrow sunglasses are totally out-of-date this summer. Instead of them,  get yourself big round glasses with bright colorful plastic frames. Round shape is dictated by many brands, even square sunglasses have rounded corners.

Black lenses are still in, the same as pastel tints, which suit perfectly both business look and evening party.

For those who wear eyeglasses, clip-ons could be the best decision. With the help of clip-ons day eyeglasses can be easily turned into sunglasses by simply attaching clips.

This season sunglasses temples also aren't pass over: they should be wide and split, decorated with jeweled logos and brand names.

Speaking of the lenses material, you can choose it depending on your preference. Plastic glasses are lighter in weight than glass ones, but easier to scratch if only they don't have an anti-scratch cover; yet glass eyewear is easier to break and counterfeit.

And of course, be careful and pay attention to what kind of sunglasses you are buying: never save your money on your health as cheap low-quality sunglasses are even worse than no sunglasses at all, imitating the protection while leaving your eyes totally open to UVB-radiation.

Choosing sunglasses, try to think of the one that will suit the shape of your face: round face can be visually corrected by sunglasses with rectangular shell, while sunglasses with round frames will be best for the person with rectangular face.

But, of course, you can be bold and choose eyewear which you like best, following  Goldsmith's principle: "I don't believe in those theories about certain shaped faces. Life is too short. If you find a shape you like, have it and never mind what anyone thinks!"