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FASHION

The ultimate summer sunglasses

Sophie Goodwin offers a selection of the most covetable new shades

Andie Pilot sunglasses, Ralph Lauren
Andie Pilot sunglasses, Ralph Lauren
The Times

As the tights come off, the sunglasses go on, which is a relief because there’s no more reliably fabulous accessory than a pair of shades. Sunglasses lend immediate flair to even the dullest of outfits and add mystique to the mundane. Without her famous Oliver Goldsmith cat-eye frames, Holly Golightly might just have been a woman much too overdressed for her coffee run. Without his yellow-lensed Ray-Bans featuring a hole to hold his cigarette while he was typing, Hunter S Thompson might have been confused for any old man. Without his magnificent rhinestone eye candy, Elton John would have just been . . . anyway, you get the picture.

This season the classic shapes — cat-eye and aviator — remain relevant. Plus-size shades are also a trend, but leaven the chunkiness with an opaque frame in grey or green. However, do try before you buy. It is important to make sure the frame suits your face shape, as well as your persona.

1. Andie Pilot sunglasses with equestrian-inspired stirrup hardware detail, Ralph Lauren, £130

2. Eyewear Collection sunglasses with graphite lenses and a rectangular silhouette, Prada, £380

3. Caramel acetate frame with iconic DG monogram, Dolce & Gabbana, £224

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LOUIS VUITTON

4. Pilot sunglasses with gold-toned hardware and pink lenses, Louis Vuitton, £505

5. Rectangular Japanese acetate with gold studs, as well as recycled leather case, Valentino Eyewear, £510

6. Diamond point glasses with Tiffany Blue gradient, Tiffany, £282

7. T glasses in opal nude with pink lenses, Tiffany, £282

8. Celine Plein Soleil by Hedi Slimane acetate glasses in Milky Blue, only available in store at Harrods, £400

9. ‘The Mulholland’ (available from June) with subtle cat-eye, oversized arm and gold
detailing in either all-black or chic tortoiseshell acetate, Réalisation, £185

10. ‘The Stromboli’ in Semi-Transparent Grey with triple pinned sides, E.B. Meyrowitz, £1,250