You spend the whole day in the dim-lit classrooms and halls of the school and await the 3:05 bell to ring.  Once it does, you dash to your locker, collect your belongings, and make your way to the main exit.  As you step out of the doors, a huge shield of white covers your field of vision, and you are blinded until your eyes can adjust to the sunlight.  This short yet powerful impairment makes you realize that there is only one thing that can stop your eyes from this horrible sensation each time you wish to exit the school; a pair of sunglasses.

While it seems as though the same pairs of sunglasses are around from year to year, new styles arise each season.  There are the classics, such as the aviator and the wayfarer, but there are also more contemporary styles, such as the cat eye and the butterfly, which have become more popular this spring season.

The main purpose of sunglasses is to shield your eyes from the sun, however, not every pair of sunglasses works on everyone’s face.  Depending on the shape of your face, whether it is oval, round, square, or heart-shaped, different style sunglasses will flatter your features.

If you have an oval-shaped face, there are a large array of sunglass styles that will suit you.  One of them is the butterfly, which is a modernized version of a 70s style that will accentuate your cheekbones.  This frame is more trendy, but can become a classic look depending on the outfit you pair with it.  In addition, the butterfly draws the the eye upwards and creates width at the temple.

Square-shaped faces, with broad foreheads and defined jawlines, work best with curvy frames that counteract the angular lines.  If you have a square-shaped face, searching for a pair of aviator sunglasses will be your best bet.  The aviator frame derives from the style of sunglasses that were popular among pilots and continues to be one of the most popular styles for both men and women to this date.

Sunglasses for a round face should contrast the soft contours.  Geometric frames, such as the wayfarer style, will do the job.  Whether you choose a thick or thin frame, or metallic or plastic, wayfarers will offer an elegant edge and will help your face look longer and thinner.

A heart-shaped face exhibits wide temples and a narrow chin.  In order to keep this face in proportion, a style such as the cat eye will fit these features most properly.  The cat eye frame dates back to the 50s but has recently revamped itself and is becoming one of the most coveted sunglass styles of the season.  They also add a quirky and fun feeling to any ensemble they are worn with.

It is very easy to pick up a cheap pair of sunglasses if buying ones that range between $100 and $300 aren’t on the top of your list.  Nonetheless, it is important to invest in a pair that shield your eyes and fit your face.  A solid pair of sunglasses is a necessity for the spring and summer, and because the styles do not change drastically from year to year, spending a little extra on the accessory will be to your advantage.