One of the hottest summer accessories to purchase as Shelby County begins to heat up is a new set of shades for the summer season.

Sure they make for a great accessory to any outfit or bathing suit, but more importantly sunglasses provide your eyes with the same protection sunscreen offers for your skin.

The Day Eye Center in Pelham suggests choosing polarized options instead of simple tinting and also look for options that wrap around your face to ensure protection against cataracts, wrinkles and skin cancers.

When it comes to styles and brands, stick with something classic and suiting. No matter what the trend may be, I must emphasize the importance of trying the sunglasses on in front of an audience. Just because this style of Ray Bans or that print of Coach is the “it” item, does not mean they will look becoming on everyone.

Ginger Roe, the optician at Day Eye Center, encourages women to choose shades by face shape, just like they would a dress for their body type.

“Round faces do best with square frames, oval shapes together with a rounded rectangle frame, and heart-shaped faces can pull of just about any shape,” Roe said.

She said the hot brands for this year are Costa del Mar for the male sports enthusiast and fashion brands like Ted Baker for the well-dressed guy. As for women, brands like Coach, Michael Kors, Juicy Couture, Dior and Kate Spade are sure bets.

Colored options, like the ever present white sunglasses, should be rare. These are not often flattering and leave you looking out of place. Lighter skin tones in general are more suited with brown and tortoise shell selections, while jet black options are better matched with darker skin.

“Everyone should wear sunglasses,” Roe said. “Even children.”

We must remember this eye candy is not only a great summer accessory, but essential every day protection.

Check out Day Eye Center in Pelham for brands like Coach, Michael Kors, Costa del Mar, Polo and Columbia; Hayes Eye Center in Chelsea for brands like Costa del Mar, Juicy Couture, Kate Spade and Dior; and Bob Green’s Alabaster Optical for brands like Coach, Oakley, Costa del Mar, Maui Jim and Vera Bradley.