A STRAIGHT-off-the-runway designer dress is something most of us can only dream of owning, but a pair of sunnies from our favourite catwalk brands? Now there's an affordable way to stay on-trend – without saying goodbye to several months' salary.
You'll want to choose carefully, however, because eyewear is as subject to the whims of the fickle fashion world as clothing - plus there's the added challenge of finding frames that best suit your face.
Don't be left in the shade – here's our eye-opening guide to this season's trendiest shapes, styles and colours, and which are best for you...
DO THE ROUNDS
Round frames are bigger than ever this season, with Miu Miu and eyewear tastemaker Linda Farrow opting for oversized circular styles.
These exaggerated shades are ideal for flattering angular, square faces with defined jaws - but steer clear if you've got a round face, as they'll make it face appear smaller and rounder.
:: Miu Miu Noir Lilac, £185 (Sunglasses-shop.co.uk)
:: Linda Farrow 457 Round Sunglasses, £425 (www.lindafarrow.com)
:: Kirk Originals Varigotto Matt Havanna Sunglasses, £165 (www.kirkoriginals.com)
:: Very Round Frame Sunglasses With Metal Arm Detail in Black, £12 (www.very.co.uk)
TAKE FLIGHT
The classic aviator never goes out of style, but this year, a beefed-up version of the pilot-inspired sunnies has come to the fore, featuring chunkier frames and a more prominent double bar across the top.
The teardrop-shaped frames are best for square or oval faces, because the lenses help define cheekbones.
:: Ray-Ban 4266 Clear Grey Sunglasses, £140 (Sunglasses-shop.co.uk)
:: Tens Leon Black & Gold, £80 (www.tenslife.com)
:: Roberto Cavalli Violet Sunglasses, £142.07 (GranOptic.com)
GET THE BLUES
Black and brown sunnies will always be bestsellers, but if you want to stand out from the crowd this summer, blue is the way to go – whether it's cool cornflower frames or deep cobalt lenses, or a combination of the two.
These aquatic hues suit cooler skin tones (as opposed to warm or olive complexions) and brunettes best, so play around until you find your perfect palette.
:: Guess Blue Mirrored Sunglasses, £64.95 (SmartBuyGlasses.co.uk)
:: Illesteva Boca II Black with Violet Mirrored Lenses, currently reduced to £97.50 from £195 (www.oxygenboutique.com)
:: Heine Aviator Sunglasses, £19 (www.kaleidoscope.co.uk)
BE A COOL CAT
The ever-popular cat's eye style takes on a fierce new incarnation, with sharp, elongated shapes and embellished textures, giving them oodles of look-at-me appeal.
Cat-eye sunnies suit almost everyone, the top-heavy frames creating definition for round, square or long faces.
Be careful if you have a heart-shaped face, however, as larger styles have a tendency to conceal cheekbones and accentuate the chin.
:: Miu Miu Havana Marble White Black, £261 (Sunglasses-shop.co.uk)
:: Le Specs Flashy Black Sunglasses, £49 (Sunglasses-Shop.co.uk)
:: Linda Farrow Cat Eye Sunglasses, £255.32 (Farfetch.com)
GET THE LOOK
The Prada SS16 collections sparked a trend for chunky, shoulder-grazing earrings, and now Topshop has come up with the best lookalikes around. The resin Prism Drop Earrings, available in blue, black or red, are now less than half price at £6 a pair (www.topshop.com).
BUY IT NOW
Supermodel-turned-designer Helena Christensen has teamed up with Thomson Sensatori resorts, creating a trio of holiday-ready boyfriend shirts inspired by three of the brand's locations. Featuring floral prints native to Jamaica, Mexico and the Dominican Republic, the cotton shirts will be gifted to guests and available to buy on eBay, for £55 each, from July 25 (www.ebay.com).
FASHION FLASH
:: BADGES OF HONOUR
In a bid to help mums-to-be who struggle to get a seat on public transport, Isabella Oliver has designed an alternative to TFL's Baby on Board badges. The three badges – reading 'Please mind the bump', 'Real baby, not food baby', and 'Mama on board' are free with any purchase from the maternity brand's AW16 collection, in stores now (www.isabellaoliver.com).
:: SHOP RESPONSIBLY
Responsible drinking and gambling warnings are common on adverts and websites, but now VeryFirstTo.com is alerting visitors about the dangers of shopping addiction. The luxury retail site has added charity Action on Addiction's logo on its homepage, which links to advice on compulsive shopping, which affects one in 20 adults in Europe and the US.
STYLE STEAL
Looking for plus-size occasionwear on a budget? The Dorothy Perkins sale has heaps of cocktail and maxi dresses perfect for weddings, proms, balls or black-tie dos, at up to 50 per cent off.
:: Dorothy Perkins Showcase Curve Blush Cleo Bodycon Dress, reduced to £41.25 from £55 (www.dorothyperkins.com)
