The importance of protecting one’s eyes, like one’s skin, from the harsh rays of the sun can’t be overstated.  Fortunately, it’s easy to protect the eyes fashionably, as 2006 sees a return to generously sized styles of eyewear with a range of options sure to flatter every woman.

Major changes are occurring in eyewear design, as frames get significantly larger and plastics increasingly replace metallics as the material of choice.  Oliver Peoples, Missoni and BCBG Max Azria are among the many designers offering great new selections in lightweight plastic. Much of the return to plastic is practical, as the lighter sunglasses are easier to wear. (You can check out kennethcole.com,Macys.com and OldNavy.com websites for cheap and chic versions too.) You can find beautiful examples of plastic embellished with metal by such designers as Valentino, Gucci  and Prada.  For a flirtier look, see the plastic eyewear embellished with crystals by such designers as CK Calvin Klein, Emporio Armani and Dior.  Look to Overstock.com for the embellished touches. But the place to find the best less expensive versions we loved was Zappos.com for all the styles of the season.

In oversize sunglasses, look for gradients of color in the lenses so that half the face isn’t obscured by the larger lenses, unless, of course, you’re going for a mysterious look! Rimless styles are an option offered by Dior and Giorgio Armani that allow more of the face to be seen. If you are striving to be a woman of mystery, consider adding a head scarf a la Grace Kelly or Jackie O. Stores and websites from Torrid.com, Avenue.com and sunglasshut.com make the pricepoints even better.

Here are some few tips for choosing sunglasses sure to flatter:

• The pupils of your eyes should be centered as close to the center of the lens area as possible. 
• The top of the eyeglasses should follow or relate to the shape of your eyebrows.
• The bottom of the eyeglasses should relate to the shape of your jawline.  However, if you want to de-accentuate a wide round or square jawline, then do not choose frames with a matching shape. 
• The earpieces should extend forward from the ears at the full width of the face, so that they do not cause a dent or groove in your skin.
• The earpieces, where they attach to the lenses, should sit at the same level as the ears, not higher or lower.