Eyewear is perhaps the most personal style accessory, as it is not always the case that one-size-fits-all. In order to step out in style, you have to know which eyewear styles suit your face. It does not matter how trendy a style may be if it does not suit you. Whether to shield your eyes from the sun or add mysterious glamour to your appearance, finding the perfect pair of shades can easily revive your look and become a powerful fashion statement.

This season, eyewear trends are focusing on the balance of novelty, statement-making frames, and timeless designs. There has been a comeback of several 1970s trends, with a refreshing, modern twist and distinctive details for both men and women. Designs include geometrical, slim and oversized, a vintage cat-eye shape with a modern update, and an aviator style with a reflective or coloured tint. For a more subtle and trendy look, you can also pick transparent frames and bold coloured rims or embellishments.

Whether you wear them with prescription lenses, or just as a fashion statement, here are some stylish eyewear trends that can refresh your look this summer.

Geometric: Geometric-shaped sunglasses are all the rage this year. These thick-rimmed frames, often in the shape of a hexagon, square or even rectangle, offer a bold look. This trend is a modern take on a 1970s eyewear style. You can also add style to rectangle sunglasses with bright-coloured acetate frames.

Cat-eye: These feminine-looking shades continue to be a big trend this summer. This is a style that carries the right amount of nostalgia in a daring way, emphasising your personality and highlighting the shape of your face.

Aviator: Aviator eyewear are the eternal classic. They remain the safest option when you’re looking to blend a traditional celebrity look with a modern and sporty feel. Fresh and bright lens colours such as translucent and mirrored are trendy this summer.

Skinny: This slim fashion is on the rise this summer. Though this retro-style has no UV protection in addition to the narrowed lenses, many people like its fashion and elegance. Men like the square type while women prefer cat-eye styles.

Oversized: Oversized glasses are still in style this season due to their simplicity and visually striking shapes. Oversized square sunglasses can also add shape to your face. They are a great choice if you want to show off your strong personality with a touch of elegance.

Round: Round frames are very popular this summer and are suited to square and rectangular faces. You can update round frames with novelty design elements like crystal embellishments or bright-coloured lenses.

Embellished: This type of eyewear is more decorative and more exaggerated in design. It is loved by girls for the exaggerated designs that perfectly reveal the strong personalities of many young people.

White: Stylish white and transparent plastic-framed sunglasses are one of the top trends this season for both men and women.

Pilot frames: These feature a brow bar and teardrop style frame that is suitable for all. This staple look is the perfect blend of traditional and contemporary and is very trendy this season.

 *A version of this article appears in print in the 29 July, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly.