Fashion and flair for your eyewear

Glasses are the ultimate fashion accessory.

©iStockphoto/Airyelf

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BUYING a stylish, practical pair of spectacles is easy.

Specsavers head of style communications and development, Pernilla Algede, said glasses were the ultimate fashion accessory and should no longer be seen as a "necessary evil".

When it comes to finding the perfect pair, Ms Algede said the most important feature to consider was fit.

She said the bridge of a good fitting frame would sit on the nose well and feel comfortable on the face.

Hair colour, skin tone, face shape and your individual personality and style should also be taken into consideration when choosing a frame.

With a number of lens options to also choose from, Ms Algede advised shoppers to match the type of lens to both their lifestyle and optical needs.

"Whether they're prescription, for sun protection, or to simply express your personal style, there's no denying that statement eyewear has emerged as the latest must-have fashion accessory," Westfield stylist Christie Nicolaides said. "The right eyewear alone can help define a certain image, completely transform a simple look and is a fun way to showcase your fashion prowess.

"While select styles, such as aviators, will remain consistently in vogue, 2012 will see lots of new and unique eyewear trends, from fun, artistic frames, to bold colours and prints and lots of fresh retro styles for both men and women."

Top eyewear trends this year in sunglasses and spectacles, as predicted by Ms Nicolaides, include:

Round: Nothing says statement like a large, rounded pair of sunglasses. An easy way to turn an understated look into one that's stylish and on-trend.

Cat's Eyes: For a feminine, sexy look these specs are very retro-glamorous and are best for heart-shaped and oval faces.

Geek Style: The geek-chic look will continue to be big in 2012. Think thick, black wayfarer frames for both men and women.

Deep Retro: Thick round glasses with a keyhole nose bridge will emerge with force in 2012. Think John Lennon-style specs, great for anyone wanting to channel the vintage look with a modern twist. A good option for smaller faces.

Colour Pop: While black, brown and grey tones remain consistently popular, translucent colours will also be big - bright blues, reds, purples and more. A great way to make a "fun" statement and express your personal style.

Texture: One of the more creative styles of specs, 2012 will see more visually appealing designs. Rimless/semi-rimless: Perfect for men and women seeking a modern or minimalist look. A lightweight option that provides a simply, classy look

Prepped: Features frames that are manly and square-shaped with a touch of 50's vintage. Bowlines tend to be bolder and colours are two-toned and masculine

High tech: For those not wanting to embrace the past, high tech options offering a more modern, sleek look will remain on-trend. Featuring brushed, metal frames, these styles provide a more futuristic look

Contrast: The contrast of lens and frames - such as thick white frames with red lens, or black frames with yellow lens - is set to be in vogue this year, especially among the teens and 20-somethings