Tinted love; Shady lady, LYDIA WHITFIELD, gives us the specs on this season's sunglasses.

Byline: LYDIA WHITFIELD

IT'S the time of year all shady ladies out there anticipate - gorgeous sunglasses in all shapes and colours are beginning to filter into our favourite high street stores, promising summer isn't too far away.

It may not be the season for sun cream and sandals just yet but with the glimmer of sunshine we've had, it's time to dig out last summer's shades or invest in some new ones.

From Jackie-O to John Lennon, characters can be defined by the shape of their shades, whether they're in crayon colours or classic black, are super slick and modern or retro vintage.

Your shades can make or break an outfit and help hide all manner of sins. And sunglasses are the perfect accessory to add variety to your wardrobe - change your sunglasses as you alternate your shoes and handbag, and you will refresh your look.

Sunglasses are a cost-effective and easy way to update your summer wardrobe. While some girls can't afford designer outfits, designer sunglasses are more economical.

There are just-right shapes for all faces out there, so do be sure you wear the right one.

It's not always best to mirror your face shape in your choice of frame . Around face doesn't necessarily go well with round frames. Angular or geometric styles can work better, as they lengthen the face.

Heart-shaped faces can suit round or square styles.

Square-shaped faces tend to suit oversized versions of the aviator style as oval or curved frames can soften the jaw line.

Whether it's narrow ovals or '50s cat's-eye shapes, slender frames suit smaller or longer faces with delicate features.

And lucky ladies with oval-shaped faces look fabulousin most shaped frames.

Sunglasses (with 100% UV protection, of course), are the perfect accessory to protect you from the glare of acid bright clothes too.

CAPTION(S):

Tortoiseshell Visors, pounds 49 from French Connection; Purple two-tone square sunglasses, pounds 180 by D&G available at House of Fraser; Oversized seventies sunglasses, pounds 24.99 from River Island; Spotted sunglasses, pounds 5 from Next; Square sunglasses, pounds 20 by Red Herring at Debenhams; Round sunglasses, pounds 10 from www.asos.com; Navy frame sunglasses, pounds 10 from Dorothy Perkins; Tortoiseshell Florence and Fred sunglasses, pounds 5 from Tesco; Retro diamante vintage sunglasses pounds 3 from Primark; Red heart sunglasses, pounds 6 from Bhs; Outfit by Kaleidoscope, bag by Prada, Roberto Cavalli sunglasses, pounds 210; Glasses, pounds 6, from New Look