PHIL-OSOPHY: Selecting Sunglasses Doesn’t Have to Be Shady

Ah, sunglasses! Finding the right pair is never easy.

When searching for your perfect pair, it's important to ask the right questions. Does it line up with your eyebrows? Does the shade match your hair and skin tone? Does the style go with the clothing you wear, and what does it convey about your personality?

Tailor the frames to highlight your best features. Also, buy more than one style. You wouldn't own just one pair of shoes for every outfit, so adopt the same approach with sunglasses. Size, depth and width are everything!

Here's my basic guide to the perfect sunglasses for every face:

Do you have a rather large Shnozzola? Don't laugh! If you have a big nose, a high bridge will make your nose look like Pinocchio. Get a bridge that's lower or with a double bridge. This has the effect of significantly shortening your nose.

If you have a round face, a round frame will emphasize the shape of your head and draw attention to your cheeks. It's best to go for something with a rectangular or long oval frame. You want to go for something that has width, without too much depth, because this will make your face look slimmer.

If you have a square face and a strong lower jaw, you'll need a frame that will draw attention upwards. Something with a tapered edge angled toward the temple will soften the angles of your face. A traditional aviator style would work well here.

Do you have a long face? You'll want something that has depth and will round off your features, while the depth of the frames will also make your face appear shorter.

And if you have an oval face, lucky you! People with this face type can generally pull off almost any style of sunglasses.

And go to a local store rather than purchasing them online, because you should try them on before you buy them.

Phil Paleologos is the host of The Phil Paleologos Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Contact him at phil@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @PhilPaleologos. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.