Not so many years back, most people had a notion that wearing spectacles was a hindrance to looking good. That has become passé, though. Trendy eyewear is a hot pick all the world over, with the mammoth fashion houses like Armani, Gucci, Prada, and Dior bringing out their ranges of eyewear. Today, owning sexy eyewear is fashionable, and uber cool.

We have to admit that even today, some people think that wearing glasses and looking nerdy are synonymous. But with a killer pair of the right glasses, you can look cool. With contact lenses and a whole new range of frames of glasses to choose from, you have plenty of options relating to eyewear. A lot of people go in for contacts as well a pair of glasses, so they have the freedom to wear one or the other according to how they feel. Usually, the trend is to wear glasses on a regular day and save the contacts for special occasions like weddings or parties or nights out.

Sunglasses are one hot accessory. Shades, as young people prefer to call them, can jazz up any outfit if you are going out during the day. Your eyes are protected from harmful solar radiation and at the same time, you make a big fashion statement. You can get a nice pair for almost any budget. The range is wide, accessible and chic. You can get designer pairs for the extra few dollars, and ones you can wear everyday for a much lower price. You will sure find something that suits your face structure and your sense of style.

These days, when you go eyewear shopping, you will be amazed at the vast variety of frames and lenses available. Lenses may be made of glass or fiber. You also get colored lenses. These can spice up your look on a day when you don't feel too attractive. Photo chromatic lenses darken when you are out in the sun, or when you are under bright lights. The lenses return to their normal transparent condition when you are back in normal light.

Frames come in a truly astounding range. You get ones in metal, plastic, anything. Frames come in lots of materials, shapes, colors and interestingly, angles. Most are straight structured, but some are slightly angled. Some are round, some oval, yet others rectangular. The rims can be thick or thin, you will definitely find one that suits your face. You may choose a half or a full rim. Half rims can be a bit tricky- some are open on top, others on the bottom.

When you want to buy any kind of eyewear, keep a few things in mind. Decide what material you want for the lenses and frame. Metal and glass will make your eye gear invariably heavy. Fiber and plastic are a light combination. Some people are ok with heavier eyewear if they look good in them.

Make a note of the color, shape and fit of the frames. If your face is rounded, you will look best in a rectangular frame.

Round frames suit squarish faces. This will make your face look thinner and somewhat longer. Good eyewear should fit you not tightly, but snugly. Shop assistants are ever ready to help you out with the best fit. Go out there eyewear shopping, and have fun!