Sometimes less really is more, but not when it comes to the latest trends in sunglasses.

	Super-size sunglasses are back en vogue in the United States, but they never went out of style in ever-fashionable France. White is the hottest trend in frame colors for women this spring and summer. Celine designer Roberto Menichetti adds a dash of beige to this soft rectangular acetate design. Click photo for larger image.

Big is the dominant trend in shades as winter thaws into spring and on into summer. With the many retro influences, especially the return of '60s and '70s styles, it was only a matter of time before accessories designers caught up with apparel trends.

Large-statement necklaces, bracelets and cuffs came on the scene like gangbusters last fall, and now the newest crop of sunglasses reflects the trend toward oversized and dramatic in women's sunglasses.

"Thank God for fashion," said Norman Childs, owner of Eyetique specialty stores. "Otherwise, everybody would wear the same thing over and over again. Everything has to go back around, in circles."

Super-size frames are generally square, rectangular or round. Sleek and chic designs, usually framed but occasionally rimless, can range in the hundreds of dollars by luxury brands such as Christian Dior, Fendi, Givenchy, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel and Versace.

Knock-offs abound, with smaller labels and department stores interpreting the trend for their clientele. Crystals, animal-skin textures and other details add even more of a punch to super-size styles, such as those in Revolution Eyewear's Bling Bling Lunettes collection.

"You look sexy and glamorous in them," said Childs, who designed his own line of large shades and also carries looks by Oliver Peoples and Barry Kieselstein.

	Add a dramatic accent to your look with sunglasses in a hot fashion color. This frame in red by French eyewear designer Alain Mikl is $495. Click photo for larger image.

White is the most directional frame color, fueled in part by New York fashion's current obsession with white in apparel collections. Still, there's plenty of color, from fashionable red and pink to accent colors of beige, blue and purple.

Shields are also popular, a large rectangular style that has a slight wrap effect around the face. Worn by men and women, they come in black and brown as well as opaque colors such as green, orange and yellow.

Aviators, a favorite of celebs such as Brad Pitt, are back strong. Fashion designer Michael Kors deserves some of the credit for the style's comeback, as he wears the style and shows it on the runway in his fashion shows.

Ray-Ban and Silhouette are among brands that have updated the '70s look in lightweight materials, silver and gold metallic frames and lens tints ranging from smoky brown and inky black to the time-honored mirrored and gradient lenses.

Eyetique stores carry aviator styles by Retrospecs, a California-based company that uses aviator frames made in the '50s, '60s and '70s.

While style is important to wearers, there are factors to consider in selecting sunglasses. Comfortable fit and adequate sun protection are examples. Here are a few tips when selecting shades:

	Big shades come in rounded as well as square frames. Silhouette desgined this pair with brown lenses and an aqua stripe on the frame ($198). Click photo for larger image.

Choose a frame shape that complements your features and facial shape.

Make sure the lenses are large enough to cover the eyes easily and protect them from sun damage.

Choose sunglasses with both UVA and UVB protection.

Beware of cheapies. A pair of shades you bought at the dollar store probably offers little to no protection. Just because lenses are tinted doesn't mean they block ultraviolet rays.

Clean your shades with a soft, lint-free cloth, patting rather than rubbing to avoid scratching the lenses.

Invest in a sturdy, padded case to protect your shades when not in use, especially if you have prescription sunglasses. Countless favorite shades are damaged every year by being dropped or inadvertently sat on.