Isn’t it so annoying when you want to take 15 in Stephen’s Green during a sunny spring lunchtime, only to have forgotten the most important component? No, not your lunch, your sunglasses – essential for discreet people-watching (and protection from the sun, too). I’m happy to report that this season, there is an ample selection of shades in all colours, sizes and shapes to choose from to keep your shade game as strong as you. So relax, take in your surroundings with a pair of these striking shades and revel in the comfort of knowing you’ll never have to make uncomfortable eye contact during your lunch break again.

Emma Mulholland X Pared stargazers in orange and grey, €152.32 at Pared Eyewear

Hailing all the way from sunny Australia, Pared Eyewear is the creation of founding duo Samantha Stevenson and her partner Edward Baker. Pared Eye focuses on twelve standard glasses types – far more than most designers – so there is a good selection to choose from if you’re unsure what frame suits you best. I love these bright, retro-inspired, attention-grabbing cat-eyes. The slim and sharp silhouette is perfect for petite faces (like mine) or if you have small features. They’re very Audrey Hepburn meets Lichtenstein, right?

Cat-eye runway eyewear by Miu €405 at Miu Miu

Here’s the scene: you selfishly enjoyed one-too-many tipples lounging on the chaise last night wearing your finest satin robe; curlers in hair, nail polish in hand, old Hollywood love stories on the TV. But you awoke this morning with a thumping head and have to make the journey to town to grab ‘ a few bits’. Fear not: you needn’t panic about your bloodshot eyes behind your fresh mink lash application, simply reach for these bejewelled sunnies, throw a feather boa over your shoulder and you’re ready to take on whatever your journey brings you. Extra? Me?? Never.

Run Away tortoiseshell sunnies, €34.91 from Quay Australia

Cause trouble in these narrow cat eye sunnies featuring a dramatic shape with a flat brow and lenses. From Quay Australia (another down-under sunnies brand who are well-versed in the ways of sunshine), they come in a black colourway too (basic) but I’d vamp things up a bit with an edgy dark tortoise colour. Pair with a striking red lip and you could pass as Bella Hadid’s street double during New York Fashion Week.

Point Polly cat-eye sunglasses, €25 at Topshop

I couldn’t not include a pair of the most in-demand glasses shape of the season, could I? The cat-eye has been given a nice contemporary update with a new slimmer, thinner shape. The price point is great too if you are in the business of losing sunglasses. These retro frames from Topshop are a fun play on the trend and the marble-effect red colourway is charming (and will look great in Instagram festival pics to get those double-taps).

Methacrylate sunglasses, €89 at Uterque

These two-tone hexagonal acetate sunglasses are a great everyday addition to your shade stash. The dual tone seamlessly flows from mid-navy to opal green and is perfectly complementary for fair complexions. Maximalism is a big feature for ss18 so don’t be afraid to team these with a clashing orange lip.