New sunglasses styles are reflection of the '80s

NEW YORK -- Nothing says the '80s like Tom Cruise in his Ray-Ban Wayfarers, unless you count Tom Cruise in his "Top Gun" aviators.

With many of the decade's trends making a return appearance -- shoulder pads and legwarmers, anyone? -- sunglasses will be a must for those who truly want to recapture the look.

"Sunglasses are one of the easiest ways to buy into this. Financially, it's a way of trying something new, and you don't grow out of them," said Jennifer Rade, a costume designer and celebrity stylist to the likes of Angelina Jolie.

But if you go with a style that's either a little bit kitschy or obviously retro, tone down the other accessories, advises Rade, who also serves as a spokeswoman for sunglasses store Ilori. No need for plastic earrings, hot-pink lipstick and neon nail polish, too.

"You need one 'something' for your outfit and a whole lot of 'nothing' to make your outfit work," she said.

Rade notes that there are several sunglasses silhouettes available right now that capture different moods of the era. For example:

* Thierry Lasry's big, round lenses -- especially the plaid ones.

* Chanel's "designer jeans" frames, with a denim design on the arms of the glasses.

* Aviators in gold, silver, black and even neon colors from a variety of brands -- it's those with mirrored lenses that really say "CHiPS," Rade said.

* Persol's narrow shields capture the look of Billy Idol.

* Oakley's graffiti glasses for the playful punker.

* Ray-Ban's Clubmaster for the "geek chic" set. (Think Ferris Bueller.)

* Ray-Ban's Wayfarer deserves special mention, Rade said, because it has been important to multiple generations. While Holly Golightly wore them so chicly in "Breakfast at Tiffany's," Jeff Spicoli's turquoise pair furthered his surfer-dude image. Every company seems to offer a riff on the Wayfarer so there are many variations to try.

If designer frames are out of the budget, check out trendy stores like Forever 21 and Charlotte Russe, where '80s-inspired frames can be found for less than $10.

And for a truly retro look, ask mom and dad for their old shades.