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Analysts say the unraveling economy may actually be a boon to sunglasses sales, since fashionistas wincing at prices for high-end handbags can still scratch their shopping itch by snapping up a favorite designer's shades instead -- and for a fraction of the cost. So on a cloudless day in Bryant Park, scene of New York's Fashion Week, we're sharing some unseasonable weather with Tamara Rappa, a veteran of countless runway shows and celebrity stylist to the likes of Meg Ryan and Scarlett Johansson. Before us: a tableful of designer shades that might lend even the most Wall Street weary a little red-carpet cachet.

According to Rappa, the right shades can be sophisticated and versatile enough to wear with everything from cocktail dresses to yoga pants. Trying on the glasses (and checking them out in her Chanel compact), she blows through pair after pair, dismissing a cream-colored example as too summery and the glitzy aviators for their "MTV vibe." Finally, she settles on a favorite: The David Yurman Waverly ($325) from the jewelry company's first-ever sunglasses collection have a vintage feel but without the bug-eyed look of some "Jackie O" styles. And the signature twisted gold temples add a unique touch, says Rappa: "Like a sunglass and piece of jewelry at the same time."