In life, the golden truth and learning often lies in the opposite of what we think is logical. Look to the psychologist Carl Rogers, who based his now-ubiquitous brand of empathic therapy on a simple yet startlingly counterintuitive idea. “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” You must fail to succeed. Sharper knives are safer. And – sunglasses bought in winter will serve you better than in any other season. We don’t make the rules.

We’ve all been outside on one of those deceptive December days, when your iPhone weather app is telling you it’s 3ºC with a chance of sleet, but the sky is brilliant blue and the sun is shining at an angle so horizontal it reminds you of driving at night in the countryside. Pack your gloves and hat, sure, but there is only one thing that can combat the annoying predicament of the Earth’s axial tilt – and that’s a well-made pair of sunnies. And particularly those made by Oliver Peoples.

Plus, when we think of colder days and darker nights, our minds turn to escape. It might be apres-ski on the Alps or, when the winter chill gets too much and we’re recovering from the festive period with the in-laws (who forgot to get you a SAD lamp), it might be Barbados. Either way, you’re going to want a pair to hand.

When it comes to such contraptions (sunglasses, not SAD lamps), you may be familiar with Oliver Peoples. Founded in 1987 on Hollywood’s Sunset Boulevard, the brand started life selling vintage American eyewear acquired at auction. After designing frames for Andy Warhol, it’s been associated with a singular ultra-stylish, heritage-inspired, achingly minimal design synonymous with contemporary culture ever since – and linked to phenomenon like American Psycho, Fight Club, Bono and Jeremy Strong.

This season, the brand has continued its collaboration with a man who knows enough about keeping the sun out of your eyes – Roger Federer. For the latest campaign, he’s not at Wimbledon, but in the Côte d’Azur, proving that wherever you find yourself in the world, there are few ways you, too, can avoid the sun this winter.

The Oliver Peoples R-14, for example, offers a vintage-inspired double bridge frame with scratch-resistant, colour-enhancement gradient lenses. The R-16, on the other hand, channels the elegance of Old Hollywood, updated through a modern lens – with a precise, rectangular silhouette in acetate, which has been engineered for comfort. The colour-enhancing lenses on this model sharpen contrast.

And then there is the Mr Federer – a pair crafted in a dynamic new colourway that merges signature sophistication with a sportier feel. That’ll be the semi-matte bio-nylon frame and contrasting temple tips. Whichever pair you choose, just remember: the best solutions aren’t always the most obvious.