Uvex Variotronic S Sunglasses

The Variotronic S uses a light sensor that toggles between two tints automatically, unless you want to control it manually.

We've long been fans of Uvex's light-sensitive Vario lenses, which get lighter or darker depending on the conditions. The only drawback to the photochromic technology: a slow transition from dark to light, which can make high-contrast riding difficult.

Uvex has cracked that problem with a new LCD lens that toggles instantaneously between dark and light. Powered by a USB-rechargeable battery, which is inconspicuously hidden in the frames and is said to last up to 50 hours on a single charge, the Variotronic S shifts from 64 percent light transmission in its brightest state to 16 percent light transmission in its dark mode—and the change happens in one-tenth of a second. The auto setting uses a light sensor to toggle between the two tints, though there's also a small button on the underside of the left temple that allows you to make the switch manually.

Best of all, the Variotronic S glasses look and feel like any other riding shades. The lenses will initially come in just two models, a full-frame version and sport shield, both of which have excellent coverage, fully adjustable nose pads, and non-slip rubberized temples.

Ralph Lauren's Aviator Sunglasses

An aviator with a twist, these shades are reminiscent of vintage automobiles—and make the perfect road-trip accessory.

Hitting the open road on a gorgeous day (preferably in a convertible) is the perfect start to any road trip, and I was lucky enough to do just that recently, when I was invited to spend an afternoon doing one of my favorite things—driving a gorgeous car. My weapon of choice? The Ferrari 458 Spider from Classic Car Club Manhattan, which allowed me to leave the steaming city in my rear-view mirror (if only for a few hours). And because no top-down, late-summer drive would be complete without a great pair of shades, I donned a pair of aviators from the new Ralph Lauren Automotive Eyewear Collection for a road test.

In terms of sunglasses and road trips, the collection is a match made in heaven. In fact, the shades were created using materials inspired by autos. Perforated leather—the same kind found in traditional driving gloves and car seats—wrap the ends of the arms, and the frames themselves are made of the sleek, lightweight aluminum that's found in many racing machines. And it's no surprise who inspired the collection. The designer Ralph Lauren has an impressive collection of cars, including a 1958 Ferrari Testa Rossa, a 1938 Alfa Romeo Mille Miglia Spyder, and even newer treasures, like a 2010 Lamborghini Murciélago Super Veloce. The mirrored lenses give a too-cool-for-school look, and the shades appeal the inner car enthusiast in all of us (including passengers).

Once free from the city, I headed north to take a quick spin through the hallowed halls of United States Military Academy at West Point and then to Storm King Art Center, a 500-acre sculpture park about 65 miles north of Manhattan. The alfresco art retreat has colossal structures stretched across open fields (a must see if you have not been), before turning around and heading home. Although it was a short trip, it gave me a much-needed break. And the sunglasses were the perfect accessory to have on hand as I barreled toward home down the West Side Highway during sunset.