It is a fact universally acknowledged that adding a fresh pair of sunglasses is the cherry on top of an average look that takes it from average to hot. Sunglasses, shades, sunnies, whatever you call them, are the perfect accessory that completes an outfit and protects your sensitive eyes from the sun’s harsh rays. How many accessories can say they’re cute and good for your health?
Like everything else in the fashion sphere, sunglasses trends ebb and flow like the tide. That said, everything old is made new again in fashion when trends come around every few years or even decades. Investing in a well-made, beautifully designed, and UV-coated pair of sunglasses could set you up for years of stylish looks, rotating pairs in and out of use as the styles change and return. If you’re looking for a new pair this summer, these are the best styles dressers currently reaching for.
All things Y2K
The fact that the Y2K trend is coming back around in 2023 is proof positive that every trend comes back at least once in any person’s lifetime. Thankfully, what was stark and overboard about the trends the first time has now been refined into subtler, more mix-and-matchable styles. Clear plastic frames with coloured lenses — particularly yellow, green and purple — are back with a vengeance. Think jelly sandals but for your face! If you’re lucky enough to find a womens designer sunglasses sale this year that features a pair like this, we recommend that you snap them up as fast as possible.
Another Y2K trend back on the runways and all the shelves this year is sporty, wraparound shades. This trend was initially big in the ‘80s and was refined for the Matrix generation when the first film was released in 1999. Think angled, black lenses and frames shaped to the face with the look of an accessory designed to cut down on wind resistance. The frames are in various colours, from ‘90s neon to noughties silver.
Whimsical shapes
The vein of fun in fashion returned in a big way after years of stay-home orders and loungewear becoming the new normal. Whimsical shapes are back, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. Fashionable shapes include round frames, stars and even the classic heart-shaped Lolita glasses. People like to have a good time with fashion, and colours and eye-catching shapes are an easy way to “fun up” any pair of eyewear without compromising quality. Don’t let the unusual shapes scare you! If you’re usually into more simple looks, try pairing an interesting pair of shades with a simple, unprinted dress or just a tee and a pair of denim shorts for a fun-loving summer look to get you into the feel of the shades.
Oversized aviators
Aviators have never truly gone out of style because the variation in materials, sizes and colours under this one style is so vast. From classic, wire-rimmed sets to the extra, extra-large pairs that are now back in style, aviators are a solid choice as an investment piece. Thick plastic or resin frames with wide and often colourful lenses are the pairs currently flying off the shelves to shield the eyes of the world from the sun’s rays this season. The ‘70s flair that a pair of glasses like this adds to a simple outfit can take it from blah to bodacious in a few seconds.
Don’t be square, be rectangular
Rectangular frames are another shape that has never truly gone out of style due to the vast array of options common in this style. Rectangular shades are incredibly versatile in that they have a retro flavour but nothing so retro that they’ll overpower or clash with any kind of look. What’s hottest is a slightly elongated rectangle with softened, if not completely rounded, corners. From tortoiseshell to all black to brightly coloured, every style under the sun is currently available at some price point from a trendy brand. Invest in these, and you’ll have a pair that you can wear daily with a huge range of outfits year in and year out.
Elongated cat eye
Speaking of retro, the elongated cat eye is having another moment in the spotlight. Initially popularised in the ‘50s, cat-eyes of all shapes and sizes carry a vintage feel, so it’s quite a niche look. The elongated cat eye we’re currently seeing on runways and the fashionable humans of the world is a lot more stylised than the softer, rounder shape that had its moment about a decade ago. If you can pull this look off, even a classic moto jacket, white tee, and jeans will be elevated from something everyday to something extra.
Wrap up
If you’re looking to start or add to your sunglasses collection this year, these are the styles that you need to be trying on. No matter what your tastes, one of these styles will suit both your face and your wardrobe down to a T. Here’s to a stylishly safe summer!
Lots of ideas to think about!
I love the different shaped frames! Unfortuntely due to wearing prescription glasses I only have light reactive lenses!
Incredibly stylish. Surprising what a difference a classy pair of sunnies makes to your appearance.