In the essential cost-per-wear consideration that comes into a key fashion purchase, there are few summer items that will provide more use and value that sunglasses. So spending a bit more to get a beautiful pair makes sense if you’re able.
Great sunglasses work with casual outfits as well as your race-day or sunset drinks-best, and in summer you’ll wear them for a good percentage of every day if, fingers crossed, the weather comes to the party.
Plus, it’s an easy way to display your trend and style nous. This is because though there are some classic sunglass styles that will always be desirable, each season there are also those key designs that land on everyone’s ‘most-wanted’ list.
Classic elements include the likes of aviators, Ray-Ban Wayfarers and simple black frames with gold elements. But what’s being worn by tastemakers and fashion enthusiasts right now?
There are a number of key influences for summer 2023, but the biggest one is nostalgic throwbacks to bygone eras. Thinking 60s and 70s? With the plethora of vintage details and cat-eye and ‘mod’-style cream and white frames, you’d be right, but there are also plenty of Y2K vibes also playing out in sunglasses shapes right now. Think sleek lines, sporty wraparound shapes and tinted lenses.
So like a great, keep-forever piece of jewellery or a designer bag, these are the trending styles you’ll wear every day while the sun is high and the weather is scorching:
Cat-eye
Top: Dior; Bottega Veneta Bottom; Alexander McQueen; Loewe
The most elegant of trending styles, the cream or white cat-eye shape is the perfect option to wear with a summer dress (make it white), a big hat and a straw tote.
Visor style
Top: Valentino; Saint Laurent Bottom: Loewe; Dior
Want to go incognito, or feeling the effects of last night’s soiree? These big frames are the perfect cover-up.
Metal frames
Top: Bottega Veneta; Cartier Bottom: Linda Farrow; Jacques Marie Mage
Classic and cool, metal frames offer a unisex edge and touch of lasting luxury that won’t quickly date, despite being desirable right now.
Coloured lenses
’90s and 2000s style makes a comeback in sunglasses with tinted lenses, that mean you’re always have a rosy (or otherwise) view on life.
Top: Swarovski; Gucci; Bottom: Prada; Emporio Armani
Rectangle
Top: Tiffany & Co; Gucci Bottom: Quay; Balenciaga
This shape is harder to wear and won’t give you the coverage eye health experts recommend, but damn, they look cool.
Sporty
Top: Balenciaga; Givenchy Bottom: Versace; Oakley
Sporty shapes have been worn by athletes for years, but thanks to a nudge from the runways of Balenciaga and other top fashion houses, the sleek aesthetic is back on the style menu for the rest of us.
Image (top): Loewe
