36 of the best sunglasses to shop this summer from Y2K micro styles to oversized frames
We're calling it, it's officially time to get out your best sunglasses. While men taking their tops off at any given opportunity (why though??) may be the true great signifier of British summertime's arrival, the second has to be everyone across the country donning a pair of shades at even the faintest glimpse of sunshine.
But with so many seasonal trends, knowing where to start with shopping for sunglasses can be overwhelming to say the least. Instagram cool girls have been repping micro frames, but there will always be a place for classic styles like aviators and oversized styles. And with designers, high street brands, and independent eyewear labels all releasing new collections just in time for the mercury to rise, we're potentially reaching sunglass saturation point.
A good starting point can be working out what sunglasses styles suit your face shape. Square styles are best suited to round and oval faces, while round frames soften square jaw lines. Oh and cat-eye sunglasses are supposedly great for diamond and heart shape faces. It's essentially an opposites-attract situation but tbh we don't really pay much attention to the "rules". Wear what you like and what makes you happy and you're onto a winner.
Whatever your face shape, budget, or preferred style, we've got you covered with our ultimate edit of the best sunglasses to shop now. After all, nothing screams summer quite like a new pair of sunnies.
Square sunglasses
Remember when you were a kid and your mum would say your eyes would go square if you watched too much TV? Well, square eyes have never looked so chic. Coming in a whole host of different styles, sizes, and yes, even shapes, it's no surprise square sunglasses are some of the most popular styles out there. From chunky acetate frames to coloured lenses, we've also got you covered with rectangular options too.
'90s sunglasses
Thanks to the Y2K revival, it's not just cargo pants that have made a comeback. Micro sunglasses have been a summer mainstay championed by the likes of Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner, while designers including Vivienne Westwood and Zimmermann have taken the butterfly motif to the extreme. Be warned, this style isn't the easiest to pull off, but who cares when you're channelling Rachel Green?
Oversized sunglasses
Favoured by Hollywood's elite, we love a good pair of oversized sunglasses – not least for their ability to camouflage tired eyes. Who needs industrial-grade concealer when you can simply don your shades and pretend to dodge the paparazzi? Whether your opt for XXL cat-eye styles or a pair of quirky round frames a lá Iris Apfel, there's only one rule when it comes to rocking a pair of oversized shades. The bigger the better.
Aviator sunglasses
Aviators are timeless in design. The OG pilot sunnies of choice, they were originally designed in 1936. Designers have since put their own contemporary spins on the style, but aviator sunglasses remain identifiable from their iconic silhouette featuring a strip running across the brow. Why not try a pair of chunky acetate frames with coloured lenses to tap into the '70s fashion aesthetic that's currently trending?
Best colourful sunglasses
You've no doubt heard of dopamine dressing, the suggestion that wearing bright, colourful clothing will boost your mood. If your usual wardrobe consists of black, black, and more black (guilty...), why not try adding a pair of coloured frames to your 'fit? There's no risk of colour clashing, and nothing screams fun more than a colourful pair of sunnies, which is ultimately what fashion is all about. If you're already a colour lover you need no convincing, so right this way to shop the best colourful sunglasses.
High street sunglasses
You don't need to break the bank when it comes to purchasing a pair of sunglasses. Sure, there are some dreamy designer styles on the market, but if you're prone to sitting on your sunnies or chucking them in your bag sans case (though we can help with how to get rid of lens scratches) it may be wiser to save rather than splurge. Luckily, it's no compromise turning to the great British high street as there are plenty of fashion-forward sunglasses starting from as little as £6.99. Win-win.
Sunglass accessories
A micro-trend the past couple of summers, sunglasses chains are bigger than ever and are now considered a warm-weather essential. Because even your accessories need accessories. While at first they reminded us of our old history teacher, there's more than just a practical element involved in these contemporary designs. From pretty beaded styles that instantly add vacation vibes to minimal gold chains that would look so chic layered with our other necklaces.
Follow Alexandria on Instagram.
You Might Also Like
