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Art of Style

The Ultimate Sunglasses Guide

Cat-eye and oversized sunglasses are firm favorites for every look this season

Stylish sunglasses are a wardrobe essential, and their closet currency has only increased with the return of iconic retro iterations. So, whether you prefer ’90s-style oval lenses, directional cat-eye designs or oversized shades, here’s our edit of the best sunnies to shop now…

Words Colleen RossFashion editor Connie Daw
Fashion

A perennial favorite, the classic yet contemporary cat-eye style helps to highlight cheekbones and can enliven even the most understated look. Go bold with these exaggerated, wing-shaped frames by Loewe Eyewear + Paula’s Ibiza, or look to Dior Eyewear for something a touch more classic (yet no less distinctive). Alternatively, opt for a minimalist approach with a sleek black pair from Oliver Peoples’ collaboration with Khaite, which nod to vintage silhouettes.

The classic aviator is never out of style – and now with the added option of colored lenses

First debuted in the 1930s, the classic aviator style has been a closet mainstay ever since – by the ’70s, they were worn by everyone from Charlotte Rampling to Bianca Jagger. However, while the timeless teardrop shape is never out of style, in recent seasons it has experienced something of a renaissance, with the introduction of colorful lenses and pepped-up frames. Check out innovative photochromic styles by Barton Perreira – the brand’s handmade ‘D. Ellis’ shades have lenses that darken with light, providing the perfect amount of tint indoors and outside. Elsewhere, Loewe Eyewear’s chunky tortoiseshell frames have cool blue lenses that will add a directional finish to any outfit, while Bottega Veneta Eyewear’s ‘Sardine’ style nods to the halcyon days of ’70s California.

Whether you’re a fan of statement outfits or prefer a more understated look, there’s no denying the transformative appeal of colorful sunglasses. Take note of how street-style stars are wearing theirs and enliven a floaty summer dress or complement bright separates with vibrant sunnies – we love Celine Eyewear’s glossy red acetate style for making outfits pop. Loewe Eyewear’s yellow lenses guarantee you’ll be looking on the bright side, while Barton Perreira’s silver frames, complete with blue-tinted lenses, have a sleek and minimalist silhouette.

Add a playful pop of color to your outfits with a pair of brightly hued sunglasses
Industry tastemakers, including Zoë Kravitz (center), are favoring elongated oval designs

Undeniably classic, oval and spherical shapes are the fail-safe choice for a silhouette that will endure beyond the season – ’90s muse Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy was a big fan; and modern-day It-girl Zoë Kravitz is rarely seen without a pair. Sleek styles from Celine Eyewear, Gucci Eyewear and Saint Laurent Eyewear will pair well with everything, while Fendi Eyewear’s rimless style, which feature cute crystal-embellished ‘Fs’, add a touch of ’90s cool to the simplest summer looks.

Square-framed sunglasses have come to the fore for both on- and off-duty dressing – Dior Eyewear’s ‘Diormidnight’ style is guaranteed to be worn on repeat with sleek city tailoring and breezy vacation looks alike. Elsewhere, Oliver Peoples’ graphic ‘1995c’ pair from its cult collaboration with Khaite is a fashion-girl favorite, while Prada Eyewear’s shades have a polished feel that will look just as good with a casual tank top and jeans as they will with relaxed tailoring. Jacques Marie Mage’s ‘Vera’ sunglasses, meanwhile, are from our NET SUSTAIN edit and pay homage to those worn by supermodels in the ’60s.

Angular, squared shades are undeniably sleek and chic
When it comes to sunglasses that make a statement, sometimes bigger really is better

This season, retro styles are experiencing a resurgence; and anyone in the habit of hitting the snooze button each morning will be well acquainted with the vital role a pair of oversized sunglasses can play in your life – particularly when it comes to off-duty days. Saint Laurent Eyewear’s exaggerated cat-eye shades come in a directional silhouette and look effortlessly chic with a black sundress. If you’re in the market for shades with face-concealing proportions, look to Prada Eyewear’s oversized style, which has statement square frames; or Celine Eyewear’s iconic round-frame ‘Triomphe’ sunglasses, complete with the brand’s archival logo plaque from 1973.

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