The Ultimate Sunglasses Guide

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.

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.

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.