Sunglasses allow you to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays while also expressing your personal style. As eyewear trends come and go, there are always new styles to choose from each season that keep your look fresh and fashion-forward. Here’s an in-depth look at some of the trendiest sunglasses shapes dominating the scene right now.
Classic Aviators
The teardrop shape and signature thin metal frames of aviator sunglasses make them instantly recognizable. First used by pilots, aviators shot into mainstream popularity in the 1970s after celebrities like Robert Redford were spotted wearing them. They became a symbol of rugged masculinity and adventure. Aviators remain widely popular today, decades after their initial rise.
Modern aviator styles stay true to the classic silhouette with teardrop-shaped lenses and thin double or triple bridge frames. They come in a range of lens colors like gray, brown, and green. Mirrored, polarized, and gradient lens options expand the choices. Aviators complement both men and women and flatter diamond, oval, and heart-shaped faces.
Retro Cat Eye Shades
Cat eye sunglasses marked by their signature winged up-sweep shape are having a major fashion moment right now. The cat eye silhouette accentuates the brows, cheeks, and eyes for a glam, retro look. Thin metal frames with cut-out or ornate detailing capture the vintage essence. Dark lens colors like black, tortoiseshell, or burgundy give off serious old Hollywood vixen vibes.
For a modern edge, try two-tone cat eyes in combinations like black and white. Cat eyes with sparkling rhinestones, glitter frames, or crystal embellishments add extra flair. High-end designers like Prada and Gucci offer lux cat eye styles. This style works best for accentuating oval, heart, and diamond face shapes.
Classic Wayfarers
The folk at Olympic Eyewear say that no sunglasses roundup is complete without mentioning the iconic wayfarer style. Wayfarer sunglasses were first introduced by Ray-Ban in the mid-1950s. Their signature trapezoidal large shape with thick angular arms ignited a craze back then.
Modern wayfarers stay true to the signature shape with thick two-tone frames and trapezoidal lenses. They come in glossy black, various tortoiseshell hues, transparent, and two-tone color combos. Polarized, mirrored, and gradient lens options offer variety. Wayfarers complement square face shapes best. Their bold silhouette suits both men and women.
Round Frames
For an on-trend but understated sunglasses look, go for round frames. Perfectly circular metal or plastic frames create a clean, minimalist aesthetic. High-fashion houses like Prada, Celine, and Gucci offer ultra sleek round sunglasses with thin frames and subtle branding.
Round frames soften angular jawlines and complement heart and oval face shapes. Dark lenses, especially black, complete the discreet yet stylish appeal. While oversized rounds are trending now, even smaller round lenses lend that effortlessly chic vibe. This versatile shape transitions seamlessly from day to night.
Oversized Shields
Shield sunglasses marked by their sporty, wraparound shape now transcend their athletic roots and are very on trend. Originally popular for skiing and biking, shields became a celebrity staple in the 2000s. Their roomy shape offers ample coverage while making a bold fashion statement.
Today’s oversized shield glasses come in many iterations. Rimless shields feature one large, curved lens with no frame. Wraparound frames in glossy colors hug the face. Mirrored lenses in shades like blue, peach, and pink complement the loud shape. High-end designers like Balenciaga and Louis Vuitton make highly coveted shield glasses. Shields flatter oval and diamond faces best.
Conclusion
No matter your eyewear style – classic, sporty, retro, or modern – there are so many trendy sunglasses options to explore. With designers constantly putting fresh spins on lenses, shapes, and details, you can protect your eyes while always looking fashionably on-point.
