There’s nothing worse than pulling together a spring look only to then emerge from the subway an hour later with the wrong pair of sunglasses in your bag. If you're channeling a sporty aesthetic and only have a non-polarized designer cat eye in your pocket, the vibes are just off. We’ve all been there and refuse to go back. That’s where this year’s it list comes in.
Beyond finding the perfect pairs for every look, we’ve honed in on the best sunglasses that permit us to wander the streets of New York free of eye strain or stress. Think: polarization, acetate frames, and UV protection.
Functionality aside, sunnies complete almost every outfit–the myriad of styles available is a testament to that. We don’t believe that there’s only one ideal frame per face, either. We value the power of personal expression and see the multifaceted styles that can be actualized through varied lenses. So, we’ve rounded up the best aviator, round, oversized, square, fancy shape, cat-eye, and inexpensive shades of the moment.
Aviator Style Sunglasses
If watching Top Gun with a bottle of wine is the closest you’ll ever get to flying a plane, we promise that you can still rock classic aviators. Aviators are unisex, timeless, and flattering on absolutely everyone.
We love them because they are versatile, but we come back to them because they’re cool too. Timeless style starts with an investment pair of shades and these frames are a core part of any eyewear collection.
Round Sunglasses
Many would argue that the best sunglasses are undoubtedly round sunglasses. Regardless of your face shape or the height of your nose bridge, chances are, they’ll fit. When you don’t have time to try on a pair in-store, we’d recommend stocking up on round frames with polarized lenses.
While there are a number of budget-friendly options in the market, these are the pairs that we’d invest in. These high-quality, classic designs are scratch-resistant and just as “hot” as the UV rays they protect you from.
Oversized Sunglasses
Oversized sunglasses simultaneously shade half of your face from UVA and exude confidence. Maybe it’s because they’re unapologetically present, but there’s no denying that oversized sunglasses in a variety of lens colors will always emit a celebrity-like aura.
So, if you’re looking for a good pair of sunglasses to wear when you’re hiding from the paparazzi or haven’t had time to do your makeup, start here.
Square Frame Sunglasses
Labels aside, these sunnies are on our short list of square frames that we swear by. These trend-proof designs and high-quality craftsmanship set them apart.
Square frame lenses will never go out of style. They’re a mainstay in our wardrobes alongside our white t-shirts and high-waisted jeans. So, buy them now and wear them through every single season.
Cat Eye Sunglasses
Cat eye sunglasses bring a retro, Hollywood vibe into any street-style look. So, the best sunglasses brands offer the fashion-obsessed a taste of glamor through functional plastic frames or mirrored lenses.
If you’re not ready for a full-out cat-eye look, start with a classic Ray-Ban Wayfarer. Then, graduate to this class of standout shades.
Fancy Shape Sunglasses
From hearts to flowers and everything in between, these sunglasses say something. If you’re looking to make a statement, veer away from the classics and consider these eye-catching (and framing) styles.
If you’re eager to stand out but worried about eye protection, we have you covered. Even Loewe’s floral frames offer full UVA & UVB protection.
Cheap Sunglasses
Are expensive sunglasses really better? We’d be the first to admit that the sand at the beach oftentimes doesn’t really value any designer brand cache. Oftentimes, the best pair of sunglasses for your more adventurous activities are actually the cheapest. That’s where Amazon finds and editor-approved DTC retailers come in.
Sunglasses are like socks, they tend to disappear. So, stock up on this list of affordable sunglasses to stash in every handbag–just in case.
