As a capsule wardrobe enthusiast, it's not often that I find myself going out of my comfort zone. Daily, you'll find me in a T-shirt and jeans, a button-down shirt if it's cold, and probably a pair of loafers. In my purse, I always keep a pair of '90s-inspired, sleek sunglasses—a rounded rectangular shape tends to be my favorite. But as trends have evolved and oversized sunglasses are taking the lead, I became curious: could I wear oversized sunglasses regularly and still feel like myself?
I wasn't sure until I tried the Aela sunglasses from French brand Jimmy Fairly. The style has earned a permanent spot in my purse, and, to my surprise, in the totes of other Coveteur editors, too—our editor-in-chief Faith Xue and Senior Fashion Editor Ella O'Keefe included.
Ahead, see how the sunglasses changed my perspective on the oversized silhouette—and why I think everyone should have them in their rotation.
Meet The Aela
Have you ever been really, really hungover? You know, the kind of hungover where the sight of light makes you weak. If not, lucky you. But for this 30-something, it happens after just a glass or two of wine, and the Aela sunglasses have come to my rescue more times than I'd like to admit. They're oversized and have lenses dark enough to block out that pesky sunlight. Plus, because they cover so much of the face—for me, its from mid-brow to mid-cheek—the barista at my local coffee shop is spared from my dark circles and under-eye bags.
Photo: Jordan Rossman
Photo: Faith XueAlongside their ability to make a hangover more bearable, the style is a true winner because it remains contemporary and cool without feeling like a costume. For me, that's the difference that has earned the Aela a permanent spot in my handbag; many of the other oversized options made me feel like I was playing dress up, doing my best to channel Paris Hilton on a red carpet in the early 2000s. But these make me feel like myself—just a little more incognito.
Worth It?
Yes! The style's rounded edges, lightweight cellulose acetate material, and gradient lens make them an easy choice no matter the occasion. I plan to style them often during NYFW to give the simplest look a bit of edge. If you weren't certain about adding an oversized pair of sunglasses to your rotation, take this as your sign.
