Sunglasses are a crucial part of any wardrobe, and not only because of their ability to protect your eyes from the sun’s UV rays. A good pair of sunglasses is versatile and can be styled in a range of ways to elevate your existing look. From oversized frames to colourful oval lenses, here is a list of must-haves that are sure to add an extra flair to your outfits this summer.
Celine Triomphe Metal 01 Sunglasses in Metal
Round frames were first popularised by Sam Foster in the 1920s when he sold sunglasses on the boardwalks of Jersey Shore, and have since become a wardrobe staple. These Celine sunglasses featuring gold frames and green tinted lenses are reminiscent of teashades, but with a more ovular shape that recalls the oval sunnies of the 1990s. Also available in silver with grey lenses, these shades will go well with any assortment of denim or leather.
HK$4,200 at celine.com
Dior DIORSIGNATURE B1U Black Butterfly Sunglasses
Versatile and capable of elevating even the simplest of outfits, rectangular sunglasses made their debut in the 1960s, were re-popularised in the 1990s, and have never left since. This pair, from Dior, adds a bit more dimension to your regular rectangular frame with its subtle, angular butterfly structure that suits all face shapes. With the brand’s signature emblazoned in gold on the sides, these sunglasses will give any look that unmistakably Dior touch.
HK$4,500 at dior.com
Gentle Monster Her 01
Famously worn by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in the 1960s, oversized sunglasses have become somewhat of a timeless trend. One of Gentle Monster’s bestsellers, the Her 01 features a square Flatbar frame and the brand’s signature bullet-shaped pin details, perfect for achieving that effortlessly chic, model-off-duty look. For our K-drama enthusiasts: these are the sunglasses worn by Son Ye Jin in Crash Landing on You!
HK$2,250 at gentlemonster.com
Le Specs “Outta Love”
With the resurgence of 90s fashion, oval sunglasses have also re-entered the limelight. The Le Specs “Outta Love” shades come in a variety of colours, and have been seen on the likes of supermodels such as Bella Hadid, Emily Ratajkowski, and more. With a lightweight acetate frame, these sunglasses feature a shrunken oval shape that better accentuates your eyebrows, making for a flattering design that shows off your facial structure.
HK$450 at net-a-porter.com
Bottega Veneta Angle Acetate Cat-Eye Sunglasses in Green
Initially created in blue and green as a means of improving vision, tinted sunglasses gradually developed into a fashionable item, with colourful lenses being all the rage this year. These iconic Bottega Veneta shades, with their transparent green frames and green-tinged lenses, are a bold choice that will immediately elevate any ensemble. They can be styled as part of a colour-blocked look, or used to add a splash of vibrancy to your achromatic outfit.
HK$4,640 at bottegaveneta.com
Prada Symbole Sunglasses
With slate grey lenses and a brick-red frame accented by black outlines, these Prada sunglasses are a bold choice that will lend that extra edge to your outfit. Avant-garde, geometric shapes are incorporated into an otherwise rectangular frame, and the brand’s iconic triangular logo is reimagined on the temples through a three-dimensional design. These shades will pair particularly well with denim, or leather in red, brown or black tones.
HK$2,150 at farfetch.com
Miu Miu Glimpse Sunglasses in Caramel Beige
Originating in ancient Greece and Rome, tortoiseshell was historically associated with wealth. These MiuMiu sunglasses are the epitome of luxury, covered in a light brown, tortoiseshell print and featuring the brand’s signature in gold lettering at the temples. The warm-toned, oversized frame makes for an effortlessly stylish look, perfect for those lazy, sunny days at the beach.
HK$3,750 at miumiu.com
Gucci Oval Sunglasses in gold-toned and silver-toned metal frame
For those going for an edgy, futuristic look, these Gucci sunglasses are the prime choice. With a sharp, dual-toned design, these subtly shield-style shades are a unique take on the classic ovular eyewear of the 90s, from which their inspiration was taken. They feature a sleek, gold and silver metal frame, as well as solid grey, curved lenses that extend just slightly past your temples to create a racer-inspired look.
HK$5,230 at gucci.com
Chanel Cat Eye Sunglasses in White
Barbiecore has taken the world by storm following the release of Greta Gerwig’s film, and one doll in particular that has returned to the limelight is the 1959 Barbie in her black and white bathing suit. These Chanel sunglasses, with their white acetate frames and cat-eye shape, look like they could be lifted straight out of Barbie world for every Barbie girl. Lenses have a grey gradient tint, and the sides of the frames are adorned with glass pearls for that signature Chanel look.
HK$3,500 at chanel.com
Editor
Audrey MiuCredit
Lead Image: @jennierubyjane on Instagram