Sunglasses are a small but mighty piece in our summer wardrobe rotation. After all, if the eyes are the window to the soul, then the gear used to protect them is of the utmost importance. They also have the power to zhuzh up any outfit and are an easy way to try out trends without overspending on a whole new look.
Over the last few months, we’ve seen a spike in sunglasses trends. Our favorite is tied to Harry Styles’ internet-breaking “Watermelon Sugar” music video, in which the singer adorns himself with not one, but two pairs of candy-colored shades courtesy of the Gucci archive.
Still loyal to the tiny sunglasses trend? Thanks to brands like Le Specs and Illesteva, new iterations are being designed all the time. Favorable to oversized grandma shades? We found plenty of retro-esque styles that don’t look outdated. Tinted lenses, modern wayfarers, transparent rims, and ‘90s shapes — this summer’s range of sunglasses trends includes a little something for everyone.
With the weekend just hours away, there’s no time like the present to get a headstart on your summer sunglasses collection. Ahead, find six of 2020’s most coveted shade styles.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
The Harry Styles Effect
We’ve said it before: Harry Styles has a Meghan Markle-like effect on us and our style. And his latest music video for “Watermelon Sugar” is no exception. From Bode Hawaiian shirts to crochet tank tops — we fell hard for every fashion item featured in the video. But of them all, his campy slew of sunnies — all of which were vintage Gucci — was the most impressive.
Poppy Lissiman Beth Sunglasses, $, available at Poppy Lissiman
Urban Outfitters Loves Me Not Flower Round Sunglasses, $, available at Urban Outfitters
ASOS Heart Sunglasses With Metal Arms, $, available at ASOS
’90s Supermodel
Along with sheer mini dresses, vintage denim, strappy sandals, and baguette bags, square sunglasses were a staple in the ’90s supermodel wardrobe. And like their fellow retro favorites, they, too, are making one hell of a comeback.
Le Specs Unreal Sunglasses, $, available at Le Specs
Sun Buddies E-40 Transparent Sunglasses, $, available at Sun Buddies
Aperçu Eyewear Vintage Tort, $, available at Aperçu Eyewear
Seeing Color
They might not be the best choice for reading in the sun or driving sans sun visor, but we can’t help but love lightly colored lenses anyway.
Le Specs Carmito Sunglasses, $, available at Le Specs
Crap Eyewear The Bikini Vision, $, available at Crap Eyewear
Loewe Paula’s Ibiza Acetate Sunglasses, $, available at Loewe
Not-Your-Grandma’s Sunglasses
When considering which sunglasses to buy this summer, if your mind can’t stop wandering toward your grandma’s collection, these are the modern style equivalents for you.
Ray-Ban Square-Frame Tortoiseshell Acetate Sunglasses, $, available at Net-A-Porter
Mango Retro Style Sunglasses, $, available at Mango
Gucci Oversized Square-Frame Tortoiseshell Acetate Sunglasses, $, available at Net-A-Porter
Crystal Clear
Translucent rims are a fun and fresh way to change up your look.
Komono Ana Sunglasses in Navy, $, available at Need Supply
Jacquemus Yauco Sunglasses, $, available at Farfetch
Crap Eyewear The Supa Phreek, $, available at Crap Eyewear
From The Archives
You might not think of styles like wayfarers and aviators as “trends,” but, after a handful of summers spent wearing tinier (and tinier) shades, a return to the classics is a move worth talking about.
Ray-Ban Classic Wayfarers, $, available at Sunglass Hut
Diff Eyewear Matte Black, $, available at DIFF Eyewear
MOSCOT Avram Sunglasses, $, available at MOSCOT
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