Sunglasses are not just a fashion accessory – they also protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. As sunglasses have become more popular, there are now countless options to choose from. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the top 5 trendiest sunglasses right now and provide tips on how to select the ideal pair for your face shape, style, and needs. From classic aviators to modern cat-eye frames, we’ve got you covered on the most fashionable shades today.
Top 5 Trendy Sunglasses
Aviator Sunglasses
Aviator sunglasses have an iconic teardrop shape with thin metal frames and dark lenses. Originally designed for pilots in the 1930s-1940s, aviator shades became mainstream when celebrities and fashion icons started wearing them.
The teardrop shape and wire frame complements most face shapes, especially oval, round, and heart shaped faces. Aviators also come in a range of lens sizes from small to oversized so you can find the ideal fit.
Brands like Ray-Ban and Randolph Engineering really popularized the aviator look. When shopping for aviators, look for lightweight metal frames and lenses that block 100% of UV rays. Polarized lenses help reduce glare too.
Today, you can find aviators with mirrored lenses, colored tints, and more modern twists while retaining their classic shape. Aviator sunglasses continue to have an enduring popularity and versatility that pairs well with casual and formal outfits.
Wayfarer Sunglasses
The distinct square-shaped wayfarer frame originated in the 1950s and was made famous by Hollywood stars like Audrey Hepburn. Originally created by Ray-Ban, the plastic wayfarer silhouette has a thick, layered rectangular frame with signature angular shaping.
Over the decades, wayfarers experienced surges in popularity in both their classic black frame as well as more playful interpretations. Wayfarers are especially flattering on square, oval, and diamond face shapes.
When shopping for new wayfarers, look for polarized lenses to help reduce glare. Brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley offer many classic wayfarer styles as well as modern updates in fresh colors and patterns. The crisp, structured aesthetic of wayfarer sunglasses pair well with both casual everyday looks and polished styles.
Cat-Eye Sunglasses
Cat-eye sunglasses feature a tapered brow line and exaggerated upswept frames into a pointed shape reminiscent of a cat’s eye. This retro-inspired style first emerged in the 1940s and saw a revival in the 1950s thanks to Hollywood starlets who popularized the sultry, feline-esque shape.
Today, cat-eye sunglasses are trending again for their power to add a touch of vintage glamour to any outfit. The angled cat-eye shape pairs beautifully with everything from breezy sundresses to sleek coats.
Cat-eye frames tend to flatter heart, oval, and diamond shaped faces best. When shopping, look for true vintage or vintage-inspired cat-eye styles with polarized lenses from brands like Le Specs and Cutler Gross. Make sure to check that the lenses offer full UV ray protection as well.
Round Sunglasses
Perfectly circular lenses in small to oversized sizes define round sunglasses. Circular frames first rose to popularity in the 1960s and have continued to stay on trend through the decades. Musicians like John Lennon and Ozzy Osbourne favored the look which gave round sunglasses a rock n’ roll vibe.
Today, round sunglasses are appreciated for their retro chicness and ability to make a statement. Small rounded lenses can have an intellectual edge while oversized rounds make more of a bohemian fashion statement.
Round frames tend to suit square, oval, and angular face shapes nicely by softening sharp lines. When shopping for round sunnies, consider splurging on a bold colored or mirrored lens style. Just be sure to look for adjustable nose pads and 100% UV protection when investing in quality pairs. Brands like Ray-Ban, Celine, and Garrett Leight offer many gorgeous circular styles.
Geometric/Angular Sunglasses
Geometric sunglasses encompass futuristic, modern styles with architectural shapes and sharp angles. From shield-shaped to hexagon, angular sunglasses provide edgy flair compared to classic rounded frames.
Fashion houses like Dior, Balenciaga, and Calvin Klein lead the way in cutting-edge geometric designs. You’ll also see lots of creative takes on rectangles, triangles, and diamonds.
The bold, artistic shapes make these styles perfect for making a fashion statement. They have an avant-garde look that complements street style and edgy ensembles beautifully.
When shopping, look for rubberized nose pads for comfort and flexibility. Polarized and UV protecting lenses are a must as well. The bolder the shape, the bigger impact you can make while still protecting your eyes.
How to Choose the Perfect Pair of Sunglasses
With the endless sunglass options on the market, it can feel overwhelming deciding which style is right for you. Here are some tips for choosing shades that complement your face shape, style, and needs:
- Consider your face shape. Your face shape should guide you toward the most flattering sunglass silhouette. Oval faces can pull off most styles like aviators, wayfarers, and rounds. Square faces are complemented best with round, oval, and cat-eye frames to soften the angles. Heart shaped faces suit cat-eyes and wayfarers beautifully. Round faces should go for angular frames to add definition.
- Pay attention to frame size. The frame size you select needs to be in scale with your face size. Oversized frames overwhelm petite faces while tiny frames underwhelm larger faces. The frame shape should align flatteringly with your brow width, cheekbones, and jawline.
- Look at bridge width. The space between the lenses should correlate with the width of the bridge of your nose. You want a comfortable fit where the bridge does not pinch your nose or slip down. Measure your natural bridge width to find the best-aligned fit.
- Consider temple length. Temples, the arms extending back to your ears, should have a length that complements your face. Shorter temples suit wider, square faces well while longer temples flatter narrow faces. The temple tips should align close to the width of your face.
- Prioritize UV protection. Never compromise when it comes to UV protection. Ensure your lenses block 100% of UVA/UVB rays to protect your eyes from damage. This is non-negotiable when buying quality sunnies.
- Think about polarization. Polarized lenses greatly reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water, snow, and windows. If you’ll wear your shades driving or around water, polarized is ideal. Not necessary but an extra benefit.
- Try frames on. Don’t just order online – visit a store to try frames on your face. The frames should fit comfortably without pinching your nose or squeezing your head. Your eyelashes should just lightly graze the frame edges.
- Choose colors strategically. Frame and lens colors should complement your skin tone. Warm golden, olive, and neutral skin tones look beautiful in warm hues like gold, brown, yellow, tortoiseshell, and rose metals. Cool skin tones shine in icy metal tones like silver, gunmetal, light gray, and slate blue. Vibrant tones like red, pink, turquoise, and violet also make fun colorful statements.
- Factor in your lifestyle. If you lead an active lifestyle, go for sportier wrap-around styles that stay secure. Fashion socialites may gravitate toward bold, trendy oversized frames. Select sunglasses suited for how you’ll actually wear them.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’re sure to select a pair of shades that complements your look, fits comfortably all day, and protects your eyes in style. Now go embrace those sunny days with your perfect shades!
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying and Wearing Trendy Sunglasses
Q: Why should I wear sunglasses?
Sunglasses provide numerous benefits beyond just looking stylish:
- Protect your eyes from harmful UVA and UVB rays that can lead to conditions like cataracts or macular degeneration over time.
- Reduce glare from sunlight, water, snow, and other reflective surfaces that can strain your eyes.
- Allow you to keep your eyes open comfortably in very bright conditions without squinting and tiring your eyes.
- Filter some blue light emitted from digital devices and the sun to help combat eye fatigue.
- Prevent wrinkles by shielding delicate skin around the eyes from sun exposure.
- Give your eyes a break from contact lenses by covering them.
So wearing proper, protective sunglasses is about more than fashion – it promotes long-term eye health. Just be sure to choose reputable brands that offer 100% UV protection.
Q: How do I choose the right lens type?
Here are the most common sunglass lens types and their key differences:
- Polarized lenses – these lenses minimize glare by filtering horizontally reflected light. Great for water, snow, and driving.
- Mirrored lenses – a reflective coating helps reduce glare and light transmission. More of a style choice than technical lens.
- Gradient lenses – tinted lenses that transition from light at the top to darker at the bottom. Offers glare protection while letting you see clearly downward.
- Photochromic lenses – lenses that automatically darken when exposed to UV light then lighten when UV exposure decreases. Convenient for varying light conditions.
- Anti-reflective lenses – a coating that prevents light reflection and reduces glare. Great for night driving.
- Tinted lenses – available in different solid tint colors like gray, brown, green, yellow. Good basic sunglass lenses.
Consider your needs – glare reduction, light sensitivity, night driving, etc. – and choose the lens suited for your lifestyle. Aim for at least 100% UV protection.
Q: How do I pick the frame size and shape for my face?
Keep these tips in mind when selecting the frame size and shape that flatters you most:
- Oval faces – almost any style works including aviators, wayfarers, cat-eyes, rounds, and rectangles.
- Square faces – rounded frames help soften rigid jawlines so look for round, oval, or cat-eye pairs.
- Heart faces – wayfarers and cat-eyes complement this inverted triangle shape.
- Round faces – angular frames help elongate roundness so consider rectangles and aviators.
- Diamond faces – cat-eye, wayfarer, oval, and round styles flatter this shape.
The frame should fit your brow width properly – not too tight or loose. Make sure the temple arms don’t extend far past your face. Oversized, small, or improperly fitted frames will look off.
Q: What sunglass brands are currently most on trend?
There are many brands creating stylish, quality sunglasses currently, but some top trending options include:
- Ray-Ban – This iconic brand remains a leader in wayfarers and aviators. Their classic styles continue to be revived in fresh colorways.
- Oakley – Known for sporty, wrap-around sunglass styles with innovative lens technology perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Gucci – The Italian fashion house offers bold, statement sunglasses decked out in their signature prints.
- Celine – Minimalist, Parisian chic frames in interesting shapes from this luxury brand.
- Le Specs – An Australian brand popular for its modern spin on retro cat-eye and oval frames.
- Garrett Leight – Understated yet cool optical-inspired frames from this California brand.
- Dior – Over-the-top, fashion forward shades that push boundaries.
- Thierry Lasry – Handmade acetate frames in artistic shapes from this French designer.
- Warby Parker – Trendy yet classic shaped frames from this digitally native, socially conscious brand.
The “coolest” brands offer great quality and innovation along with stylish design. Let your personal style steer you toward the brands that speak to you.
Q: Do more expensive sunglasses offer more UV protection?
Not necessarily – UV protection comes from lens quality, not price. Expensive designer sunglasses are charged at a premium more so for the brand name and design aesthetic rather than lens technology.
There are plenty of budget-friendly brands that offer complete 100% UVA/UVB blocking lenses like Goodr, Knockaround, Roka, and Sunski. Don’t assume paying more means better UV protection. Check the label to confirm the lenses block 100% UV.
Q: Should I buy glasses online or in store?
There are pros and cons to both:
Buying in store allows you to:
- Try on multiple styles and colors to see what suits your face best
- Get expert advice from sales associates on size, shape, and fit
- Avoid potential shipping fees and returns
- Take home your new sunglasses immediately
Buying online gives you:
- Access to more brands and styles not found locally
- Ability to shop sales, promos, and discounted pairs
- Convenient home delivery
- Ease of price comparing between retailers
If you know your measurements and styles that suit you, shopping online can be great. But trying styles in person helps when finding your perfect match. Consider doing some initial browsing online then go in store to purchase once you’ve narrowed down your options.
Conclusion
With so many sunglass options on the market, choosing the right pair for your needs and style can seem daunting. By learning the most trendy styles and keeping fit, size, face shape, and UV protection in mind, you’re sure to find shades that make you look and feel your best.
The top contenders continue to be classic frames like aviators, wayfarers, and cat-eyes, but geometric styles also offer a contemporary, fashion-forward look. Go for trusted brands that offer 100% UV blocking lenses to protect your eyes in style.
Confidently wear your new shades knowing that the right pair shows off your personality while protecting your vision. Sunglasses are functional accessories that can pull any outfit together. With some smart tips in mind, you can feel good knowing your sunglasses collection is tailored exactly for you.
So embrace sunny days in the perfect pair of shades for your lifestyle. Your eyes and outfit will thank you!