10 designer sunglasses to add to your summer accessory arsenal
No self-respecting accessory aficionado would be caught dead without a pair of designer sunglasses. Irrespective of whether you're basking in the sun's warm glow, they offer so much more than merely eye protection against harmful UV rays.
Needing to infuse your outfit with main character energy, scope out your crush without being spotted or mask the tell-tale signs of a raging hangover? Designer sunglasses are the sartorial sidekick that will come to your aid at a moment's notice.
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Hello! Fashion shares the best designer sunglasses to shop now:
Round
John Lennon and Ozzy Osbourne had the right idea, both repping round sunglasses that over time morphed into part of their respective signature aesthetics. Luckily, the style isn't exclusive to international megastars, rather it is great for balancing out angular face shapes, offering a flattering, softening effect. These gold Loewe frames, complete with the label's iconic logo on the arms, are at the top of our current wish list.
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Cat-eye
Upturned, cat-eye shapes suit most face shapes, but in particular work well on longer faces as they add width. The feline effect is infinitely chic, but if you're hesitant, allow OG cat-eye trendsetter Holly Golightly, aka Audrey Hepburn, to persuade you. These glossy acetate shades by Dior would look perfect alongside an A-line mini dress and a white wide-brimmed sun hat.
Oversized
Oversized sunglasses equal diva. It's the law, and you may as well embrace it. Steeped in power, channel your inner Joan Collins/Jackie O/other relevant female powerhouse with a pair of larger-than-life frames. Chloé excels in 1970s shapes, and this blush-tinted pair would work seamlessly with a voluminous boho peasant dress.
Aviator
Originally designed to cover the entire field of vision to allow pilots maximum visibility, aviator sunglasses are a classic style that suit most face shapes, especially oval and heart. Exude retro flair with these tortoiseshell acetate and gold-tone frames by Balmain and pair with flared jeans for bonus points.
Square
Square frames took off in the 1960s, and we're still lusting after a pair in 2023. Those with round faces should opt for styles with sharper angles to balance out a soft jawline, and we reckon Off-White's 'Catalina' design would look great on holiday with an orangey-red lip and a super sleek bun.
Tinted
A subtle flush of colour is a highly effective way of adding some extra interest into your outfit. Use your skin tone as a guide: those with veins that appear green are likely to have warm undertones – think faded oranges and toasty golds – whereas if yours are more bluish or purple you're probably on the cooler end of the spectrum, opt for soft greys or moody blues. We can't get enough of these light green-tinted shades by Gucci, with exposed top edges they're very Y2K, but in the best possible way.
Wraparound
Something of a celebrity favourite, the wraparound style is curved to, yep, you guessed it, wrap around the face. It's giving retro-futuristic – an excellent choice if you're wanting to make a statement. This pair by Balenciaga is serving an alien air and we're not even mad about it.
Rimless
If you're not careful, rimless sunglasses can look antiquated - and not in an ironic, Y2K kind of way. This pair by Le Specs hits the sweet spot - they're giving noughties pop princess, and we can't get enough.
D-frame
With lenses that resemble the letter 'D' when turned on their side, D-frames are hugely varied. As a general rule of thumb, those with sharper angles work well on softer face shapes and vice versa. We love these two-tone Celine shades for added interest.
Rectangle
Boasting the supermodel seal of approval, rectangle sunglasses lend your face sharper contours, and so are excellent on round and oval face shapes. We're currently head over heels for Linda Farrow's 'Lola' design which no doubt would look fab alongside an oversized sweatshirt, cycling shorts and chunky Dad trainers.
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