Fashion Girls Agree—These '90s Sunglasses Trends Are Back (and Better Than Ever)

The resurgence of the '90s in the fashion world is so widespread today that even when I was looking into the trends to feature in this story, I forgot that some were throwbacks and not something particularly new. I shouldn't be surprised, since fashion is circular and trends are always coming in and out of style, but the '90s hold on the fashion world is strong—and it's not letting go anytime soon, especially with eyewear.

With one look through red carpet and street style imagery from the past, you'd find plenty of sunglasses to add to your wardrobe for good. From Jennifer Lopez's rectangular frames to the almost-identical pairs today spotted all over Instagram, the revivals are happening, and I have a feeling they're staying for a while. I bought a pair of Adam Selman sunglasses based on the '90s vibe a few years ago, and they're still in my accessory rotation today, so I promise you'll get solid use out of the styles below. 

Rectangular

The rectangle shape has been having a moment this year and basically took over our Instagram feeds. It makes sense; they flatter practically everyone. Level up your sunglasses game with a fun-colored version because there's plenty on the market right now.

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Then:
(Image credit: Getty Images)

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Now:
(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

Oval

While I haven't seen circular shapes on the fashion scene in quite some time, oval frames are still around. They're a classic '90s style. Plus, who doesn't want to channel a little nostalgic Brad Pitt?

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Then:
(Image credit: Getty Images)

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Now:
(Image credit: @devonleecarlson)

Frameless

I personally never thought I'd be able to pull off sunglasses without a structured frame, but I think I may have to try it out again soon.

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Then:
(Image credit: Getty Images)

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Now:
(Image credit: @mariaalia)

Sporty

These may not be for everyone, but they're definitely one of our favorite "ugly" trends that have bubbled back this year. We saw them across the runways of Sportmax and Bottega Veneta, and there's no doubt they were influenced by the unique shapes music artists often wore in the '90s.

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Then:
(Image credit: Getty Images)

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Now:
(Image credit: @endlesslyoveclub)

Tinted

While tinted lenses surged in the '70s in oversize silhouettes, the '90s added their own flair to the style with tinier and more oval shapes.

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Then:

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Now:
(Image credit: @champagnemani)

Cat-Eye

The cat-eye is a classic in the realm of eyewear, but it's recently gotten an update to the '90s iteration. The current style going around has a more structured and angular shape rather than the curved one from before.

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

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Now:
(Image credit: @DEBORABROSA)

Next: If You're Obsessed With '90s Style, This Is the Capsule Wardrobe for You

Associate Fashion Editor
Yusra Siddiqui is an editor who resides in New Jersey but bounces between the suburbs and NYC. (She's a Jersey girl at heart.) After interning at Who What Wear in 2019, she found her way to the team after graduating from LIM College in 2022 with a fashion media degree. She's also spent time writing and working for publications such as Fashionista, Coveteur, and Nylon, but she always knew that Who What Wear was where she was meant to be. When she's on the job, she's perusing runway shows, analyzing the latest thing fellow Gen Zers are up to on the internet, and sharing what she can about the modest-fashion market. You can also catch her dabbling in entertainment, talking about the costume choices of the latest Netflix series or diving deeper into how the plotline affects the viewers in a myriad of ways. Lastly, she likes to create content for Who What Wear's TikTok. Her personal time is spent doing similar but also different things—deep diving into almost every new TV show (Bridgerton, Gilmore Girls, and Stranger Things are favorites), planning her next local getaway (whenever that may be), and reading the latest Emily Henry or Sally Rooney novel in one sitting.