We Tried 19 Pairs of Sunglasses—These 6 Got Our Stamps of Approval

Harsh truth coming in hot: Some accessories are solely functional for a few months out of the year. Sure, we may revere specific staples, but at the tail end of a season, our sentiments may begin to shift. Wearing sandals in the dead of winter? Not demure. A scarf in the summertime? Not cute. In truth, only a few accessories can maintain their utility year-round, and sunglasses are one of them. Whether the weather forecast includes sun, snow, or something else entirely, shades are something you can count on needing or wanting to wear daily. Beyond their functionality, fashion people have always understood that sunglasses are the most pivotal accessory to establishing one's fashion point of view.

Although this accessory seems small compared to more visually distinguishable items such as designer bags and shoes, shades can act as a shortcut to making any outfit seem cooler. If you're unsure of what type of sunglasses are stylish enough to secure the "seasonless staple" label in your life, you'll want to keep reading. In an effort to find the best cool sunglasses, we had six of our editors try on 19 pairs from some of the buzziest eyewear brands and share their thoughts. Ahead, you'll hear each editor's honest reviews of each style, including which pair secured the "cool" label. Whether you're in the market for something a bit trendier or want a style that will last for seasons to come, you're sure to find a pair that's sick.

The Coolest Sunglasses Overall: Ferragamo Classic Logo Acetate Oval Sunglasses

Kristen's Highlight: "Personally, I love sunglasses that err on the more timeless side but still have trendier touches—this pair from Ferragamo does both."

Keep scrolling to see Kristen's in-depth reviews of every pair of cool sunglasses she tried…

Pair #1: Ferragamo Classic Logo Acetate Oval Sunglasses

Frame Name: Classic Logo (SF2003S)

Frame Shape: Classic oval silhouette

Frame Shades: Transparent Brown, Transparent Red, Transparent Khaki, and Tortoise

Frame Composition: Acetate with anti-UV, anti-scratch lenses

Brand Highlight: Luxury craftsmanship with contemporary touches

Kristen's Review: "There is perhaps no sunglasses design more classic than an oval silhouette. Ferragamo delivered on the timelessness of the shape while infusing it with modern details such as the semi-translucent frames. They're available in four colors so good you'll have trouble picking just one pair."

Pair #2: Longchamp Sunglasses

Frame Name: Sunglasses (LO749S)

Frame Shape: Rounded rectangle silhouette

Frame Shades: Black, Havana Brown, and Khaki

Frame Composition: Acetate

Brand Highlight: Luxury brand with fully traceable production practices

Kristen's Review: "I tend to invest in classic sunglasses over trendy pairs that I wear for years and years, and this Longchamp style is the latest to land on that list. This pair is designer with a slightly rounded rectangle shape, which softens the harshness of something more angular."

Pair #3: Chimi Tony Tortoise Sunglasses

Frame Name: Tony (20527-Tortoise)

Frame Shape: Chunky aviator silhouette

Frame Shades: Tortoise and Black

Frame Composition: Recycled acetate that's shatter- and scratch-resistant with 100% UV-protected lenses

Brand Highlight: Scandinavian brand with sustainably minded production

Kristen's Review: "Acetate aviators are easily one of my favorite sunglasses trends that have taken hold in the last year. This pair from Chimi is finished in a rich chocolate tortoiseshell and inspired by iconic pairs from the 1970s. They're an impactful, conversation-starting piece yet easy to style with a range of looks."

The Coolest Sunglasses Overall: Tory Burch Miller Pushed Rectangle Sunglasses

Sierra's Highlight: "Of all the sunglasses I tried on, this pair for Tory Burch would definitely get the most wear in my everyday life. The classic shape cements them as a more timeless option compared to other sunglasses, but the white frames and gold hardware still make them feel cool enough."

Keep scrolling to see Sierra's in-depth reviews of every pair of cool sunglasses she tried…

Pair #1: Tory Burch Miller Pushed Rectangle Sunglasses

Frame Name: Miller (TY7202U)

Frame Shape: Geometric rectangle silhouette

Frame Shades: Ivory, Black, and Transparent Navy

Frame Composition: Acetate

Brand Highlight: Timeless shades with a sophisticated twist

Sierra's Review: "I own a lot of sunglasses that just sit there and look pretty, so when I'm in the market for a new pair, versatility is top of mind. Right now, I'm looking for a pair that I know would come with me on vacations but also be worn in my day-to-day life. This pair from Tory Burch certainly sets the standards high for anything else I own at the moment. For a designer brand, the reasonable price point really seals the deal for me."

Pair #2: Marc Jacobs The Oversized Sunglasses

Frame Name: The Oversized (M8000855)

Frame Shape: Oversize round silhouette

Frame Shades: Black and Ivory

Frame Composition: Acetate frame and UV protective lenses

Brand Highlight: The buzziest eyewear line of the moment

Sierra's Review: "Every January, I do trend research in the sunglasses category, scrolling through runway recaps and figuring out what trends will be next. Something I saw across the board in my predictions for 2024 is that oversize sunglasses will be back. This has been proven to be true based on what I've seen on social media and IRL. If you truly want to take it back to the 2000s when this style really hit its peak, then Marc Jacobs is a name to know and shop."

Pair #3: Poppy Lissiman Cherloi Sunglasses

Frame Name: Cherloi (SGLAS_CHER_BLK)

Frame Shape: Curved, oversize silhouette

Frame Shades: Black, White, and Lilac

Frame Composition: Recycled acetate with UV-protected lens

Brand Highlight: Female-founded brand with affordable, fashion-forward options

Sierra's Review: "When I put on these sunglasses for the first time, my jaw immediately dropped. They're the ultimate cool-girl moment, and while they are bold, they're also somehow flattering. I would keep these sunglasses on hand at all times because if there was ever a moment when my outfit felt boring, this pair would resolve that immediately. I highly recommend scrolling to the bottom of the product page to see how people are styling these sunglasses for the ultimate inspo."

The Coolest Sunglasses Overall: Miu Miu Runway Sunglasses

Eliza's Highlight: "If I had to pick, I think the Miu Miu Runway Sunglasses would be my favorites from the group. I don't own anything like them at the moment, and I think they'd be the easiest pair to incorporate seamlessly into my wardrobe."

Keep scrolling to see Eliza's in-depth reviews of every pair of cool sunglasses she tried…

Pair #1: Miu Miu Runway Sunglasses

Frame Name: Runway Sunglasses (MU 10ZS)

Frame Shape: Square browline silhouette

Frame Shades: Camel/Beige, Black/Acid Yellow, Black/Slate Gray, Red, Ochre, and Black

Frame Composition: Acetate frame with 100% UVA/UVB-protection lenses

Brand Highlight: Playful reinterpretations of pragmatic eyewear shapes, all made with high-quality materials

Eliza's Review: "I've been looking for wire-rim glasses that feel casual and cool instead of futuristic and modern, and these are exactly that for me. They're like a fashion-leaning version of Ray-Ban's Aviators or Clubmasters. Tortoiseshell will always be my favorite eyewear material/color, so that detail didn't hurt them in my eyes either. With a white tee, vintage jeans, and maybe some loafers, these will make for a perfect Saturday outfit any time of the year."

Pair #2: Prada Propionate Wrap Sunglasses

Frame Name: Propionate (PRA14S)

Frame Shape: Sporty wraparound silhouette

Frame Shades: Black, White, Transparent Gray, and Transparent Purple

Frame Composition: Polyamide and 100% UVA/UVB-protection lenses

Brand Highlight: Luxury eyewear that's made to last while looking incredibly cool

Eliza's Review: "Before putting these on, I had mixed thoughts on the style. They are a little more futuristic than the sunglasses I'm steering toward and my style in general, so I was on the fence. Once I put them on, I immediately fell in love with the way they formed to my face shape. Yes, they are very modern, but I think that's quite a cool look, especially when you contrast it with Prada's signature ultra-romantic aesthetic. I think these would be incredibly chic with a cardigan, an A-line skirt, and some kitten-heel mules."

Pair #3: Celine Triomphe Metal 01 Sunglasses in Metal

Frame Name: Triomphe Metal (Cl40235u)

Frame Shape: Metal-frame oval silhouette

Frame Shades: Silver/Smoke, Gold/Green, Rose Gold/Brown

Frame Composition: Metal with UVA- and UVB-protected lenses

Brand Highlight: This luxury fashion house is known for adding a French-inspired flair to otherwise classic frames

Eliza's Review: "These sunglasses are super outside of my comfort zone. I'd describe my style as more classic and understated than bold and modern like these, but I actually ended up liking how they looked on far more than I thought I would. Yes, I can admit when I'm wrong. The shape is very flattering on the face, and I love the Celine logo on the sides. All in all, I was surprised to find myself loving these."

The Coolest Sunglasses Overall: Elisa Johnson Jane Sunglasses

Ana's Highlight: "I didn't expect to like these as much as I did! At under $150 a pair, they're also on the more affordable side if you, like me, are prone to losing your sunglasses."

Keep scrolling to see Ana's in-depth reviews of every pair of cool sunglasses she tried…

Pair #1: Elisa Johnson Jane Sunglasses

Frame Name: Jane (#J-101-A)

Frame Shape: Retro aviator silhouette

Frame Shades: Blue Tortoise, Light Brown Tortoise, Red Tortoise/Purple, Ivory/Brown, Brown Tortoise/Red, Gloss Black/Light Brown, and Tortoise/Mint Green

Frame Composition: Acetate with UV400, UVB, and UVA Protection

Brand Highlight: Black-founded label aiming to make luxury eyewear attainable

Ana's Review: "This was the pair I was most excited to receive in the mail. It's safe to say I wasn't disappointed. Although I usually don't gravitate toward aviator styles, I love how sleek and luxe these felt while still being approachable and modern. The vintage-inspired orange lenses were also a big win in my book."

Pair #2: Otra Gina Sunglasses 

Frame Name: Gina (GIN-BLKSMK-334)

Frame Shape: Oval silhouette

Frame Shades: Transparent Cherry, Transparent Slate, Transparent Matcha, Transparent Pink, Transparent Coffee, and Black

Frame Composition: Acetate frames with UV-protection lenses

Brand Highlight: Specialty designed shades, all under $100

Ana's Review: "I'm a tried-and-true oval-sunglasses girl, so when these ended up on my desk to experiment, I was down for the challenge. While the dark cherry hue of this pair is incredibly fun, I'd be hesitant to wear them over my all-black workhorse shades since I'd be nervous they're a bit harder to style. If you're looking for a pretty color in a silhouette and size you're already familiar with, look no further."

Pair #3: Poppy Lissiman Bibi Sunglasses

Frame Name: Bibi

Frame Shape: Oversize, rounded silhouette

Frame Shades: Black/Gold Gradient, Tortoise/Pearl, and Clear/Pink

Frame Composition: Acetate with CAT1 UV-protected yellow gradient lens

Brand Highlight: Female-founded brand with affordable, fashion-forward options

Ana's Review: "'Va-va-voom' was all I had to say while wearing these jaw-dropping sunnies. While they made their debut in our office to oodles of compliments from editors, the best way to style these was with a simple outfit consisting of a white T-shirt, jeans, and black sandals. Coincidentally, that was my uniform at Copenhagen Fashion Week. It was no surprise I kept on reaching for these to make a statement throughout the week. The acetate frame on these is thick and glossy, making them feel extra luxe in my book."

The Coolest Sunglasses Overall: Vehla Kaia Sunglasses

Nikki's Highlight: "Vehla's Kaia Sunglasses stood out to me as my favorite pair. They felt incredibly sturdy on my face without being uncomfortably heavy and best complemented my face shape."

Keep scrolling to see Nikki's in-depth reviews of every pair of cool sunglasses she tried…

Pair #1:  Vehla Kaia Sunglasses

Frame Name: Kaia (VS476)

Frame Shape: Oversize aviator silhouette

Frame Shades: Caramel, Tortoise/Sage, Malbec/Khaki

Frame Composition: Acetate

Brand Highlight: Luxury eyewear available at mid-range prices

Nikki's Review: "On Instagram, I've noticed a trend among celebrities and influencers. Oversize aviator sunglasses reminiscent of retro fashion are making a comeback, so naturally, I needed to take part in the movement and find a pair for myself. The one that caught my attention was Vehla's Kaia glasses. These sunglasses have a chunky acetate design with a tortoiseshell frame and see-through lenses, capturing the nostalgic aesthetic perfectly. I'm excited to incorporate them into my fall and winter wardrobe, especially with my fur-coat outfits. They effortlessly add a touch of chic to any ensemble."

Pair #2: Kimeze Zawe Sunglasses

Frame Name: Zawe

Frame Shape: Elongated cat-eye silhouette

Frame Shades: Black, Red, Brown

Frame Composition: Mazzucchelli acetate and UV-protected lenses

Brand Highlight: It's a female-founded and Black-owned label

Nikki's Review: "When it comes to sunglasses, cat-eye styles are universally flattering. The Kimeze Zawe Sunglasses did not disappoint, but they were slightly larger on my face than expected. Despite this, they accentuated my features, which I appreciated. Additionally, they felt incredibly lightweight, making me forget I was even wearing them. Cat-eye sunglasses are a timeless choice in eyewear trends, making the Kimeze Zawe Sunglasses a reliable and stylish option."

Pair #3: Oscar and Frank Makati Sunglasses

Frame Name: Makati

Frame Shape: Retro-inspired aviator silhouette

Frame Shades: Caramel, Jelly, Gloss Black With Blue Photochromic Lenses, Gloss Black With Purple Photochromic, Gloss Black With Yellow Photochromic

Frame Composition: Italian acetate and high-quality French Essilor UV-protection lenses

Brand Highlight: Handcrafted unisex shades that are designed in Australia

Nikki's Review: "Lately, I've been interested in retro aviator sunglasses with translucent lenses. When I spotted the Oscar and Frank Makati Sunglasses, I decided to try them. Despite usually preferring slimmer sunglasses, I was pleasantly surprised by how they looked on me. The attention to detail and high-quality materials in the frame and lenses are evident. What I love most about them is their versatility—they can be worn to the beach with a bathing suit or paired with wide-leg pants and a sweater for a city look."

The Coolest Sunglasses Overall: Loewe Slim Sunglasses

Jasmine's Highlight: "After testing out Loewe's eyewear, I can safely say that the hype surrounding its shades is well earned. Of all the sunglasses I tried for this story, this pair was undoubtedly the coolest."

Keep scrolling to see Jasmine's in-depth reviews of every pair of cool sunglasses she tried…

Pair #1: Loewe Slim Sunglasses

Frame Name: Square Slim (LW40134U)

Frame Shape: Oversize square silhouette

Frame Shades: Havana Tortoiseshell, Shiny Khaki, Ivory/Black, Orange, and Black

Frame Composition: Acetate with 100% UVA/UVB-protection lenses

Brand Highlight: Artisanal craftsmanship meets creative reinterpretations of classic shapes

Jasmine's Review: "Loewe's eyewear has always been the epitome of cool, so of course, I couldn't wait to test out the brand. Even though the luxury house has become beloved by fashion people for its more eclectic frames, I knew I wanted to test out a more timeless silhouette. Enter Loewe's Square Slim Sunglasses. What I like about these sunglasses is that they still have that dramatic flair that's part of the brand's design DNA thanks to the fact they feature a trend-forward oversize shape, come in five different colors, and have a subtle gold logo on the side. The shades also are still simple enough to style with everyday staples, such as a T-shirt, jeans, and sneakers. On top of that, these shades are also incredibly well made. The frame felt sturdy but not too heavy, the bridge felt comfortable on my nose, and the lenses felt truly protective from the sun. In short, these sunglasses strike the perfect balance between functional and fun, making them a worthwhile buy."

Pair #2: Jenny Bird Pilot Sunglasses

Frame Name: The Pilot

Frame Shape: Wire-frame trapezoid silhouette

Frame Shades: Black/Amber, Gold/Brown, and Gold/Green

Frame Composition: Recycled steel with recycled 100% UV-protection lenses

Brand Highlight: Female-founded accessory brand offering jewelry-inspired eyewear

Jasmine's Review: "I've been a huge fan of Jenny Bird's jewelry for a few years, but I've admittedly not given its eyewear collection a second glance until now. While the brand's foray into sunglasses is still relatively new, the craftsmanship and creativity are reflected in the collections. At least, that's my takeaway after trying the Pilot Sunglasses. I don't usually opt for thin trapezoid silhouettes, but these sunglasses' sturdy yet sleek metal frame made me switch up my position immediately. I also am a big fan of the amber-tinted lenses. They're so sexy and make me feel like I should be on a flight going somewhere. Overall, my takeaway from trying these cool sunglasses was that Jenny Bird's eyewear shouldn't be overlooked."

Pair #3: Quay Hyped Up Sunglasses

Frame Name: Hyped Up

Frame Shape: Geometric square silhouette

Frame Shades: Amethyst/Dark Amethyst, Apricot Tortoise/Orange, Champagne/Brown, and Black

Frame Composition: Plastic with 100% UV protection

Brand Highlight: Offers a fun approach to under-$150 eyewear that's inspired by pop culture

Jasmine's Review: "I love designer sunglasses as much as the next girl, but I also don't like spending a large sum on shades that might not be seen as stylish by next season. Luckily, one brand solves this dilemma: Quay. After testing out its shades, I can attest that they are excellent for shoppers looking to buy well-made, trend-forward options without spending a fortune. Of all the sunglasses I tried from the brand, I was a big fan of the Hyped Up Sunglasses because they felt like a cooler take on the traditional rectangular silhouette I always wear. I also loved the color of these sunglasses. They feel unique compared to other eyewear options on the market. Plus, they're the perfect way to add a pop of color to your daily life without overhauling your entire wardrobe."

Pair #4: Coach Pillow Tabby Sunglasses

Frame Name: Pillow Tabby (CR609)

Frame Shape: Oversize round silhouette

Frame Shades: Black, Magenta, and White

Frame Composition: Acetate with 100% UV-protection lenses

Brand Highlight: Well-crafted designer eyewear at entry-level price points

Jasmine's Review: "After trying on so many different pairs of sunglasses, I was excited to wrap things up by testing out Coach's eyewear. As a big fan of the brand's handbags, I was curious if I'd love its sunglasses just as much. I decided to try the eyewear equivalent of one of its most popular bags, the Pillow Tabby Sunglasses. I'm not the biggest fan of oversize round frames for my face shape because they can look obnoxious, but these shades are fabulous. What I like about these is that the shape is just big enough to embody that Old Hollywood energy without being too overbearing. Beside the flattering shape, the frame itself is incredibly well-constructed. The material is durable, and it has chic details, like the Coach signature on the temple. Overall, the brand's eyewear proved that sunglasses are as worthwhile of an investment as any other accessory."