Is there any outfit dilemma that a pair of sunglasses can't fix? For every time I've found myself standing perplexed in front of the wardrobe, there has been a pair of sunnies to fix it. Tired and in a rush? A white tee, jeans and everyday black specs. Heading out on holiday? A swimsuit, shorts and a playfully coloured pair. Dressing up for a formal event? Well, I'm summer-wedding ready in a floaty maxi and oversized sunglasses. Even at a photo shoot, you'll find me in a confidence-boosting pair of sunglasses. (In fact, I bought three pairs of my current favourite Le Specs Rapture glasses before they sold out.) Sunglasses really are the finishing touch to any outfit as soon as the weather heats up, and who better to ask about the styles to know now than Hamish Tame, creative director of Le Specs?
"This summer, there is an exciting Y2K revival and love of noughties sunglasses, particularly with rimless shapes and tinted lenses," says Hamish. "We have seen the noughties trend evolve from '90s looks, like the slimline oval and rectangular trend from the past few seasons, but the retro silhouette continues to be one of our most in-demand Le Specs styles and has been spotted on the likes of Zoë Kravitz, Hailey Bieber, Kourtney Kardashian and Bella Hadid."
So when we're shopping for sunglasses, what do we need to look for? Do we stick to a guide to which styles will suit our face shape? Do we look for the most expensive pair that will (hopefully) last a lifetime? Or do we stick to one simple but timeless pair to wear for the next 10 years? Don't overthink it, says Tame. It's all about how they make you feel. "When shopping for sunglasses, look for a comfortable pair that makes you feel fabulous! I am so proud that Le Specs are affordable, meaning that you can have a few pairs on rotation to mix up your vibe and wardrobe."
With vibe in mind, we've scoured the social feeds of some of our favourite celebs, influencers and fashion editors to bring you a list of the sunglasses styles that are trending now and guaranteed to make you feel your best.
1. SUNSET-TINTED LENSES
As Gucci's revival of the aviator proved, yellow-lens sunnies were a best-selling success waiting to happen. For 2022, seek shades in deeper yellows, oranges and sunset reds to echo the colours of dusk in our favourite, sun-drenched season.
A mirrored finish that flashes from pink to orange under bright light.
The classic Ray-Ban aviators in fashionable sunshine yellow.
The chunky black frame gives these shades true retro appeal.
Mix two popular styles by swapping a plain frame for a tortoiseshell one.
We love an ombré lens, and Chloé's bi-colour shades are like a tequila sunrise.
2. SCI–FI SHIELD SUNNIES
Houston, we have a new sunglasses obsession. This angular, oversized style is an intergalactic trip into The Light Fantastic—a sport-fashion hybrid that combines wrap-around protection with eye-catching style.
There's a new name in statement sunglasses to know about now.
Gigi Hadid takes it back to the '90s once again with her latest collection for eyewear label Vogue.
A statement pair of hand-engraved sunglasses from Italian powerhouse Fendi. We predict these will be popular with the A-list this summer.
We'd expect nothing less than head-turning drama from the avant-garde Balenciaga.
They might not be a bold colour, but these supersized sunnies still make an impact.
3. GENERATION Y2K
When it comes to channelling the current Y2K aesthetic, there are plenty of sunglasses-wearing icons to take inspiration from: Legally Blonde's Elle Woods, Anastasia, Paris Hilton, Britney (and Justin). Aim for candy colours, translucent or no frames, and any diamanté details to score extra points. Just add a Juicy Couture tracksuit.
These have pool day written all over them.
Expect to see the return of rimless glasses all over your social feed.
These have the hallmarks of everything we loved about 2000s fashion.
It would be impossible not to feel a little bit more free-spirited while wearing these rose-tinted glasses.
The colour! The lenses! The glitter! My teenage self is losing her mind over these.
4. VINTAGE GLAMOUR
Cat-eye, oversized, or slimline '90s oval shades with ombré lenses, pearl detailing and plenty of gold accents, the antidotes to the Y2K party pairs are the refined, vintage glasses. Think Sophia Loren in the '70s or Versace supermodels in the '90s. These are tastefully opulent styles with exquisite attention to detail.
One of the biggest collaborations of the year, the Missoma x Le Specs collection has all of the demi-fine touches that we've come to expect from the jewellery brand.
Linda Evangelista, eat your heart out. There's a reason Celine sunglasses are becoming an influencer favourite.
The ultimate in retro sunnies with a classic '70s shape and unique peachy-coloured lenses.
Just pair with a silk headscarf and black swimming costume for Saint-Tropez styling.
If the chunky black versions feel a little harsh for you, try the '90s oval in a soft brown shade.
There's something about this shade of burgundy that makes these glasses look seriously expensive.
5. WHITE CAT-EYE
You can count on the cat-eye to crop up every summer. It's a universally flattering shape, especially in a neutral shade like white, that will go with anything in your wardrobe, making it a great choice for an investment buy. It might be a tried-and-tested classic that you've seen before, but its wide appeal makes this one of the best options on the market.
The brown lenses make this pair stand out from the crowd.
Bottega's accessories are taking over its ready-to-wear for the most sought-after pieces.
A pair to buy now and love forever.
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