There is a time and a place for serious sunglasses, but your vacation is neither. Packing two or three pairs of sunglasses in your suitcase will give you the versatility you need to switch up your outfit on the fly. Oversized sunglasses are perfect when worn with a one-piece and a floppy sun hat for a day lounging around the pool, while a pair of bold and striking ‘fashion’ sunglasses will add an edge to a pretty summer dress. It’s time to step out of your sunglasses rut.
Throw some shapes
Who said sunglasses should fill a one-size-fits-all mould? The best sunglasses this summer are playful in shape and don’t take themselves too seriously. Try Prada’s tortoiseshell-effect hexagonal sunglasses on for size; the mottled patina adds a touch of chic, while the generous size will easily disguise the tell-tale signs of any late nights. Chloé’s Dafne sunglasses also play with a hexagonal shape, but the pale baby-pink frame and gradient lenses are both youthful and a little flirty. Lastly, who can resist Miu Miu’s butterfly-shaped sunglasses? They scream 1990s pop and that can only be a good thing. Just add some era-appropriate lip gloss.
Throw it back
Retro shapes will never be out of style and our favourites this season are reminiscent of the early 1950s. Rockabilly shapes with bold frames and quirky accents suit most face shapes. We love Valentino’s tan-toned retro offering with its faceted pattern and metallic trim, while Miu Miu’s take on the trend is less obvious with its traditional shape. At Miu Miu, the nod to the 1950s comes via the two-tone frame, where the upper section – the part that nestles against your brows – is cast in a classic brown or quirky burgundy. But, if we’re talking retro we can’t overlook Ray-Ban. This pair is a play on the Wayfarer style, but the gold accents mean these will elevate even the most casual daytime look.
Round, and around we go
Round sunglasses will not, unfortunately, flatter every face shape. Anyone with a particularly round or heart-shaped face is better off sidestepping this look all together. However, if your face is long and angular, you will love the softening effect of a pair of round sunglasses. This shape is a celebrity favourite: models Kendall Jenner and sisters Bella and Gigi Hadid are often photographed pounding the pavement in a pair of round sunnies.
The trick is to ensure you’re channelling Sophia Loren or 1960s model Twiggy rather than resembling Willy Wonka. Gucci’s iconic round sunglasses have been given an update in a new bright-red colourway (in honour of Chinese New Year) and look incredible teamed with a faded denim jacket. The Chloé Carlina frame is oversized and pleasingly retro, while Bottega Veneta’s mirrored round sunglasses are more than a little sci-fi and will make any outfit look impossibly cool.
