As a New Yorker, I never leave the house without a pair of shades. It's just what we do. Even in the winter, as soon as a smidge of sun appears in the sky, the frames come out. So I'm always looking for new pairs to incorporate into my closet, and this season, the catwalks offered lots of inspiration in the hunt.
Designers made the case for directional frame silhouettes and updated classics. Styles ranged from bohemian to futuristic, and shapes ran the gamut from sleek and narrow to playfully exaggerated. At Chloé, oversized pairs completed new-bohemian looks of head-to-toe florals and flowy frocks. Other brands, like Loewe and Prada, went more futuristic with mirrored and colourful lenses, adding character to spring dresses and jackets.
Below, I break down the best sunglasses across seven key new categories in the market, including some pairs on my wish-list and some I'm already wearing.
Oversized Sunglasses
You can't go wrong with sunglasses that go big. These XL frames add a bohemian flair to any outfit and look good on nearly any face shape. Pop on a pair with a flowy frock or a knit midi-dress, and voila — you're practically manifesting summer.
Tom Ford Lorelai Square Sunglasses
Chloé Aly Square Sunglasses
Max Mara Ernest Square Sunglasses
Prada Geometric Oversized-Frame Sunglasses
East-West Shades
This classic style has been given an update with wider temples and in new colours. Gucci's perfect retro pair comes in an unexpected shade of off-white version, while Celine engineered its Triomphe style to be a bit bigger. Almost universally, these make your look feel instantly cooler. I love them with a classic white oversized button-down, a pair of jeans, and ballet flats.
Gucci Double G Rectangular Sunglasses
Celine Triomphe XL 01 Rectangular Sunglasses
Bottega Veneta Square Sunglasses
Mirrored Shield Sunglasses
These frames add the perfect amount of shine to any look, and felt new when paired with floral dresses, the way we saw them on the runway at Loewe. Their shape and reflective lenses add a modern touch to otherwise precious spring dress silhouettes. You can also lean into their metallic finish by pairing them with silver or gold jewellery and a cocktail dress for a spring rooftop event in the evening.
Prada B55S Sunglasses
Alaïa Shield Metal Sunglasses
Rick Owens Shield Sunglasses
The New Cat-Eyes
This season, cat-eyes were rounded or squared off for a modern twist with just the right amount of drama. These are true classics and go well with everything from a monochromatic shirt and trousers to a button-down shirt dress.
McQueen Cat-Eye Sunglasses
Gucci Double G Cat-Eye Sunglasses
Saint Laurent 633 Cat-Eye Sunglasses
Retro Aviators
These sunglasses are the best of both worlds: Their nostalgic aviator shape makes them look cool, and their laminated acetate or plastic frames make them extremely comfortable to wear. They're great for everyday — try styling a pair the way Saint Laurent did on the catwalk, with a bomber jacket over suiting, for a spring commuter look.
Jacques Marie Mage Leonard Sunglasses
Miu Miu Plastic Shield Sunglasses
Armani Aviator Sunglasses
Futurist Spectacles
Although these shades are thin and minimal, they make a big impact on your look. Balenciaga's mask sunglasses are the futuristic accessory that elevate an all-leather look — perfect for transitional spring weather. Others, like Armani's illusion glasses or Swarovski crystal-adorned pair, instantly add glamour to a midi-pencil-skirt-and-bodysuit look.
Chanel Oval Sunglasses
Balenciaga Panther Mask Sunglasses
Swarovski SK7024 Crystal Sunglasses
Emporio Armani Oval Sunglasses
Ski-Goggle–Inspired Pairs
The ultimate statement sunglasses, these oversized shields are hard to miss. Luar even layered them with a second pair, adding more dimension to the look. These will fit in perfectly on the slopes, of course, but they make just as much sense for waters sports in the summer. Or, to create an intriguing sense of contrast, try wearing a pair with more structured tailoring as a way to update a classic look.
Luar Double Eyewear
