Summer and sunglasses go hand and hand. Back in the day, when I was young, I remember only having one trusty pair of shades. Yup, just one single pair. I may have had a very inexpensive backup pair in case I lost mine but bottom line, just one nice pair. My Mom also had a pair with prescription so we all knew we had to take extra care of hers because they were super expensive. When I became a young adult, I too needed prescription sunglasses. Just like my Mom, I ended up with a single pair of prescription sunglasses. I eventually got contacts; life-changing! My whole world changed and I soon began collecting sunnies! (Not for Mom…she still has one pair)!
These days, sunglasses have become just as much a part of the outfit as, well…your outfit! Sometimes the clothing I decide to wear is based upon which pair of sunglasses I feel like wearing. Nowadays, it’s so common to change up your sunglasses daily; wearing a different pair each day of the week is rather common. I might be a little guilty of this particular trend. When I go away on a vacation, I bring at least four pairs of sunglasses with me. Yes, I need to protect my eyes from harmful UV light but I also need to look stylish and put together.
There are certain styles that are classic and worth investing in since they are timeless pieces. I call these my “go-to” sunglasses because I know they are reliable and ideal for those days that you feel like being a bit more casual and want to avoid making any major fashion statements. We all have days where we feel like throwing on a pair of sweatpants and classic aviators to run to the deli or donut shop. Or how about those times when you have an overnight business trip and have limited carry-on space, allowing you to only bring one pair of sunglasses (eeeek). This is another time where you need to choose wisely and find a classic pair that looks good on you and matches well with the majority of your clothing.
I made the mistake of giving into a sunglass fad and I won’t let it happen again! Remember those Chloe sunglasses with the faded blue frame and bedazzled heart diamond on the corner? Yes…I’m talking fifteen plus years ago. (Hmmmm where did I put that pair?) Well, my point is that sometimes it is better to invest in a classic sunglass with a twist rather than a fad that will quickly change.
Each spring, I begin looking for the latest trends in sunglasses so I can be extra prepared for summer. I also keep up to date with all of the fashion magazines and pay close attention to designer campaigns as they start to feature their summer sunnies. So, now that we have determined we need numerous pairs of sunglasses, lets look at some of the latest and greatest trends. I have established that each season brings a new and improved “must-have” pair, so lets get to my favorite styles of summer 2018! These five styles are my top picks because you can go wrong with any of them. None of them are too over the top and can be styled out with just about anything in your closet.
Rimless Sunglasses
Rimless sunglasses are going to be all the rage this summer. Before, rimless shades were more for people who didn’t want to look like they were wearing glasses but not anymore. Rimless sunglasses now come in all different colors, shapes and sizes. Chanel’s latest version looks almost like a rimless shield, kind of similar to the classic Oakley’s the boys in my high school used to wear (and probably still do I’m afraid). Fendi and Gucci design two of my favorite rimless styles. I love the Fendi “stepped arms” in pink because they add a little something extra to your sunnies but aren’t over the top. I also love Gucci’s square low-temple sunglasses. These definitely stand out more and fairly oversized. I personally love the gold temples and rose-gold lenses combination. Very chic for this summer!
Cat Eye Sunglasses
Cat Eye Sunglasses are a summer must-have! I think it’s safe to say that Cat eye frames are here to stay because they are extremely flattering and whimsical. There is something about Cat Eye frames that just adds a retro flare to anyone’s look. If it was good enough for Marilyn Monroe and Rita Hayworth, I think it’s safe to say it’s good enough for the rest of us! There are so many designers who have come out with gorgeous cat eye sunglasses but my absolute favorites are by Celine and Saint Laurent. The Celine exaggerated Cat-Eye sunglass is just stunning and people will literally stop you on the street to ask who makes them. There is something so sleek about a black cat-eye sunnie! I also love the Saint Laurent Lily Cat-Eye Acetate sunglasses. They come in various colors so you have a little more to work with compared to the Celine pair. Either way, you can’t go wrong but if you decide to go with Saint Laurent pair, I highly suggest getting them in ivory!
Mirrored Sunglasses
Talk about an eye-catching trend (literally)! The mirrored sunglasses make a strong statement and boost any classic frame style. I would have to say that mirrored lenses are one of the few trends that truly work with any style lens. They also keep your eyes completely hidden (perfect for people watching) and make for the perfect mirror on any occasion. I absolutely love my pair from Illesteva. They are extremely lightweight and don’t leave any marks on your nose (that’s a huge pet peeve of mine). I also love the Dior So Real Riss mirrored sunglasses. They come in various color combinations are super chic. I wouldn’t expect anything less from Dior!
Oversized Aviators
Oversized Aviators are back! This is a perfect example of a classic style that has evolved to fit into the ever-changing world of fashion. One aspect I love about aviators is the fact that they are a style that dates back to the 1920’s. The special lens helped pilots navigate in sunny weather. The classic shape has evolved overtime and now, people wear them on a daily basis. Ray Ban was one of the first companies to design an aviator that became mainstream. It’s safe to say that everyone has a pair of Ray Bans in their collections; it’s kind of a must! Each year, this classic frame gets a twist or an upgrade. This year, the aviator trend is now oversized. It still offers the classic shape but with a much more oversized look. Chanel designs my absolute favorite sunglasses in this category. Their shield sunglasses are the perfect example of what an oversized aviator should look like. If you are looking for something a little less dramatic, I would suggest the Gucci Metal-Trim Aviator sunglasses. Both are great options but in my opinion, nothing can beat Chanel.
Small Round Frames
Small Round Frames are another huge hit and have made a tremendous comeback. Move over John Lennon and Paul McCartney, because Mui Mui just copied your infamous little circle glasses. Millennials have brought back this ever so trendy 60’s look into the music festival circuit. Round rim glasses were a hit at Coachella! Almost every designer has a version of the round sunglass but if I had to narrow it down, my top pick would be the Carlina frame from Chloe. This is one of my ultimate favorite sunglasses of 2018. They stand out from every other round sunglass because they have acetate double-rim frames. These are the type of sunglasses that make an outfit and define luxury.
This summer, I say go big or go home when it comes to your latest pair of sunnies! As long as they protect your eyes from the summer sun and you enjoy wearing them, you are good to go. If I had to pick just one sunglass from the five I mentioned above, I would have to say the Cat Eye is my favorite. I love the chic yet retro look about them and I personally think it will be a trend that will last quite a long time. So, whether you are walking through strawberry fields, the streets of Hollywood, boating in Nantucket or dining dockside in Capri, take it from me…stick to these sunglass trends and you can’t go wrong!
