I vividly remember riding in the back seat as a middle schooler and observing my friends’ moms in their Chanel or Gucci sunglasses as they whipped us around L.A. like the 13-year-old diva bosses we were. I could tell the sunglasses were deliberate stylistic choices based on the way they would talk about them and carefully place them in bulletproof cases, but I had no idea what the hype was about. Now, as an adult, I totally get the allure of sunglasses, especially the pairs that fulfill a need that is more than purely functional. As my collection grows, the process of picking between the different pairs feels more like a calling because each of them embodies an entirely different personality. Maybe my favorite part of statement sunglasses is that they have an extremely high payoff in comparison with how low-maintenance they are, which I’m sure you know by now is one of the hallmarks of my style.
Below, I’ve gathered some of the most beautiful statement sunglasses across the internet, including some vintage picks that will have you racing to checkout. As one of the most affordable designer accessories that exist, they’re a great investment piece and will hold their value for quite some time. With sporty shades and metal-framed pairs, keep scrolling to meet your new personality (or two).
Blackout
Black sunglasses will never go out of style—period. Given the evergreen nature of these, you can play around with different shapes to find what looks best on your face, and you’ll find a plethora of options that fit the bill.
Shop black sunglasses:
Timeless and universally flattering, this cat-eye pair will stay in your collection forever.
Versace dupe. Cha-ching.
Perfect for those days when you want to people-watch in peace.
These look a lot like Hailey Bieber’s favorite Saint Laurent sunnies, only a lot more affordable!
The double Cs on each side are iconic.
You can wear these with everything.
Sporty
Sporty sunglasses have made a huge comeback, and there are so many iterations on the market these days. From a personality perspective, they instantly add an air of "I don’t subscribe to your dress codes,” so I love to pair them with business or formal outfits.
Shop sporty sunglasses:
I mean… How could you not be a badass in these?
These will make your cheekbones look super high. Also, Bottega is never on sale!
Giving Y2K.
If you’re more of a ’90s kinda girl like me.
The frame along the bottom is so cool.
I’m invincible in these.
Tortoiseshell
I’m truly stumped on why tortoiseshell always looks so chic. That’s an investigation for another day, but these sunnies are forever cool. They function as the little sister to all-black sunglasses and work well for moments when you’d rather keep things light.
Shop tortoiseshell frames:
This cat-eye/bug-eye mashup shape is very 2022, but I think it’s here to stay.
You need these.
Just the right amount of quirk.
These feel so retro. I’d pair them with flared jeans and a bell-sleeved top.
This color palette is so pretty.
Perfectly oversize and over it.
Metal Frame
I recently saw a throwback picture of Brad Pitt in a simple gray T-shirt, cargos, and the most perfect metal-framed sunglasses. Despite the photo being taken in the ’90s, the outfit felt so fresh and futuristic at the same time. You won’t need to overproduce the rest of the outfit because metal-framed sunglasses speak for themselves.
Shop metal frames:
Neo meets Boyz II Men. Enough said.
Make your directorial debut in these.
These have been trending for decades now and show no signs of stopping.
Secondhand shops have great discounted options, like this Dior beauty.
Bling for the eyes.
Everything from the colors to the infinity shape is so Tom Ford.
Color
Colored frames and lenses are a great opportunity to play with color in your outfit and make everything suddenly 10 times more interesting. Many times, all you need to get to the next level is a small adjustment, which is a lesson I’m currently learning.
Shop colorful frames and lenses:
Black and blue look so cool together.
Speed demon.
These feel more like jewelry.
These frames are perfect to me.
Levity for levity’s sake.
Patterns also look super cool.
Next up, Buh-Bye, Cutouts and Hello, Negative Space—6 Ways to Wear the Trend
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