No summer fit check is complete without the perfect pair of sunglasses, which is probably why we’ve got a whole shelf dedicated to finding the shades to match the mood.
But even without realising it, we’re actually doing ourselves a heap of good. Why? Because when the UV index raises (anything above three we’re calling problematic), you’ve got to protect your eyes just as much as your skin. Obvs, we’re not just going to chuck on any old pair. Nope, we’re bringing you six of the trending summer sunnie styles and some info on how to look after those eyes. It’s where function meets trend, so, let’s check them out.
Spring/Summer Sunglasses Trends
Gold Framed Sunglasses
Our love affair with gold-rimmed glasses started in winter. How you may ask? Well as complete devotees to Love Island we saw countless versions of the trend take over our screens, so obviously, we had to pick up a pair ourselves. It’s worth noting that the OGs are actually a rather exxy pair from Celine. But that doesn’t stop us from leaving it in the wish list and manifesting the money to add to cart.
Girlfriend rates:
- Celine Triomphe Metal from $550 at Net-a-Porter (bottom left)
- SOJOS Retro Oval Sunglasses $29.99 at Amazon Australia (middle)
- Luv Lou The Boston $160 at Luv Lou (bottom right)
Aviators
If we’re being completely honest, our fave thing about aviators is seeing Miles Teller wear the heck out of them in Top Gun: Maverick. And even though we’re going to have to admit (one day) that he’s not actually our man, for now we can slide on our IDGAF aviator shades and pretend we’re a matching pair.
Girlfriend rates:
- Cotton On Elle Metal Aviator Sunglasses from $19.99 at Cotton On (bottom)
- Ray Ban Aviator Classic from $304 at Ray Ban (middle)
- Quay Locals Only from $135 at Quay
Coloured Lenses
Pick a colour theme and stick to it, or you know, totally switch it up. It’s all down to your vibe. And while these tinted lenses make a serious fashion statement, we’re expecting to see them keep on rising the trend ranks this summer.
Girlfriend rates:
- Szade Highway from $39.99 (usually $49.99) at Szade (bottom)
- Vehla Highway from $250 at Vehla (middle)
- Reality Eyewear Dolce Vita from $65.55 (usually $69) at The Iconic (top)
Cat Eye Sunglasses
In a totally retro nod to decades gone by, the cat eye sunnies compliment your perfect liner flick. Designed to make a statement, and look damn chic doing it, you can find everything from a barely there cat eye to the statement type.
Girlfriend rates:
- Le Specs Hypnosis from $70 at Le Specs
- Poppy Lissiman Le Skinny from $90 (usually $125) at Poppy Lissiman
- Ochre Lane Lena from $139 at Ochre Lane
Rectangle Sunglasses
In a move from a classic round lens, these rectangle sunnies give a geometrical 2D-esque appeal that your classic oval could never. The best part? Even though you’re looking for the same shape, there’s a ton of different styles of frame to look for.
Girlfriend rates:
- Banbé The Barbara from $69.95 at Banbé Eyewear (top)
- Oscar x Frank Piru from $260 at OXF (middle)
- Le Specs Pilferer from $69 at The Iconic (bottom)
Oversized Sunglasses
Yep, it’s official the Y2K oversized glasses are back. And while they’re totally not for everyone, these glasses help shade you from the haters as well as the sun.
Girlfriend rates:
- Local Supply Dyspnea x LS – Shady Bee from $78.75 (usually $225) at Local Supply (top left)
- AM Eyewear Solange from $280 at AM Eyewear (top right)
- Soda Shades Aires Blush from $99 at The Iconic (middle)
How to pick sunnies that will keep your eyes safe?
Alright, but in all seriousness, sunglasses provide a much-needed layer of protection for you eyes. So, we chatted to ophthalmologist Dr Aanchal Gupta to find out how to pick the perfect pair of sunnies. Her suggestions? “Look for sunglasses that offer 100% UVA and UVB protection” and while polarized lenses are fab at “reduc(ing) glare, UV protection is key to preventing long-term damage”. Totally manageable, right? We think so, and it means you get to add a few more pairs to cart in our opinion.
Main Image Credit: Getty
Need a spring outfit to go with your new sunglasses? Why not try out one of these three trends…
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