You have your outfit perfectly planned to a T, but it still needs a little something-something. Often, the answer is a thoughtful accessory—a color-coordinated handbag, a barely-there chain, or the perfect pair of sunglasses to tie your look together. Speaking of the latter: the best pairs of sunglasses can have a particularly profound fashion effect. Think of the dramatically oversized yet undeniably chic frames the Olsen twins are so fond of or the color-tinted sunglasses all over your Instagram that Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber love. The right sunnies can be the final piece to your outfit puzzle, taking it from unfinished and half-hearted to put together and intentional.
Ahead, Heather Stewart-Feldman, Global eCommerce Assortment and Storytelling Curator at eyewear company EssilorLuxottica, breaks down the trending silhouettes and the best sunglasses brands to shop in 2023. Here’s to putting your best face forward (and to shielding your eyes from the sun, of course!).
What to Consider When Buying Sunglasses
- Practicality of the Lenses
"Lenses can be a big factor when choosing a frame because depending on what you’ll be using the sunglasses for, you may want polarized lenses to keep the glare down on those bright sunny days," describes Stewart-Feldman. But if you're in the market for more ornamental shades (as in, their main job is to serve a fashionable, not functional, purpose), then feel free to try more impractical buys.
- Consider Your Face Shape
"The starting point to finding the right frame is to identify your face shape," says Stewart-Feldman. And while finding the best frames for your face shape isn't an effortless ideal, it doesn't have to be cripplingly complicated. "There are apps and websites that can help you," says the glasses expert, "and this way, you can determine how best to balance and compliment your facial features. Factors like frame shape, color, and style all come into play and can alter your aesthetic, so knowing your face shape will help simplify the shopping process."
- Your Personal Style
"Personal taste is the main factor in the decision-making process," Stewart-Feldman shares. "For instance: are you someone who leans towards minimal, wear-with-everything, always-on aesthetics, or do you enjoy standing out in the crowd with bold, fashion-forward looks? We all want styles that represent us, our personalities, and our individual styles, whatever that may be! So, to feel good and look good, I suggest finding the best shape, color, and style that fits your needs and aesthetic desires."
The Best Deals on Sunglasses
Best Colorful Sunglasses
"Color is key this season, with oversized shapes and lenses in optimistic, euphoric colorways—ranging from bold brights to digital pastels—giving any look a fresh pop of color," shares Stewart-Feldman. "Find the shades that best represent your style, and you will be feeling good while looking good all summer long." Oh, and do you recognize Lexxola's sunset-hued Damien sunnies, above? That's because they're a perennial favorite amongst the A-list crowd, including Kourtney Kardashian, Dua Lipa, and Kaia Gerber.
Best Cat-Eye Sunglasses
What's not to love about a classic cat eye? From exaggerated and elongated to slightly peaked and subtle, the silhouette will forever exude a glamorous energy. As for the trending cat-eye sunnies to shop, Stewart-Feldman has her eyes set on this rounded Versace pair. "Versace revisited '50s soft cat-eye shape in a powdery beige hue with playful Medusa decals on the temples. It's vintage vibes from the front but modern musings from the side!"
Best Oval Sunglasses
Calling back to Kurt Cobain's signature white and black frames, try a '90s-inspired and grungy oval-shaped silhouette this summer. Bella Hadid has entered the chat, too: The supermodel and trendsetter supreme routinely gravitates toward oval sunglasses, from teeny-tiny oblong-shaped frames to exaggerated shield styles in chrome.
