The 32 Best Pairs of Sunglasses for Summer 2023

You can have your outfit perfectly planned to a T, but it still needs a little something-something. Often, the answer to such style quandary 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 women's 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 shades (opens in new tab) all over your Instagram feed that It girls love so much (Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid, and Dua Lipa are all fans). 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 (opens in new tab), Global eCommerce Assortment & Storytelling Curator at the eyewear company EssilorLuxottica, breaks down different sunglass silhouettes, ranging from classic to contemporary, and the leading sunglasses brands to shop in 2023. So, if you’re ready to stock up on a few new pairs, keep reading to find the best women's sunglasses on today's market, according to an eyewear expert. Here’s to putting your best face forward (and to shielding your eyes from the sun, of course!).

What to Keep in Mind

• Practicality of the Lenses

"Lenses can also 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.

• Consider Your Face Shape

Finding the best frames for your face shape isn't an effortless ideal, but it doesn't have to be cripplingly complicated. Take it from Stewart-Feldman: "The starting point to finding the right frame is to identify your face shape (there are apps and websites that can help you). 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," says the glasses expert. "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."

Best Colorful Sunglasses

Colorfully tinted sunnies have been trending for a while now (remember when orange-hued shades were everywhere in 2021?!) but this season's iterations are pastel-toned and very much inspired by the music videos of the early '00s. 

"Color is key this season, with oversized shapes and/or lenses in optimistic, euphoric colorways – ranging from bold brights to digital pastels – giving any look a fresh pop of color. Find the shades that best represent your style and you will be feeling good while looking good all summer long."

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 timelessly chic aura. As for the trending cat-eye sunnies to shop, Stewart-Feldman has her eyes set on this rounded Versace pair. "Versace revisited 50’s 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

Celebrities like Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber have been spotted in oval-shaped frames recently. There's something '90s-inspired and grungy about the silhouette, calling back to Kurt Cobain's signature white and black frames. This season, opt for ovals that come in monochromatic shades for a supermodel-approved look. 

Best Square Sunglasses

Kate Middleton has long been a fan of the square sunglasses. You can't beat the shape if you're looking for a timeless style that looks good with just about any ensemble. And if you're in the mood to buy a pair of Middleton-approved lenses, shop the Ray-Bans below. 

"If you’re searching for shades that are classic with a twist, the new Mega Wayfarer from Ray-Ban is a modern update on the iconic style. 

Best Round Sunglasses

TK

Best Rectangular Sunglasses

Taking it back to middle school-geometry class—a square is a rectangle, but a rectangle is not a square, hence why these elongated shades get their own worthy shoutout and section.

"On the wow style side of the style spectrum, Prada Symbole series is full of on-trend, geometric designs with chunky volumes and refined colorways."

Best Oversized Sunglasses

If you want to hide half your face with your preferred pair of sunglasses, this style is for you. Massively oversized sunglasses are everywhere yet again in 2023, most recently spotted on celebrities like Ciara. 

"Oversized rounds also nod to the boho revival trend and there are some great shades with neutral colorways and beautiful details like the Burberry Margot or Tiffany & Co. rimless geometric round with metal jewelry inspired temples & bridge."

Best Aviator Sunglasses

Aviators are always trending in my book. The slender frames are a truly classic piece in my sunglasses collection, and I can't seem to get enough of them right now. Stock up on frames that come in simple colorways like gold and brown like Jennifer Lopez, a longtime fan of the shape. 

"70s bohemia is back with XXL geometries in vintage-inspired tones, metals  & tortoise colorations paired with earthy-hued lenses. This season I’m loving the Ray-Ban classic oversized square pilot and Michael Kors Breckenridge– a combo construction with moody earth tones."

Meet the Expert

Heather Stewart-Feldman

Heather is Milan based and an internationally published trend expert and professor. She curates and creates content and insights that target, engage, and emotionally impact the decisions made by consumers when approaching a product purchasing opportunity. With 15-plus years of professional experience in the fashion, media, design and trend forecasting industries, Heather guides brands to decipher and implement the right storytelling strategy for effectively & efficiently engaging with their audience, whether through product or visual/communication messages.