I Left My Favorite Sunglasses in Paris—But Now I Can Test These Street Style Trends
From retro cat-eye frames to high-tech transition lenses, there's so much inspiration for my next purchase.
In the grand story of style, signature sunglasses have been so much more than just a functional accessory—they can become an extension of an entire persona. Jackie O.’s oversized frames telegraphed a refined poise we’re still chasing decades later. Marilyn Monroe favored playful silhouettes reflecting the windswept, sweet, and sultry appeal she toggled between on-screen and off. Audrey Hepburn made cat eyes synonymous with gamine charm, while Diana Ross’s supersized shades were every bit as bold as her stage presence.
Anna Wintour famously never leaves home without hers and went on the record saying sunglasses let you “be seen without being seen”—perfect for discreet people-watching or camouflaging day-old dark circles. Which is why, halfway through the Paris Fashion Week collections this March, I was devastated to discover my tried-and-true pair had likely been abandoned at a café, lost somewhere between devouring a plate of French fries and the next runway show.
It wasn’t the first pair I’d lost, and it certainly won’t be the last. But once you’re suddenly lens-less, every new pair becomes a fixation—especially when you see them perched on the street-style set rushing between venues. While transitional jackets and a good flat are staples for logging fashion-month miles, any seasoned editor knows to always stash a few trusty pairs of sunglasses in their luggage.
For spring and summer, the range of sunglasses trends are top-notch: transitional lenses—prescription and just for fun—that shift from front row to after-party, Meta’s tech-tinged Ray-Ban collaboration (as modeled by Marie Claire editor-in-chief Nikki Ogunnaike, complete with a discreet built-in camera), trendy micro bayonet frames referencing the Y2K aesthetic, and the Olsen-approved oversized bug-eye silhouettes making a controversial comeback. These styles dominated the runway—and the sidewalks. Now they’re driving my search for the perfect replacement pair, one I might actually be able to keep around.
Retro Revival
In the 1930s, American artist and sculptor Altina Schinasi introduced the Harlequin frame—later known as the cat-eye—a silhouette that would become synonymous with Old Hollywood allure. Fast-forward to today and brands like Saint Laurent and Khaite are remixing this vintage shape for the modern era, adding splashes of the latest color trends and sleek hardware that feel fresh off the runway while still channeling that timeless, movie-star magic.
Transitional Lenses
Gone are the days when transitional lenses were just a punchline about your dad’s questionable style choices. Now, they’ve graduated to It-girl status. Dark enough for the sun without becoming a tripping hazard indoors, these chameleon lens frames come in everything from sleek aviators to rounded to square silhouettes.
Sport-Forward
Fashion’s been flirting with sport for a while—track pants, boxing sneakers, and a ton of athletic-inspired sunglasses. This season, they come in angular micro-minis, sleek metal frames, and celeb-favorite shield silhouettes. And you don’t need to be fresh off the volleyball court to pull them off: they’re popping up with everything from windbreakers to fur coats.
Oversized Frames
In the early 2000s, oversized “bug” frames were practically tethered to your Venti Starbucks cup. Even the Olsen twins and Rachel Zoe couldn’t keep them in the spotlight forever, and they eventually gave way to more understated shapes. But like so many early-aughts trends, including boho fashions, they’re making a comeback—albeit slightly more polished. Just know that if your face runs on the smaller side, they’ll still take up a whole lot of real estate.
