SUNGLASSES are season-less. Which is maybe why they’re looking so appealing now that you can’t find any summer clothing in stores or online that doesn’t seem slightly sad or leftover. We’ve still got plenty of summer weather ahead, but the stores have begun showing their pre-fall and fall lines. You, on the other hand, are not ready to see anything remotely resembling wool. A new pair of sunglasses is an easy way to update your summer look. And under-the-radar brands, including Freda Banana, Bonnie Clyde and Quay, offer some surprising alternatives to traditional brands.
Before you buy a new pair of shades, consider the shape of your face. Angular lines balance round faces; frames with curved corners soften a strong, square face. Don’t neglect the importance of proportion. Those with square faces should select frames that extend past the widest part of their face. Heart-shaped faces, choose aviators, typically wider at the top and tapered at the bottom, so they complement your face’s outline. Again, think proportion. If you have small, delicate features, don’t choose large, heavy frames.
Look for sunglasses that are labeled full UV protection. Cataracts, other growths, even some cancers are directly related to UV exposure. Lens color doesn’t matter, coverage does. Today’s styles favor small and angular, but large sunglasses offer more protection from the light. And not only on sunny, summer days. All year round. They’ll up the cost, but polarized lenses will help reduce glare.
—Janet Kelly
ABOVE: If you’re prone to losing (expensive) sunglasses, Acne Studios’ Ylari angular acetate sunglasses, a combination of sunnies and jewelry, could be your solution. A long necklace of metal and light brown pearls is attached to the gold mirrored lenses. $420, Matches Fashion.
ABOVE, TOP: See Eyewear was founded with the idea of creating high quality, one-of-a-kind styles at affordable prices. Like this 33 Sun, a modified square pair in baby green, a wider fit option for larger faces. $99, See Eyewear.
ABOVE, BELOW: Sao Paolo, Brazil-based Lapima favors bold silhouettes. The feminine, 1960s-inspired Carlota Oversized Round-Frame Sunglasses with very subtle cat eye flatters the face and provides 100% UV protection. Also available in orange and neutral-colored frames. $469, Moda Operandi.
ABOVE: Los Angeles-based Bonnie Clyde is known for colorful, unisex sunnies. These Layer Cake 55mm Cat Eye Sunglasses float over the face for a cool, futuristic vibe with 100% UV protection. Also available in red and black, gold and ivory and marble and gold. $118, Nordstrom.
ABOVE, TOP: Chimi lenses from Chimi Eyewear, a Stockholm-based eyewear company, come in six classic shapes and 10 different colors. These square 004 shades, with navy blue frames (kinder to most faces than black), are polarized and 100% UV-protective. $99, Revolve.
ABOVE, BELOW: Designed by Adam Selman in cooperation with Le Specs, these Breaker Tiger-Print Acetate Sunglasses were inspired by Samuel L. Jackson’s character in Quentin Tarantino’s crime drama, “Jackie Brown.” Keep the rest of your look subdued. Full UV protection. $86, Matches Fashion.
ABOVE: Freda Banana London-based designer Alexia Jane Hebet makes one-of-a-kind shades festooned in pearls, like these Anissa Khaki cateyes (also available in red). Full UV protection. $290, Moda Operandi.
ABOVE, TOP: Australian brand Quay offers a range of frames and lenses at wallet-friendly prices. See Me Smile Sunglasses are trendy, with thick cat-eye frames and chunky plastic temples. Available in these translucent rose frames with brown lenses and in black on black. 100% UV protection. $55, Shopbop.
ABOVE, BELOW: Make your pals go green with envy when you wear Karen Walker’s retro Treasure 52mm Sunglasses with emerald-tinted lenses and emerald frames. 100% UV protection.$200, Saks Fifth Avenue.
ABOVE: Classic aviators (100 percent UV protection) from Lilly Pulitzer get an update with mirrored lenses and sleek, shiny frames. Also available in blue, pink, hot pink and gold. $48, Nordstrom.
ABOVE, TOP: Quay Australia’s Don’t Stop Sunglasses with a two-tone rectangular frame are $60 at Shopbop.
ABOVE, BELOW: Retrosuperfuture was founded in Italy with the mission of creating a quirky and bold line (not boring) of sunglasses. For an unexpected burst of color, wear this fluorescent orange color. The Iconic Series Sunglasses were designed to be similar to those worn by Andy Warhol. 100% UV protected. $157, Matches Fashion.
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