Sunglasses are a summer staple, because let’s face it, squinting will never be in vogue – no matter how golden the hour is.
An easy way to update your look or add personality to an outfit, finding the perfect pair of sunglasses can be as difficult as searching for the ultimate jeans or superlative white t-shirt.
We’ve been through a slew of sunglasses trends, from ridiculously tiny frames to face-masking frames that you can successfully hide a hangover from.
Whether you are a collector of the weird and wonderful, or a lover of a classic, a great pair of sunglasses can complete your BST outfit. The choice is often extremely wide, but if you are looking for a set that can go the distance, the first thing to consider is the shape that best suits your characteristics.
Luckily, Perry Moore, MD of sunglasses brand Silhouette UK is here to help with sunglasses buying advice for your face shape. The key, as you’ll read below, is a matter of balance:
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Oval faces: An oval face shape is the most versatile when choosing glasses, suitable for bold shapes, oversized frames, and bright colors. To highlight your strongest features, go for a model as wide as the widest part of your face to add angles and balance the soft curves of the oval face shape.
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Heart Shaped Faces: If you have a heart-shaped face, choose frames that are as wide or slightly wider than the forehead to balance out a narrower chin. Rounded or oval frames and those with decorative details along the top line are a great choice. If you’re not sure about rounded panto-shaped lenses, try a square frame for a striking look.
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Round faces: Angular and square frames are the best choice if you have a round face, making it appear longer and narrower as their sharp angles balance the roundness of the face. For the most flattering look, try a pair that is wider than it is tall.
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Triangular faces: A triangular face is narrower at the top and has a wider chin. To add width to the narrower top half of your face, choose frames with a marked brow line, such as a cat eye shape all the way around.
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Square faces: Just as square frames are suitable for round faces, round or oval frames balance each other out and add softness to a square face. Opt for narrower rather than wide frames to soften strong angular features. Neutral colors will also help lengthen the face.
Whether you’re looking for a pair of evening wear to go with you on summer celebrations or an everyday set of frames that go with everything in your wardrobe, we’ve rounded up the most beautiful styles for summer in the greatest variety of shapes.
From cool Aviator glam to effortless chic cat eyes, here are the best sunglasses to spend your money on.
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Oval face – oversized
ALAÏA oversized square tortoiseshell acetate sunglasses
Take inspiration from American Vogue chef Anna Wintour with oversized sunglasses that will leave you impenetrable and ready for the FROW. Made in Italy with tortoise shell acetate, Alaia’s square frames bring a touch of daring to oval (and round) face shapes.
£ 300 | Net to wear
Silhouette accent shades
The unofficial color of the season, lavender, is the perfect hue for these specs which is framed in a slightly darker complementary color. Not sure if they will fit? Check out the trial tool before purchasing.
£ 288 | Mr. Spex
Dior Eyewear 30 Montaigne 2 square sunglasses in brown
With a tortoiseshell frame, burgundy lenses and a gold edge, the Montaigne glasses by Dior exude flawless glamor. Best accessorized with a high volume Hollywood style blowing.
£ 400 | brown
Heart-shaped face – decorative details on the forehead
Quay X Saweetie Harper Studded Cat Eye Sunglasses for Women in Warm Coral Red
Some hide behind sunglasses, others wear them to be seen. Guess which camp this Quay design is on.
£ 50 | Asos
Black D-Frame Sunglasses VERSACE
For a loyal pair of on-trend hues, it doesn’t get much cooler than Versace’s acetate styling, complemented by charcoal lenses and gold hardware. Comes with branded box and cleaning cloth to keep them shiny.
£ 161 | Harvey nichols
Bottega Veneta cat-eye acetate and gold sunglasses
If you like a little quirk in your accessories, take a look at these Bottega sunglasses, which feature square lenses, a contemporary cat’s eye, and big, arched eyebrows.
£ 295 | Net to wear
Round face – angular and square frames
Linda Farrow Lola Rectangular Sunglasses in Black
Can’t get over small glasses? Embrace the designer trend with Linda Farrow’s rectangular sunglasses, featuring 22k gold elements and ZEISS lenses with UV protection. Pretty and protective; our favorite combo.
£ 345 | Linda farrow
Celine hexagon-frame acetate sunglasses
The unusual shape of this hexagonal frame paired with shiny acetate and ink lenses makes it a glamorous touch for stylish outfits.
£ 340 | Net to wear
Square Sunglasses Oliver Bonas Japan Blue Ombre Acetate
Bold in blue, these oversized square sunglasses will help you stand out.
£ 49.50 | Olivier Bonas
Ray-Ban Benji Square Sunglasses for Women in Brown
Originally designed for the US Air Force, the Ray-Ban are synonymous with sunglasses. The iconic brand stays on top of their game with cool drops – take this 70s gradient tinted pair for example. The square shaped design comes with a branded case to keep them safe when not in use. .
£ 149 | Asos
Victoria Beckham Wide Flat Square in Black
VB hits gold on the accessory front with these angled, oversized sunglasses with just the right amount of softness to fit a range of face shapes. Made with thin black acetate frames, they will be very light. Hot stuff.
£ 259 | Victoria beckham
Triangular face – cat eyes
Hot Futures Boogie Love metal and acetate cat-eye sunglasses
The future is bright, but don’t worry: these shades can help reduce glare. The ’90s-style Boogie sunglasses from the East London label are a splurge-worthy expense for anyone looking for a new take on the classic cat’s eye.
£ 85 | Selfridges
Buy all Hot Futures frames at Selfridges
TOL Eyewear Iconic Blue Cat-Eye Sunglasses
Are you looking for a way to harden pastel? Pair a pale blue with the sharp edges of TOL’s chunky cat-eye frames, and voila! Have the blues? You better believe it.
£ 195 | brown
GUCCI Havana tortoiseshell acetate cat-eye sunglasses
With a subtle cat’s eye and a timeless tortoiseshell frame, Gucci’s oversized sunglasses offer true cost per wear. Put them on for work, play and everything in between.
£ 220 | Net to wear
Square face – round or oval frames
Unisex Spitfire Post Punk Sunglasses with Tonal Lenses in Olive Green
These Spitfire sunglasses are a very convincing argument for going green. Round frames and olive colored lenses offer a nice alternative to normal brown and black.
£ 35 | Asos
Ralph Lauren Round Sunglasses
Simple, chic and effortlessly preppy – much like the brand itself.
£ 163 | Sunglasses hut
The Kooples Brown Tortoiseshell Sunglasses
These Italian-made sunglasses are classic enough to be unisex, with the only embellishment: the brand name on the arm. Also available with a transparent frame as well as in classic black.
£ 190 | The Kooples
GUCCI Gold Aviator Sunglasses
Bring new meaning to the golden hour with these golden specs from Gucci. With golden UV-protected lenses, a black logo on the arm and black acetate tips, they fit perfectly into the brand’s DNA.
£ 310 | Harvey nichols
