As an accessories editor, I skim countless runway shows on a daily basis to forecast trends, so it’s only natural that a good portion of my hard-earned salary goes towards shoes, bags, etc. And when the balmy weather arrives, I naturally focus on trends in sunglasses for both professional and personal benefit. Since sunglasses are one of my main vices and the balmy days are officially here, I’m sure there’s no better time of year to invest in a fresh pair.
As the market evolves, sunglass styles become more engaging – and so does my ever-expanding collection. In February, the runways were filled with fun takes on classic silhouettes and even unconventional updates to already progressive styles. And yes, these particular fall and winter collections are like that technically unavailable for the next few months, but now I apply them to guide the style of my accessories.
For example, gigantic fashion houses like Max Mara and Chloé have changed their approach established shapes such as time-honored darts and vast square frames with geometric tweaks. Other brands such as Gucci and Miu Miu have used color to refresh their offerings this season. And of course, the more avant-garde wraparound silhouette continued to dominate the fall/winter 2024 shows from the likes of Kim Shui and Dior.
See how I’ll refresh my sunglasses shelf this summer with these fresh trends from the runways.
Aviation Nation
Aviators wouldn’t typically be considered a new-age trend, but they certainly caught the industry’s attention when Chloé innovative director Chemena Kamali got her hands on the 1930s model. During one of my favorite shows this season, models wore angular aviators with various shades of lenses. It is also worth paying attention to equally fresh pairs from other notable designers, such as Tom Ford and Saint Laurent.
End it
In previous seasons, wrap-around lenses dominated the market, whether they were F1-inspired sports glasses or rectangular visor frames. Dior gave the trend a more formal twist in its fall/winter 2024 show, pairing sunglasses with leopard-print coats and equestrian-inspired hats. My chosen iteration is a more sculptural version found at brands like Loewe, Akila and Chimi.
Extra olives please
This season’s “extremely muddy” color was olive, and it wasn’t restricted to sunglasses. Earthy tones have appeared on the latest runways (fall/winter 2024) with all kinds of accessories such as Gucci, Ferragamo and Fendi. I love muted green as an accent color, and sunglasses are the perfect place to start.
Don’t be square
Exaggerated sunglasses are always in style, and this season’s offerings are sharper than ever. Oversized square pairs have been endorsed by designers such as Max Mara and Louis Vuitton. I choose them as my dramatic summer shades for lethargic days at the beach.
Pink glasses
Change the way you think about pink glasses being fashionable this summer with sunglasses with pink lenses. One brand that showcased this look perfectly was Miu Miu, reinforcing the durability of the colorful style. Whether you have a micro frame or a visor silhouette, add a little pink to your look (albeit on Wednesdays).
The life of a worm
Everyone seems to have a love-hate relationship with bug sunglasses, but this summer I’m deciding to become a lover. Nothing gives me more pleasure than a carefree approach to fashion, and these do it best. You can’t go wrong with Balenciaga, Marni or Poppy Lissiman (just to name a few).
