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Block UV Rays (and the Haters) With 2023's Trending Sunglasses

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With spring well underway and the sunniest of seasons on the horizon, now’s the optimal time to get your spectacles rotation squared away.

As with other functional accessories like handbags or footwear, eyewear shopping requires a beat in thought prior to clicking “check out.” Not only should each frame be très chic, but it should also tick a multitude of boxes: comfortable, conversation-starting and, above all, versatile so that you won’t grow tired of them upon endless wear. To help ease the decision-making anxiety, Fashionista rounded up the trends that are sure to dominate eyewear this year, with a bit of help from fashion editor and proven trend predictor Jamila Stewart.

Evergreen designer sunglasses (via Burberry, Chanel or even Gucci’s novelty frames) are famously enduring, but over the last several seasons, eyewear has played a growing role in the accessories trend cycle as designers have introduced more new shapes, hues and themes than ever. These increasingly dominant brands include Poppy Lissiman, Elisa Johnson, Dezi, 1017 ALYX 9SM, Lexxola, Port Tanger and more; their offerings of futuristic wrap-around goggles, sleek-yet-sporty ‘dad’ shades and functional cat-eye shapes are exceptionally covetable this year.

Ahead, shop the top nine sunglasses trends to know for the remainder of 2023. 

Oversized Wraparound Frames

Once reserved for stealth celebs, high-coverage face blockers by the likes of Balenciaga and Rick Owens — whose infamous Kriester sunglasses were the second-hottest fashion item of 2023’s first quarter and were co-signed by Rosalía at Coachella — are now among the leading frames to grab this summer. Trendiness aside, the bug-eyed look is optimal for sun safety and achieving “don’t-bother-me” vibes when needed. “I think larger, wraparound styles are shaking up to be a big one as well,” says Stewart.

Poppy Lissiman Cherloi, $140, available here

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Inflated Frames

Inflation is rising in fashion — literally. Ever since Loewe debuted its Fall 2022 balloon-ified frames, swollen eyewear has been gaining traction. According to Klarna, oversized sunglasses saw a 50% increase in sales over the last three months. “I think they’re fun, and they feel very nostalgic,” says Stewart. “I also think that as the ‘cartoonification of fashion‘ continues, we’ll see more designers release their take on ‘inflated’ sunglasses.”

Loewe Round Sunglasses, $360, available here

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Sporty Moto Frames

After a brief but viral foray last summer, gas station sunglasses were one of 2022’s biggest unexpected trends. “I definitely hopped on the wraparound biker sunglasses trend just like everyone else, but now I honestly can’t see myself ever not loving and wearing this silhouette,” says Stewart, suggesting that the motomami look is proving to be more persistent than previously thought. 

Banbé The Elsa, $80, available here

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The New Cat-Eye Frames

Shopping data from Klarna shows purchases of cat-eye sunglasses at a 133% increase over the past three month; and out of all this year’s fads, it’s one of the biggest to watch. “The most interesting [of trends] to me is the oversized cat eye,” says eyewear expert Stewart, “which isn’t like the sleek, pointed cat eye we’re used to, but more these giant, angular shapes that almost feel futuristic rather than retro.”

Elisa Johnson Sham in gloss purple, $135, available here

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Slimline Frames

For contrast against the engulfing masked styles, “It” girls like Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber and EmRata can’t stop reaching for super-narrow sunnies from day to night. “My guess is that wraparound and biker glasses aren’t going anywhere for a while,” says Stewart, “but as minimalism picks back up, we may see some people gravitating to more sleek and dainty, ’90s-inspired styles.” 

The Attico Tortoiseshell Linda Farrow Edition Thea Sunglasses, $275, available here

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Geometric Frames

To add a bit of attention-grabbing novelty to your sunglasses wardrobe, try a fun geometric frame. According to data from Klarna, purchases of geometric sunglasses have increased by 284% over the past three months. 

Burberry Black Marlowe Sunglasses, $320, available here

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Oval Sunglasses

More evergreen than trendy, oval sunglasses can work on any face shape in the right size and fit. “Klarna shoppers continue to shop the classics with round sunglasses showing 63% purchase increase in the past three months,” Klarna shares with Fashionista. Get the French-girl effect with Parisian favorite Rouje, and don’t miss Jacquemus’ exquisite nameplate sides.

Rouje Maryline Sunglasses, $170, available here

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Tinted Frames

“Colored lenses are a fun way to spice up a neutral outfit,” notes Stewart. “For example, an all black outfit could be accidents by a pair of sunglasses with black frames and red lenses.”

Bôhten Legend 54mm Gradient Polarized Sunglasses, $200, available here

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Fun Frames

Perhaps most important of all the year’s considerations is Stewart’s advice to favor your personal style. “I think shopping for your taste is most important. I personally play around with funky, trendy styles, but they often end up lasting a while in my wardrobe if I’m buying a style that really resonates with my taste, regardless of how trendy it is or isn’t.” Honorable mentions include Bea Bongiasca’s collab with Linda Farrow (incorporating the same colorful squiggles as the brand’s emblematic rings) and Kimeze’s crystal-encrusted cat eyes that bear striking resemblance to those from Dua Lipa‘s Met Gala after-party look

Kimeze Damba Rhinestone Sunglasses, $340, available here

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Source: Fashionista.com

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