Trend Highlight: Sunglasses

Remember those massive sunglasses Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie used to sport? I definitely do. In middle school, I bought a pair of oversized white sunglasses from Old Navy and wore them proudly. You couldn’t say anything to me when I was flouncing around with those on. (Or, at least, that’s what I thought). Well, those sunglasses have been collecting dust in my bottom drawer for years. I’ve cycled through aviators, square shaped sunglasses, and cat-eye sunglasses, but I know that I won’t have to go shopping for my next pair—they’re already at home somewhere, probably in my mom’s collection.

Vintage sunglasses are the fashion world’s newest trend, showing up on the streets of NYFW and on the faces of celebrities like Rihanna and Selena Gomez. It’s a little ironic to say that they’re current, though, because they’ve already been en vogue and in Vogue. But let’s be honest—fashion loves itself. We’ve seen remixes of iconic pieces, designers drawing inspiration from past collections, collections that sample vintage shapes and styles. Last year, for example, the beauty community was obsessed with 90s era brown lipstick and the smudgy, lived-in eyeliner look. Chokers were another revived 90s trend, albeit in different styles and contexts. Although vintage sunglasses themselves aren’t new, we’re seeing experimental pairings that combine fashions from different times. Vintage sunglasses are quirky and whimsical, and bring a sort of antiquated charm to a sleek outfit.

50s-era sunglasses, with sharp architectural angles that have the classic “buggy” look, instantly upgrade any outfit. Here, blogger Dasha Kim pairs black frame 50s sunglasses with a denim on denim outfit. Although it’s a classic look, the sunglasses add an eccentric and memorable twist. Red and mustard frame sunglasses are also perfectly on-trend for fall fashion as well, so if you’re ever feeling a little dull and in an experimental mood, pop on a pair of mustard vintage sunglasses with a monochrome outfit.

If we’re talking about glasses, it would be amiss not to mention John Lennon’s classic frames. Intellectual, quirky, and charming, the circular style à la the 70s has now been upgraded to include tinted frames, other geometric shapes, or even both, like the pair below. If you have a heart- or square-shaped face, this shape softens the sharp contours. These sunglasses make a whimsical look even more playful, and add personality to a simple outfit. It also doesn’t hurt that they can do a double duty as part of a Harry Potter costume look, too.

I saved the best for last. Feeling daring? Throw one of these on and rock that look. These sunglasses scream 80s, and are essential to any outfit or any person.  Whether you’re skiing, grabbing coffee, or trying to avoid eye contact, these will do the job. If you want to make a statement, look no further.

Regardless of what style you go for, it’s indisputable that vintage sunglasses are unique, fun, and unexpected. Sunglasses are the perfect, low-commitment accessory to throw on as the cherry on top. So go digging in your grandma's closet: you'll never know what gems you'll find.