While there are many components that make up a good wardrobe, there's one item that makes or breaks a look like no other — sunglasses. They're relatively small in size compared to voluminous dresses and practical denim, but they have just as much impact. Some of today's biggest style stars consistently wear them on and off duty, from Rihanna's love for Gucci tinted frames to Hailey Bieber's go-to black shades as she enters her mom era.
The eyewear game on the Spring 2024 runways also dictates some of the year's biggest trends. Pharrell Williams for Louis Vuitton's latest presentation elevated cowboy core with deconstructed suits paired with 70s-esque black and yellow sunglasses. While Rick Owens and The Row emphasized the staying power of black sunglasses through 3-D lenses. Dsquared2 continues fashion's obsession with futurism as models wore oversize shades.
Beyond being aesthetically pleasing to the eyes, sunglasses are just as practical as they are stylish. Many brands have segued into prioritizing eye protection to shield eyes from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays, like Chanel, Maui Jim and Tom Ford. These protective shades are usually marked with the sticker "UV 400 or 100% UV" or contain acetate, which is eco-friendly and sustainable. If you're determined to take advantage of all the activities summer has to offer, purchasing sunglasses with polarized lenses is a must.
Although there's a massive pool of shades to choose from, we've gathered the best offerings of the season. From new takes on the classic cat eye to Y2K-inspired rimless frames, here are the best sunglasses of the summer.
Kith Kimeze Concept 1 Frames, $305 at Kith
Linda Farrow Astra Cat Eye Sunglasses in Black, $540 at Linda Farrow
Poppy Lissiman Quaid Sunglasses in Amber, $115 at Poppy Lissiman
Giant Vintage Original Reds Sporty Retro 70s Unisex Sunglasses in Amber, $34 at Free People
GANNI x Ace & Tate Baby Blue Kayla Sunglasses, $195 at GANNI
Balenciaga 78MM Wrap Sunglasses, $319.99 at Saks OFF 5TH
Le Specs Silver Ian Charms Edition I Am A Rich Man Sunglasses, $145 at SSENSE
Urban Outfitters '80s Sport Shield Sunglasses in Black + Bright Pink Mirror, $15 at Urban Outfitters
Indy Sunglasses Talk To Me Nice Black Sunglasses, $25 at Indy Sunglasses
Longchamp 53mm Rectangular Sunglasses in Orange, $179 at Nordstrom
Eternal Blue Mako Sunglasses in Aqua Blue, $235 at Eternal Blue
Elisa Johnson Jane in Ivory White, $140 at Elisa Johnson
Miu Miu Runway Sunglasses, $610 at Miu Miu
Loewe Inflated Cat-Eye Tortoiseshell Acetate Sunglasses in Brown, $360 at Net-a-Porter
Gucci Chaise Longue Sunglasses, $450 at Shopbop
Le Specs Le Fame LTD EDT Moss Chrome, $39.99 at Le Specs
Bottega Veneta Unapologetic 62MM Round Sunglasses, $485 at Saks
