By popular demand, our big summer annual sunglasses article returns! This year includes plenty of fresh favorites as well as reinvented classics.

Sunglasses, like all fashion, have their ebbs and flows. Some seasons, only three or four trends emerge, dominating the landscape of our faces with little variation. Other seasons, though, it’s all about fresh takes and variety, so much so that it can leave us in a bewilderment of what’s in or what’s out.

As you probably already know, this year is the latter. While there are some definitives on what’s waning – i.e. time to put away those thin and understated frames so coveted last year – this season is a variable charcuterie of styles, from avant garde and metaverse-inspired to the “make it statement, but fun” angle. There are super sporty, retro-futuristic visors, super saturated color and of course everything oversized.

So let’s get our editors take here on what’s what, and help you navigate this year’s most popular summer trends-of-the moment that deserve that most coveted real estate on your face…

 SPORTY

We’ll lead in with one of the biggest trends returning once again to dominate this summer. Of course, we’re referring to the Sporty look. Once reserved for athletic pursuits, those snug, high-wrap and often rimless shades have been gracing fashionable faces for the past two years now, and show zero signs of slowing down. Here’s five of our editors favorites that channel that “my other car’s a Cannondale” vibe without breaking the bank…

Starting with this slick pair of wraparounds with their polarized pink lens and rubberized black and pink frames are perfect for edging up any wardrobe look.

Blenders, Eclipse X2 in Miss Hannah $59

With a slimmer, rimless profile, these black cherry frames have marathon girl written all over them.

District Vision, Koharu Eclipse Sunglasses $295

Bold and bright, these yellow-to-blue fade lens sunglasses have plenty of extras that even the non-sporting groups can appreciate. Including anti-fog, impact-resistance and UV400 protection.

Knockaround, Campeones in Rubberized High Voltage $55

Like taking your fav Y2K pair of sunnies and morphing them into sports glasses. Rimless crystal pink lenses and milky transparent frames.

adidas, Sport Unisex SP0003 Sunglasses $49.99

(on Sale NOW from $235)

Finally, for the sporty-curious, these sunnies have all the elements of the sporty look, but in a more classic sunglasses silhouette.

Tifosi, Shirley Sunglasses $29.95

 

CLASSIC CAT EYE

Last season’s soft, larger lenses are giving way to the return of those sharp, triangular cat eye sunglasses of season’s past. So swap out those oversized and rock the room with a pair of classic shades that show you’ve got cat class and you’ve got cat style…

Juicy ripe reds make these premium shades from Raen look good enough to eat…

Raen, Kimma Cat-Eye Sunglasses $149.95

Showing that a little negative can be a positive…at least when it comes to sunglasses…

Zenni, Multicolor Cat-Eye Sunglasses $29.95

These super-angular, rose colored cat-eye shades from adidas really are the cat’s meow.

adidas,OR0084 Original Sunglasses $180

Finally, the ultimate classic, Marilyn Monroe circa 1950s style cat-eye sunglasses, which we scored at Target for a steal. In a word – purrfect.

Wild Fable, Plastic Cat-Eye Sunglasses $12

 

SHIELDS & VISORS

It seems we’re taking our protection from the paparazzi seriously, as this season we’re going all in on some serious eye hardware. Bold mono-lenses and utilitarian level shield sunglasses are all over the place, from runways to sidewalks.

“Fierce and fun” is how Blenders describes these marvelous pink-mirrored sunglasses. We couldn’t agree more.

Blenders, Falcon in Prodigy Doll $69

For when you need a little sporty logo in your life, these smoke and silver sunnies will do the trick.

adidas, OR007 Shield Sunglasses $190

No wonder these flat lens beauties are called Miami Mood. They’re literally a beautiful beachy sunset on your face. Neon-striped, crystal clear frames and peach-lime polarized PureBlend™ Lens (Blender’s premium, polarized mirrored lenses) are impossible to ignore. Editor’s Note: these better already be in your cart, because they’re limited edition and going fast!

Blenders, Millenia DX in Miami Mood $89

If minimalism is more your thing, you can still make a bold statement with these zero frame shield sunglasses from Balenciaga. Sleek and chic they’ll hug your face in style.

Balenciaga, Shield Transparent Sunglasses $315

These metal frame, ombre tinted sunglasses have us saying, “well hello, JLo…”

Carrera, 3006/S Shield-Frame Sunglasses $197

 

BE THERE AND BE SQUARE

The name says it all. This season retro-squares rule, and they’re coming in hot. The beauty of these is they work for any face type, though if you have a round, heart-shaped or oval face, you’ll really shine in a pair of them.

At 55mm size, these creamy cuties are large enough they should be paying rent on your face. The dark, smoky gray lenses juxtapose deliciously with the latte cream colored frames.

Bertha, Rectangular Sunglasses in Cream $29.99

(on Sale NOW from $85)

These cool, blue and gold customers are pure polished Americana…in sunglasses form.

Kate Spade New York, Fenton Sunglasses $39.99

(on Sale NOW from $181.25)

As are these Ray-ban beauties, created in the brand’s iconic gold-on-dark tint look…

Ray-Ban, RB1971 Square Polarized Sunglasses $230

These chunky, hand-polished acetate frames are made for the artistic and the audacious.

Zenni, Blue Quartz Tortoiseshell $35.95

When tortoiseshell, gold and square frames meet, it must be Gucci…

Gucci, Square-Frame Sunglasses $294

OVERSIZED AVIATORS

Continuing in the spirit of this sunglass season’s mantra of “Why do what you can overdo?”, the oversized aviator isn’t just trending, it’s flourishing. Classics are still always welcome, but if you’re really looking for a fresh take? Go 54mm+ or go home.

At 60.5mm, these golden aviators aren’t just big…they’re impactful.

Blenders, Shadow in Matte Gold $59

The combination of lush green tortoiseshell and luxe goldtone hardware make these sunnies instantly luxe.

Zenni, Premium Green Tortoiseshell Aviators $35.95

These white hot mommas are throwing major Lou Miller (aka Cate Blanchett) vibes at us, and we’re here for it.

Carrera, Hot65 Aviators $55.99

(on Sale NOW from $375)

Oversized aviators plus deconstructed twist equals sexy pilot from the future.

Simplify, Sullivan Unisex Aviators $39.99

(on Sale NOW from $275)

Truth be told, we love a good two-tone, and these sleek gray-to-transparent with complementary dark green lenses are pretty stunning.

Zenni, Translucent Fade Aviators $19.95

 

WHITE OUT CONDITIONS

This season we’re doubling-down on making our frames white hot. From sleek minimalistic to quirky vintage, white frames have a chameleon-like effect that can turn a tailored look into something bold and edgy, just as it can elevate a lowkey casual look into something fresh and polished.

Starting with this study in clean perfection, courtesy of Prada…

Prada, Symbole Geometric-Frame Sunglasses $298

Classic cat-eye made fresh in enviable ivory…

A New Day, Plastic Round Cateye Sunglasses $17

Here’s a crisp white, sporty delight…

adidas, SP0045 Sport Sunglasses $126

The striking two-tone of brown on white really bring these oversized shades into focus…

Universal Thread, Round White Sunglasses $15

Last but not least, these black pinstriped and white frames from Blenders absolutely drip in luxe with just a touch of cool prep.

Blenders, Mave in White Limo $69

 

MASTER OF THE CLUB

Clubmasters, also known as browline (because of the thicker top of the frame which look like…you guessed it, eyebrows) are another classic look, such as aviators, that never truly go out of style. That said, the popularity of this style has traditionally been more prevalent in men’s sunglasses, at least until this season. Thanks to a combination of quiet luxury cravings and gender neutral fashion this cool and off-beat frame is no longer just for the boys…

Starting with these classics in black and gold…

adidas, OR0083 Original Sunglasses $155

Square shape not your thing? Check out these honey-colored, round lens version…

Zenni, Browline Sunglasses in Honey $19.95

Tortoiseshell up top allows for a stronger brow, that still looks chic…

Ray-Ban, Mega Clubmaster Tortoiseshell Effect Sunglasses $241

Pretty in pink is also a great option…

Zenni, Premium Browline Sunglasses $45.95

Or go fully futuristic with this abstracted version from Dita, in gold-toned titanium…

Dita Eyewear, Revoir Sunglasses $626

MAKE IT STATEMENT, BUT FUN

Some say it’s a paradigm shift in the fashion world, but personalized fashion was around long before crowdsourcing and TikTok. For those who always opt for the “you do you” lifestyle, here are five options that prove stylishly unique doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.

There are fashionistas and then there are fashion icons. Iris Apfel? IYKYK already, no cap.

Iris Apfel x Zenni, Serengeti Making Waves $45.95

Sure, you’ve seen the heart-shaped sunnies everywhere in the expected reds and pinks, but don’t just follow the trend…be the trend in this chic, darling tortoiseshell version instead.

Saint Laurent, Heart-Shaped 54mm Sunglasses $129.99 (on Sale NOW from $475)

Speaking of bold shapes, kick things way up with these pink-tinted, cloud-shaped sunnies. Fun and avant garde, these would be a spectacular edition to your next music fest fit.

Zenni, Premium Pink Geometric $35.95

Finally, we dare you to resist these dainty, fun frames that are marvelously marbleized to look like oyster shell.

Wild Fable, Marbleized Cateye Sunglasses $14

 

ROSE COLORED LENSES

Sure you’ve heard the phrase, but this season we’re truly embracing the concept. And it’s not just limited to one shade – blush, misty pinks, even bolder fuchsia is joining the party. So if you’re looking for a way to put yourself in a brighter mood this season, we say it’s time to think pink.

Starting with these soft, rosy aviators from Versace…

Versace, Pilot-Frame Sunglasses $317

These delicious, polarized peachy-pink lens shades from Blenders are so aptly named Candy Cove…

Blenders, Skyway in Candy Cove $59

Next, we have these vibrant watermelon shades from Knockaround that look so, so sweet…

Knockaround, Mai Tais in Watermelon Geode $35

These creamy, apricot cuties are a perfect match for warmer skin tones…

 

Wild Fable, Metal Oval Sunglasses $14

Finally, these shades by Longchamp don’t just stop at the lenses, they include the coloring throughout the frames for an all-in dip in beautiful dusty rose…

Longchamp, Oval Frame Sunglasses $139

 

UPCYCLED

Sustainable is so much more than a trend, but this season we’re really seeing several sunglasses brands step up to the challenge. Whether they’re made from bio-degradable products or recycled materials, this one is definitely one that’s got our attention.

Love a gorgeous wood grain? Why not get the real thing? These frames are carved from actual rosewood.

Spectrum, Stroud Unisex Sunglasses $29.99

(on Sale NOW from $250)

Another great option are these zebra-inspired, white washed frames that are made of sustainable, eco-friendly bamboo.

Earthwood, Misty Polarized Sunglasses $37.99

(on Sale NOW from $200)

Finally, we have these fantastic shades made of 100% certified post-consumer plastic. These are part of a new line of sunglasses by Zenni called ReMakes. They’re even shipped in eco-friendly packaging!

ReMakes by Zenni, Oceana Sargasso $39.95