Trend-Spotting: What's New in Sunglasses

| Sunday July 5, 2009

The days are longer and the sky is brighter, so accessory-junkies rejoice, there may be a shopping trip in your future. This season’s sunglasses are out, and there is a pair to satisfy every girl.

Dominating the trends is my personal favourite, the ubiquitous oversized frame. A recent visit to the Optometrist for prescription sunglasses played out like a game of tug of war, with me pleading ‘the biggest frames you have’, and the doc responding, ‘sweetie, we can’t make them that big’ – and my sister retorting ‘if you can make the chin-grazing frames that I had to suffer through in grade five into a prescription, then you most certainly can make these oversized Jackie-O’s into a prescription!’

Within the category of oversized sunglasses, the rounded edge is the shape of choice this season. The most popular colours of the season remain black, brown, and gold. And in an interesting twist, perhaps due to the recession, frame embellishments are kept minimal. Designers are choosing to use more discreet logos, and simpler details – straying from the bling craze of seasons past. Save with a cheap and cheerful pair from H&M (from $12.90) or Forever21 (from $6.80).

For those who have grown tired of the classic oversized look, there are many other interesting options out there. Bright colours are making a statement and can be found everywhere, from Club Monaco’s nod to the staple Aviator frame ($79), Ray Ban’s retro painted Wayfarers ($135.95 US), or Burberry’s bold in blue square frames ($200 US) – perfect for those with rounder faces and a soft spot for the 80s.

Burberry, Bottega

Another trend in sunglasses is the cut-out frame. A simple change that makes a bold statement to once common frames, the cut-out instantly updates your look – just beware of the possible sun damage sneaking through those chic cuts. If you can handle the glare and are in the mood to splurge, try on Christian Dior’s black and white frames for $295 US, or really splurge on some safari-ready metal frames from Bottega Veneta ($595 US).

Prada, Cutler & Gross, Roger Vivier

If you are the daring type, make a statement in one of this season’s unexpected and unusual shapes, like the butterfly frames from Prada ($245 US), the striking desert storm remake from Cutler and Gross ($490 US), or Roger Vivier’s Farrah Fawcett tortoiseshell sunglasses ($445 US).

Old Navy, Linda Farrow

Rounding out the list of this season’s top sunglasses trends is the Vintage style frame. You can pick a pair of these up at pretty much any price point – from so cheap you don’t have to worry about throwing them into your handbag, to so expensive you probably won’t want to wear them. Pick up a classic pair from Old Navy for only $8, or splurge on Linda Farrow Vintage cat-eye frames ($255 US).

by Heather Loney