With spring now just around the corner, it’s time to start updating our wardrobes for the new season ahead, and most exciting of all, it also means investing in a few new luxury accessories, because the best outfits are all in the finishing touches.
Our favourite accessory to shop for for the warmer months? A new pair of sunglasses – or three. The epitome of glitz, glamour and sophistication, the right style can make any kind of look, and with a string of spring styles to get excited about for 2022, your perfect pairing is just a splurge away.
There’s no denying that sunglasses can be endlessly chic – but let’s not forget their purpose. Looking after our eyes is the top priority, which is why it’s important not just to choose the pair that looks the best, but that does the best job of shielding your peepers from the harmful UVA and UVB rays contained in sunlight. Although much UV light is absorbed by the structure of the eye without causing damage, research has shown that it may be a risk factor in the development of a number of eye diseases, including cataracts.
These days, most prescription sunglasses have a built in UV filter, and an increasing number of contact lens brands do, too – check with your optometrist to find out if yours do. Of course, in the summer months, you’ll likely want to shade your eyes from bright sunlight for your own comfort as much as anything, but while sunglasses – particularly polarised varieties – offer robust protection and meet rigorous British standards in the UK, unless you opt for a prescription pair, they won’t address any other vision requirements you might have.
A great option is to wear your prescription contact lenses underneath your chosen pair of designer sunglasses, so that you can enjoy the best of both worlds. This is a particularly helpful trick if you already own several pairs of timeless luxury sunglasses you love, or don’t have time to have a set of prescription sunglasses lenses custom made.
Lenstore has a great variety of daily contact lenses from leading brands, so be sure to stock up before travelling abroad to sunnier climes this spring and summer – and make sure to take a few extra pairs in case you mislay one.
Now that we’ve got the issue of eye health covered, it’s time for the fun bit: sunglasses shopping! From timeless styles to new-season cool, there’s a pair to suit every face and taste. These are our top picks to be seen in for spring/summer 2022.
The cat-eye
We’re all for a bit of nostalgia, and few sunglasses styles have ever nailed sophistication quite as well as the 1950s cat-eye. Making for an edgy accessory that will add an air of elegance to any look, the triangle tips will add emphasis to your brow arch and suit faces with more angular or prominent features. We love Prada’s modern, multi-dimensional twist on the style, while Bottega nails the classic look. For an extra shot of glamour, opt for a pair of Miu Miu’s gold-embellished cat-eyes.
The oversize frame
The motto for spring and summer 2022 is the bigger, the better – at least, when it comes to sunglasses – and we’re not just talking large frames, but chunkier and bolder ones, too. Oversized sunglasses have long been associated with glamour and sophistication, and there was a time when no A-lister would be seen without some. That time, it seems, is now set to roll around once more – so get yourself down to Chanel or Gucci for a pair of their effortlessly stylish and larger than life frames for a versatile pair that will see you all the way through until winter.
Tortoiseshell
It’s not just classic styles that are making a comeback for 2022, but classic prints, too – and the tortoiseshell look is set to make its way into just about every type of sunglasses style on this list. So, to nail two trends at once, opt for a pair of oversize tortoiseshells or tortoiseshell cat-eyes – look for bold acetate for a very up-to-the-minute take on the look. If you struggle to pull off a pair of classic, black sunglasses, then this fun yet sophisticated alternative is just the ticket.
Hexagon frames
For an ultra-modern twist on the oversize look, try hexagon frames. A fresh take on the glamorous look that suits just about everyone, Celine’s simple black acetate-framed style is our top pick and will add an air of mystery and intrigue to daytime and evening looks alike. If you’re the type who likes to make a statement, then look no further.
