Summer might be drawing to a close, but we’re not ready to give up our eyewear for another year just yet, and with the sun lower in the sky as we head into autumn, we need our favourite pair of designer sunglasses more than ever.
It’s not just sunglasses we’ll be shopping for this season, either – and as we spend more and more time at our computers during the working week and an excessive amount of time scrolling our phones, we’re increasingly looking for solutions to protect our eyes indoors as well as out.
There have been a number of styles dominating over the summer months, and many of these will carry us steadily through to winter looking as glamorous as we’d hope, from timeless silhouettes to modern marvels, and everything in between. The key is finding the right balance of style and functionality, offering the utmost in peeper protection whilst looking effortlessly sophisticated to boot.
But inside or outside, which pair of eyewear will pair best with the new season’s trends – and are those summer ‘it’ shades or geek-chic blue light really the right choice for you?
Although an iconic pair of designer shades can quickly become one of the most sought-after amongst fashion conscious circles, it’s not a case of one-size fits all – and face shape should always be taken into consideration when choosing the perfect pair. From sporty to chic, your style of choice can make or break an outfit, detracting from it or adding a much-needed dose of sophistication in seconds.
At a time when we’re shopping more mindfully than ever, it’s all about quality over quantity. Investing in an expensive yet expertly made pair with an esteemed name tag will go a long way. From Miu Miu’s round, brightly coloured frames and Bottega’s angular aviators to the classic Ray Ban Wayfarers and new Clubmaster Rounds, these are the kinds of glasses you won’t want to take off.
These days, you can try any style out for size with the virtual glasses try on feature offered by many high-end websites to avoid any embarrassing fashion faux pas, so be sure to do your homework before making your choice.
Here, we take a look at some of the biggest eyewear trends we’ll be slipping on this season, with something to suit all face shapes, tastes and practical needs, too.
Blue light glasses
Tinted glasses that are designed to protect the eyes from the glare of constant blue light we expose ourselves to on a daily basis have become quite the fashion statement over the past couple of years. Initially seen as a geeky accessory nobody wanted to be seen in, they have since come into their own, and now there are a variety of edgy, high-end varieties and on-trend styles that emulate the season’s fashions for sunglasses.
Taking care of your eyesight is officially cool, and that includes indoors. Blue light can disrupt our circadian rhythms, making it difficult to wake and sleep, and can be damaging to eyesight in large doses – so anything you can do to ease the strain is worth the price tag.
Retro round
Ray Ban’s variety of round sunglasses have become something of a style statement over the past two years, and such is their classic and timeless design that they are unlikely to fall from favour anytime soon. Available in a variety of different colourways, they have become the subject of many a copycat brand looking to follow in their footsteps and emulate the same success, but none do it quite as well as the original. Opt for gold frames and dark, polarised lenses for the ultimate 70s chic.
Le Sport
Once upon a time, we would have considered anything sporty to be an absolute no-no in the style stakes, but over the past decade, we’ve seen athleisure and activewear become a staple in every self-respecting fashionista’s wardrobe. The perfect off-duty look for days off and time spent pottering around the garden, now it can all be done without compromising on glamour, and this year’s sporty glasses frames, with their sleek performance aesthetic, are the perfect way to finish the look.
Oversize
Once a staple accessory amongst the rich and famous, more recently we’ve seen a move away from the huge and mysterious dark glasses that used to take centre stage – but for autumn, they’re back – with a difference. For A/W 2021, it’s all about the square shape, but be sure to opt for the classic black to maintain a sophisticated feel. Colours might be cute, but they don’t lend themselves to this particularly grown-up style as they might others, and detract somewhat from that all-important air of mystery.
