March 29, 2017 |
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Sunglasses are perhaps the most underrated of all accessories. They add purpose to an outfit, and confidence in the wearer – plus you never have to worry about whether or not they will fit properly come the holiday season.
However, just like any other item in fashion, women’s sunglasses go through distinct trends. The diamante-encrusted shades of the 00s now look incredibly dated next to this year’s sleek and sophisticated styles, while even classic shapes such as Ray Bans’ Wayfarers are starting to lose their edge.
Instead, 2017 is set to be the year of mirrored glasses, cat eye frames, coloured glass, oversized aviators, gender neutrality and statement frames.
Read on for the SEVEN pairs of sunglasses we are coveting for spring/summer 2017...
1. Reflective glass
This is without a doubt ‘the’ trend of 2017. In fact, every other style of sunglasses on this list could be improved with the addition of mirrored glass. Unsurprisingly, these glasses have been a mega-hit with the A-list, as the reflective glasses hide a multitude of sins (and hangovers!), while the oil-slick sheen looks amazing on Instagram.These Dior shades have been selling out across the world, but a few worthy copycat versions have begun popping up in Asos and Topshop, so there’s no excuse not to embrace this trend.
2. Oversized aviators
Quay Australia is almost single-handedly responsible for this one. Their oversized aviators have been spotted on the likes of Kendall Jenner and Jennifer Lopez, sparking a slew of copycats.Nail the oversized aviator trend by choosing simple frames (we love the plain black metal frame of Quay’s ‘Lickety Split’ model), and keeping the rest of your outfit casual.A word of warning – always, ALWAYS try these sunglasses on before you buy. While you want the frames themselves to be oversized, there’s nothing cool about too-big glasses that keep falling down your face.
3. Androgyny
Ray Ban has been quietly nailing androgynism for years, with its men’s collection proving to be just as successful with women. The brand’s latest Resort collection embraced the trend, introducing these unisex Ray Ban sunglasses that draw from bestsellers ‘The General’ (from the male collection), ‘Ja-Jo’ (from the women’s collection) and the gender-neutral Outdoorsman glasses.
4. Coloured glass
One of the more surprising trends of the year, coloured glass is back with a vengeance. Last spotted on mid-90s grunge chicks, pale pink, petrol blue, soft violet, moss green and sunshine yellow are now all over the catwalks and starting to arrive in high street stores.Coloured glass adds a pop of fun to the everyday with these sunglasses by Folli Follie, so don’t be afraid to clash your sunglasses with your outfit.
5. Cat eye
Cat eye sunglasses have been spotted in just about every S/S 2017 collection, cementing their promotion into the mainstream. Once seen as ‘kooky’, cat eye glasses are now being recognised for as the super-flattering, surprisingly stylish shape that they are.Nod to the trend with a subtle edge on an otherwise frameless pair of glasses, or go all-in with the bold acetate frames of these Ralph Lauren sunglasses.
6. Statement frames
There are only really two types of frame in fashion this year: invisible or show-stopping. There are some amazingly original designs on the high street this year, such as these double-framed ‘Lulu’ glasses from Topshop.If you’re looking for statement sunglasses, cast your net wide, keep an open mind, and look for something with a vintage twist.
7. Rose Gold
Rose gold sunglasses started hitting the shelves en masse in 2016 and they’re set to be an even bigger trend this year. Rose gold has been a firm favourite for watches and jewellery, so it was only a matter of time before rose gold transcended into eyewear.Everyone from designer brands to high street favourites have jumped on the bandwagon, but some of the best by far are from the Michael Kors sunglasses collection. With these rose gold cat’s eye glasses from Michael Kors you can even work two trends at the same time for an instant style upgrade this summer.
