If we had to name the one accessory a fashion person would make sure they leave the house with, it’s a pair of sunglasses. They protect our eyes from the sun’s rays but also offer the finishing touch on any kind of ensemble. The sales numbers seem to agree, as sunglasses are a top-selling product compared to ready-to-wear, shoes, and handbags. From a luxury standpoint, their lower prices in comparison to other product offerings give people an entryway into their favorite designer brand. And while there are tons of buzzy and on-trend pairs of sunglasses on the market right now, it can be tricky to determine which ones deserve a spot in your wardrobe.
There’s a reason some designers choose to collaborate with existing eyewear brands as they embark on sunglasses—there’s a further prioritized focus on quality there. That’s not to say some luxury sunglasses aren’t worth it (we’ve recommended a few below), but we’d suggest considering all your options before you make the splurge.
From reliable OG brands like Ray-Ban and Le Specs to newer labels like Lexxola, we’ve narrowed down the best brands to choose from when buying your next pair of sunglasses.
“Color is a matter of personal preference, and the intensity of the color—whether it’s brown, green, or gray—doesn’t matter because it’s the absorption of ultraviolet light rays that protects you, not the color or darkness of the lens. You can even have clear lenses that protect you from UVA/UVB.
“Gray and green are pretty neutral, so they’re not going to change the colors you see. Psychologically, people think more light comes through brown lenses because they make colors warmer. I think they make sunsets prettier because you get more on the red end in a brown lens than you do with a gray lens.
“Some people think mirrored lenses are just fashion, but mirrored sunglasses reflect and block light, so that’s why they’re even darker.
“Polarized lenses remove reflected light off of a flat surface. When you go to the beach, you get a glare because the ocean is flat or when you’re driving, glares also come off other cars, road surfaces, and store windows. Polarization doesn’t offer you any greater light protection; it just reduces glare. But there is a thing about it: You can’t look at your cell phone with polarized lenses, because it’ll be black. You have to turn your phone 35 degrees to be able to see it.”
Since the 1970s, Le Specs has been making luxe-looking sunglasses at a more accessible price point. Its offering has the approval of celebrities such as Meghan Markle and Kendall Jenner as well as our editors, who think they hold up to designer pairs they’ve tried.
In the luxury eyewear sector, Linda Farrow is the name to know. Having collaborated with Raf Simmons, The Attico, Paco Rabanne, and Magda Butrym, the label has both these designers’ backing and ours. Its variety consists of sleek and minimal options to opulent and vintage-inspired ones.
You can’t talk about sunglasses without talking about Ray-Ban. The brand’s signature styles remain classics beloved by everyone, cementing its place as a leader in the market.
As I said before, there are a few luxury brands that are deemed “worth it” by fashion insiders, and Celine is one of them. If you’re looking for an entry into the brand without spending over $500, this is it. The classic Triomphe style can be recognized from a mile away, adding a whole new level of chicness to any outfit you put on.
There was a point in time when you couldn’t scroll on Instagram without seeing someone wear a pair of Lexxola sunglasses. The brand put tinted sunglasses on the map with Gen Z and continues to grow its following. Retro sunglasses are its expertise, and we can’t help but still be inspired by its oversize silhouettes and colorful frames.
As mentioned before, certain brands choose to collaborate with trustworthy experts rather than produce their own eyewear, and that’s what Khaite decided to do with Oliver Peoples. This collaboration mixes Oliver Peoples’ functional products with Khaite’s forward and edgy design direction, bringing the best of both worlds together.
To those who wear eyeglasses, don’t fret, because Warby Parker has you covered with a vast selection that lets you customize frames and lenses. You can also request to try on five frames for free, so you can find your pick without having to leave your home.
Aperçu collaborates with the people whose outfits we all add to our Saved folders on Instagram, so it’s no wonder each collection continues to get cooler than the last. Each collaboration speaks to the individual’s aesthetic, giving customers a variety to choose from, whichever suits best to their personal style.
