Throwing shade: The best sunglasses for women
A season of sunshine is on the horizon; get ready with these fabulous frames
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If there is a style truth that is universally acknowledged, it is that everyone looks better in sunglasses – but finding the best pair for you can be easier said than done. Do cat-eyes look retro cool or just a little bit ridiculous? Will an oversized pair make you look like an alien? As ever, the devil is in the detail. Pay attention to the thickness of frames, the darkness of a tint and the width of an arm. Then there are trends to grapple with. Luckily, we’re here to navigate the minefield with you. Here’s our guide to the best sunglasses for women in 2024.
The best aviator sunglasses for women
We’ve long suspected there must be some kind of black magic that goes into creating aviator sunglasses. How, after all, can one style be flattering on every face from Victoria Beckham and Meghan Markle to Lewis Hamilton and Tom Cruise? Ours is not to reason why, however, ours is simply to point you in the direction of the latest designs. We’re particular fans of these modern interpretations by JW Anderson x Persol and Celine.
The best cat-eye sunglasses for women
Oozing 1950s glamour and vintage chic, cat-eye sunglasses aren’t for everyone, but, figure out how to make them work for you, and you’ve got a serious statement look on your hands (or should that be face). The key to stopping things from falling into the realms of pastiche is to opt for frames that nod to, rather than yell about, their cat-eye inspiration. Stella McCartney and Cutler & Gross have got the balance just right.
The best rectangular sunglasses for women
Rihanna, Bella Hadid, Emily Ratajkowski – few and far between are the supermodels and celebrities that haven’t fallen for the lure of slimline rectangular sunglasses. Typically designed with oval or rounded rectangular lenses, their shrunken, retro style helps balance out the proportions of round and heart-shaped faces. Choose classic black from Gucci if you’re just dipping your toe in, or go bold with Prada if you’re already a committed fan.
The best oversized sunglasses for women
As good for hiding the dark circles of a late summer night as they are for shading you from the sun, there’s a reason oversized sunglasses have long been a go-to for Hollywood glitterati. Forget old-school styles, however. The modern way to go big is with angular frames in pared-back colours. Linda Farrow's wire versions offer a lighter take on the trend while Cartier's rimless shades are ideal for those with larger or longer faces.
The best round sunglasses for women
Dispel notions of John Lennon’s tiny specs. Today’s round-frame sunglasses are more saucer than espresso cup, making them a flattering option for thin or oval-shaped faces. One thing that hasn’t changed, however, is that round sunglasses present the perfect opportunity to experiment with different lenses. Chloé's movie-star black and Ray-Ban’s pastel green are a great starting point.
The best D-frame sunglasses for women
Like aviators, D-frame sunglasses look great on just about everyone. It’s no surprise, then, that the quintessential D-frame, the Wayfarer, is one of the world’s most popular, enduring and famous sunglass shapes. This season, Dior has given its signature tortoiseshell versions a contemporary update with boxier frames that gently curve along the brow line. Elsewhere, Fendi's solid black styles are as timeless as they come.
