I Own Over 50 Pairs of Sunglasses But Return to These Black Ones Every Time
Few accessories rival the understated cool of black sunglasses. With almost everyone fully leaning into the minimalist basics within their wardrobes, black sunglasses have been a hero piece to propel otherwise dull looks into those that feel intentionally minimal. Although not categorically a trend, I’ve certainly noticed an uptick in the way that fashion girls use them to add interest to outfits like a sweatsuit and coat combo. As a sunglasses enthusiast, my collection has inadvertently expanded to over 50 pairs (some gifts and some mementos from past travels), but black sunglasses remain the ones that I reach for the most. They’re timeless and cool, and yet add an elegant Jackie O quality (especially if you go oversize).
Chances are you have a few in your drawer right now, but with the number of unusual shapes and silhouettes on the market, there’s always room for experimentation. Whether a certain budget is the goal, or you're willing to invest in a pair that will last forever, keep scrolling to find your new outfit sidekick.
1. Aviator
A true staple. More modern takes on this shape sway a little less Top Gun, and more 70s inspired with colored lenses and thick chunky frames. Whichever your preference, it's guaranteed chic.
2. Oval
Kurt Cobain style clout googles made a huge comeback a few years ago, but today's oval frames are a little narrower, and more paired back. It's still a very 90s inspired shape that really adds a cool factor to even a t-shirt and jeans.
3. Square
If you're concerned about sunglasses that compliment your face shape, here's the thing about square frames: they really balance out round and diamond shapes. There's also a range of sizes to play with from oversize to medium. These look amazing with preppy styles–think blazers and turtlenecks.
4. Cat-Eye
A personal favorite of mine. This shape really nails the look cool without even trying attitude I think we'd all love to capture. Cat-eye frames also feel a little more trend-driven.
5. Mask
Yes, these are a little controversial, but if you're brave enough they add heaps of cool to any outfit.
6. Rectangle
One of today's most popular styles, and for good reason: rectangular frames are pretty much universally flattering for all face shapes. They feel like a throwback to the 90s supermodel era.
7. Circular
Typically this shape can feel overdressed, but with a black frame and lens, they're the epitome of unexpected whimy.
8. Oversize
These are the throw it on and go type of sunglasses. I find that even on days that I feel less than put together, after adding these to my outfit I feel levels more sophisticated.
Coming up, 3 Legging Trends That Will Disappear by 2021 (and 3 That Will Replace Them).
Indya Brown is a fashion editor, stylist, and writer living in Los Angeles. While going to school at Columbia University in New York City, she got her feet wet in the fashion industry interning at Elle magazine, Harper's Bazaar, and New York magazine's The Cut. After graduating in 2016, she joined The Cut as a fashion assistant, eventually working her way up to fashion editor. There, she worked on a multitude of projects, including styling inbook feature stories for New York magazine's print issue, writing and pitching market stories for The Cut, and serving as fashion lead for The Cut's branded content. While New York has been her home for over 10 years, she moved to Los Angeles in the midst of the pandemic in 2020 for a new chapter. Now she is a fashion market editor for Who What Wear, focusing on emerging designers, rising trends on and off the internet, interior design, and BIPOC creatives and brands. Aside from her duties as a fashion market editor, Brown is also a freelance stylist and writer, working on national print and video commercial campaigns for Sephora, The Independent, and Cadillac. Her bylines also include Harper's Bazaar, Vox, and The New York Times. But once the computer goes down and the emails turn off, she's likely eating her way through Koreatown, hunting down vintage furniture, scoping out new outrageous nail designs to try, or taking a hot cycling class.
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