Credit: Joseph
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6 min read
From cat eye and round to aviator and square, sunglasses are a must-have for summer – no matter your style.
As much as we might hate to admit it, very few fashion items constitute a need – though we might make an exception for designer handbags. But sunglasses really are an essential, no matter who you are or where you are in the world. In fact, even the NHS recommends wearing a pair in its sun safety guidelines, so it’s a ruling that’s hard to ignore.
Of course, being an essential item, there are countless options available – from high street stores to designer labels. And, with different styles, materials and colours, it can get a bit overwhelming knowing which ones to buy to suit your style, face shape and budget.
Luxury retailer Net-a-Porter recently reported a major surge in designer sunglasses sales, attributing this to the increasing importance of statement accessories and styling details, given that our current approach to shopping is more about wardrobe foundations and purchasing with longevity front of mind.
With a focus on timeless dressing, longevity and sustainability, Catch London and Stylist have collaborated on three retro-inspired sunglasses styles, all of which are made from recycled waste material at Catch London’s Acetate Kitchen in small production runs. Launching this month, the trio of styles are the perfect way to update and elevate all of your existing summer looks.
Credit: Getty Images
Prescription glasses wearers may be better suited to specialist stores such as Cubbitts, Finlay & Co, Ray-Ban or even Specsavers, who all provide a huge range of options that can be tailored to your personal needs. And for non-glasses wearers or anyone with contact lenses, even high street finds will do the job of offering some sun protection without compromising on style.
BEST WOMEN’S SUNGLASSES
Stylist x Catch London Kitty sunglasses
These gentle cat-eye shades are super versatile but look best with relaxed linen tailoring or structured separates in the city or by the beach.
Shop Stylist x Catch London cat eye sunglasses, £126 (get 25% off with code stylist25)
Joseph aviator square sunglasses
These square yellow aviators are the perfect partner to tonal tailoring and lightweight neutral knits.
Ray-Ban reverse aviator sunglasses
Ray-Ban launches the Reverse collection this week: four unisex sunglasses styles featuring an innovative reversed lens. A classic metal aviator – wear yours with a ribbed vest and denim skirt.
Simon Miller x Mango sunglasses
Inspired by the directional bubble-sunglasses trend, these blue and white frames look great with bright beachwear and playful co-ords.
Bottega Veneta Angle Cat Eye sunglasses
These green cat-eye shades from brand-of-the-moment Bottega Veneta are a brilliant way to update and elevate your everyday outfits – they’re perfect for wide-leg trousers and T-shirts or black summer dresses. A not-so-subtle showcase of style credentials, they also look great with occasionwear.
Shop Bottega Veneta green cat eye sunglasses, £300
Finlay & Co Kendall Cinnamon sunglasses
These 90s-inspired oval shades look great with everything from oversized shirts to ankle-grazing summer dresses and statement swimwear.
Linda Farrow x The Attico Irene coral sunglasses
With a nod to the 90s and a punchy colour palette, this collaboration makes for an on-trend investment. Wear this hexagonal style with a bright crop top and jeans for daytime or with printed separates for evening.
Shop The Attico Irene in Coral sunglasses by Linda Farrow, £220
Cutler & Gross Round Sunglasses
Cutler & Gross’ iconic sunglasses are worn by celebrities around the world. These understated round frames will look good with everything from linen beachwear to jeans and a vest this summer.
Anine Bing Malibu Sunglasses
These oval, cat-eye sunglasses with thick black frames are a great everyday option to help you look more pulled together. Wear yours with baggy denim shorts and an oversized crisp cotton shirt.
Bloobloom Traveller Peach sunglasses
These playful peach sunglasses are the perfect pair for holidaying by the beach or in the city. A classic shape they suit almost everyone and look best with soft pastel tones or crisp white.
Stylist x Catch London Holly sunglasses
These statement 60s-inspired sunglasses make a serious statement when worn with elegant occasionwear. Wear yours with monochrome co-ords, a supersized hat and flat raffia sandals for events all summer long.
Shop Stylist x Catch London Holly sunnies, £126 (get 25% off with code stylist25)
Guess Navigator sunglasses
Great with androgynous daywear, these Guess sunglasses are versatile enough to wear for any occasion or event. Wear them with baggy low-slung jeans for everyday and with a simple dress and oversized shirt or denim jacket for weekends.
LoveShackFancy Arietta square sunglasses
LoveShackFancy’s hyper-feminine sunglasses look great with pastels and denim by day and with a floral mini dress and cardigan for warm summer evenings.
Max Mara mask sunglasses
The sunglasses of the season, these Max Mara mask-style sunglasses are the only statement sunglasses you need, instantly adding both polish and cool to any basic daywear or occassionwear.
Mulberry Stevie sunglasses
These gold-tone 70s-inspired frames are super versatile and totally timeless. They will add a chic touch to this season’s super-casual silhouettes, from cargo trousers to low-slung baggy jeans.
Toast x Cubitts Frederick redux sunglasses
These stylish unisex frames from Toast x Cubitts are crafted from waste chips of acetate and come with polarised Zeiss lenses providing UV protection for summer
Le Specs Outta Love oval-frame sunglasses
Fashion-forward in the design approach, Le Specs is a brand to know for anyone looking for something a little bit different. This oval frame certainly isn’t for everyone, but those who love it definitely fall hard. With a category three rating and scratch-resistant and shatterproof lenses, they can handle any adventure.
M&S angular cat-eye sunglasses
Great with more feminine silhouettes, M&S’s playful cat-eye sunglasses are an affordable way to elevate an everyday outfit.
Stylist x Catch London Lucy sunglasses
These bold bug-eye sunglasses are chic and totally timeless. They look best with elegant day-to-night looks, such as relaxed monochrome tailoring or ankle-grazing day dresses.
Shop Stylist x Catch London Lucy sunglasses, £126 (get 25% off with code stylist25)
& Other Stories oval sunglasses
A chunky oval frame is the perfect everyday sunglasses style for on-trend minimalists. Wear yours with monochrome or a T-shirt and jeans for understated impact.
Izipizi Crystal D sunglasses
Izipizi’s new summer capsule is a showcase of transparent frames in the brand’s iconic shapes with coloured lenses. These turquoise lenses and clear frames are unisex, great for festivals and offer category three protection.
Missoma Le Specs Orion Ridge sunglasses
An elevated rectangular option with elevated gold hardware detail these chic sunglasses from the Missoma and Le Specs collaboration subtly nod to the 90s and are a great option for adding polish to an otherwise simple outfit.
Boss Beige acetate sunglasses
A chic wear-with-everything style, these Boss sunglasses will work with most outfits, but especially with on-trend tonal tailoring and chunky flats.
Opening image: Joseph
Additional images: courtesy of brands
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