Which sunglasses are in style for women, and which will you still enjoy wearing in a few years? Trends change fast, but the basic shapes stay. Here you will find which women’s sunglasses trends have lasted, how to find the right pair and which models are available now. The counterpart for men is our article Men’s Sunglasses: Trends, Shapes and Styles That Last.
Key points at a glance
- These shapes keep coming back: large square frames, cat-eye, round to oval, aviator and slim 90s shapes. Shield and rimless styles complete the picture.
- Black, tortoiseshell and white stay. Pink and bold colours add accents.
- Choose the shape for your face. Contrast usually works best.
- There is no single most beautiful pair of sunglasses. UV400 and the CE mark are the minimum. Below you will find 10 available models, not a ranking.
Trending sunglasses for women: shapes that last
If you searched for the latest sunglasses trends in 2020 or 2022, you mainly came across these shapes. Almost all of them are now part of the regular repertoire:
- Square and large: Oversized square frames recall the 1970s and are easy to combine. If you are looking for large women’s sunglasses, start here.
- Cat-eye: The feline frame with upswept corners is as timeless for women as any shape. It looks subtle in black or tortoiseshell and bold in patterns.
- Round and oval: Soft curves look playful and suit angular faces especially well.
- Aviator: Teardrop lenses and a slim metal frame, usually with a double bridge. The shape suits oval, angular and heart-shaped faces.
- Slim 90s shapes: Slim ovals and rectangles in the “Matrix” style look relaxed and minimalist. They suit round faces; on long faces they are best avoided.
- Shield: One continuous, curved lens looks futuristic and offers plenty of coverage.
- Rimless: Without a frame, the tinted lenses carry the look. Unusual shapes and details make them an eye-catcher.
Colours and patterns: from black to white sunglasses
- Black: The classic. Holly Golightly wore black sunglasses in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”. Where the colour is understated, the shape can stand out.
- Tortoiseshell: The pattern suits many skin tones and looks. Light browns look airier, leopard, cheetah or snake print is the wilder option.
- White: White sunglasses with dark lenses set a strong contrast and bring sixties retro charm. White looks especially fresh against tanned skin.
- Pink and pastels: Soft pink lives on contrast, for example with denim, rock-style outfits or beige and nude tones.
- Bold colours: Pop and neon colours do not hold back. Keep the rest of the outfit calm. On very round faces they add extra weight.
Which sunglasses suit me? Face, size and fit
Contrast usually works best: round faces can take angles, angular faces soft curves, and oval faces suit almost any shape. All face shapes are explained in our article What Glasses Suit My Face? Frames for Every Face Shape. The measurements are printed inside the arm, for example 55□18 145: lens width, bridge width and arm length in millimetres. With large frames, check the overall width: they should not pinch or rest on your cheeks.
Best sunglasses for women: what to look at when comparing
There are no sunglasses that are the most beautiful for everyone. Even a “test winner” says little about your face and your everyday life. These points help:
- UV protection: UV400 and the CE mark are the minimum, whatever the brand and price.
- Fit: The frame sits firmly without pinching and does not slip when you look down.
- Shape and colour: They suit your face and the style you feel good in.
- Lenses: Grey lenses show colours neutrally, brown ones look warmer. Polarised lenses reduce glare from reflections, for example on water or a wet road. Mirrored lenses are mostly a matter of style.
- Use: For the city and everyday wear, classics are a safe choice; for sport, a firm fit and large lenses matter.
Top 10 sunglasses for women: models available now
The ten models are not a ranking but a cross-section by style from the current women’s selection in the shop. Not every model is available in every colour.
- Ray-Ban Wayfarer (RB2140): the angular classic.
- Ray-Ban Aviator Large Metal (RB3025): the classic aviator with a double bridge.
- Ray-Ban Erika (RB4171): a round frame with a soft look.
- Ray-Ban Cats 5000 (RB4125): teardrop lenses with a relaxed look.
- Ray-Ban Daddy-O (RB2016): a retro classic.
- Oakley Radar EV Path (OO9208): a sports model for active days.
- Oakley Eyejacket Redux (OO9438): a sporty look with a retro touch.
- Prada PR 17WS: designer sunglasses for those who prefer something more refined.
- Miu Miu MU 04ZS: a playful designer look.
- Gucci GG1338S: designer sunglasses from Gucci.
Also available are, among others, the Ray-Ban Zuri and Bill as well as more models from Prada and Miu Miu.
Miu Miu MU A51S 5AK20P£247.32
Ray-Ban BILL (RB2198 129251)£95.64
Prada PR 65ZS ZVN09T£152.59
Prada PR B15S 17N70R£195.94
Miu Miu MU B07S 16K04O£202.61
Prada PR 15WS 01R0A6£145.92
Ray-Ban CATS 5000 (RB4125 710/51)£95.64
Oakley RADAR EV PATH (OO9208 920847)£115.40Glasses trends for women: everyday glasses follow the same styles
Cat-eye, round, aviator and angular shapes also come as prescription glasses. Which frames, colours and materials last there is covered in our article Glasses Styles That Last: Statement, Panto, Cat-Eye and More.
Frequently asked questions about women’s sunglasses
What is trending in women’s sunglasses right now?
Cat-eye, large square frames, round and oval shapes, aviators and slim styles have proved their worth. Details such as colours or lens tints change; the basic shapes stay.
Who suits white sunglasses?
White looks fresh in summer and contrasts clearly with tanned skin. With a fair complexion, a soft cream tone is often more flattering.
