Frame of Reference: The Sunglasses Trends to Know for Summer
For enduring style under the sun, turn to Liberty’s guide to this season’s most compelling sunglasses trends
Read more
Frame of Reference: The Sunglasses Trends to Know for Summer
For enduring style under the sun, turn to Liberty’s guide to this season’s most compelling sunglasses trends
With warmer days ever closer, there’s no better time to take a closer look at one of the most industrious pieces in our repertoire – an accessory not to be underestimated as a marker of a discerning eye. And with the arrival of SS26 comes a profusion of eye-opening possibilities. As it turns out, the new season’s most important sunglasses trends can be categorised not only by shape, but by the wearer too – so whether you’re a self-confessed minimalist, or of the opinion that bolder is always better, Liberty’s comprehensive edit has the frame suited to every eyewear identity.
The Avant-Gardist
Max Mara Black Butterfly Glasses
When it comes to ocular style codes, there are few as taste making as Max Mara. The storied Italian fashion house has long been considered as masters of refined, sophisticated style, and their eyewear is no exception. This season, Max Mara’s mantra is ‘go big or go home’ – bold, sculptural shapes meet dynamic detailing and decisive design. Take their Acetate Butterfly Glasses – an oversized frame with glorious curves and modern metal making way for ombré-hued pale blue lenses that pack a sartorial punch. This is the pair for your Roman holiday, and beyond.
Shop Max MaraThe Aviator
Miu Miu Aviator Sunglasses
There are few shapes as everlasting as a pair of Aviator sunglasses. First appearing in the 1930s as an alternative to the fur-lined goggles worn by U.S. Air Force pilots, they were developed to protect against the sun’s glare at high altitudes but soon adopted into fashion’s lexicon, becoming an enduring classic. This season, Miu Miu’s take infuses the classic with lashings of feminine drama with delicate gold frames and a more modern, minimalist approach.
Shop Miu Miu
The Classicist
Tom Ford Black Stacy Cat Eye Sunglasses
While it’s true that some things never go out of style, sometimes we need a reminder to revisit a classic. This season, cat-eye sunglasses are returning for their moment in the sun. More specifically, Tom Ford’s Stacy Cat-Eye Sunglasses, with thickened acetate frames, which infuse the timeless shape with a subtly playful modern touch. It’s safe to say that Tom Ford knows eyewear – the iconic ‘T’ emblem has been spotted on the frames of countless style insiders for many seasons past, for good reason. The SS26 collection is setting its sights on reinventing long-adored shapes for the modern wearer – setting the tone for a season of truly transcendent style. This is the pair to show off at a Parisian café, sipping an espresso and looking dreadfully chic.
Shop Tom FordThe Free Spirit
Isabel Marant Brown Cat Eye Sunglasses
Any style insider is most likely armed with a carefully selected rotation of shades, ready to be swapped in when their outfit demands. This season, we’re due for a renaissance of oversized sunglasses. Although tiny glasses à la Carolyn Bessette Kennedy have dominated in recent years, there’s really nothing like a pair of big tortoiseshell frames to signal that you’re in the know. The epitome of fashion meets function; oversized shades are practical and dramatic in equal measure, making them well worth the facial real estate. Take your cues from the style icons of the ‘70s and opt for a yellow-tinted lens, like Liberty London’s Oversized ‘70s Square Glasses, or emulate the bold glamour of decades past with Isabel Marant’s Cat-Eye pair – they’ll always be cool.
Shop Isabel Marant
The Minimalist
Luv Lou Bella Rectangle Sunglasses
If there is such a thing as a universally flattering pair of sunglasses, it’s likely to be something relatively pared-back, perhaps in a soft oval shape. The eyewear du jour for many seasons past, the resurgence of smaller sunglasses reminiscent of the late ‘80s and ‘90s has taken become a must-have for any eyewear aficionado. For wearers committed to keeping things refined, turn to Luv Lou's Bella Rectangle Sunglasses, or Liberty London’s Metal Oval Sunglasses that both strike the perfect balance of minimalist, sophisticated style and forward-thinking design. With softly tinted lenses and flattering oval gold-tone frames, they emulate the thinner frames of the ‘90s, with a contemporary spin.
Shop Liberty LondonThe Daredevil
Victoria Beckham Burgundy Aviator Sunglasses
If making a statement is your modus operandi, consider Victoria Beckham your first port of call. An expert in manufacturing a sense of effortless coolness, the designer’s optical offering delivers bold statements, at no expense to flattering, sophisticated style. A deliciously severe take on an aviator shape, the top bar of this burgundy pair is pin straight, hinting at the eyewear trends of the early noughties. Designed for the mavericks among us, these are the perfect pair to nail bold under-the-sun style.
Shop Victoria Beckham
The Futurist
Prada Aviator Sunglasses
Having firmly taken its place as this season’s must-have accessory, it’s safe to say that this new shape is more than just an ephemeral obsession. What’s so intriguing about these sunglasses - popping up on and off the runways but perfected by Prada - is their simultaneous retro and futuristic feel. It’s sculptural minimalism meets Space Age, meets ‘70s disco aviators – unexpected? Yes. Undeniably cool? Also yes. Therein lies the power of a chunky shield – the ability to imbue any outfit with enviable main character energy.
Shop Prada
?fmt=auto&qlt=default&metadata=true$poieg$&w=1000&h=1300&sm=c&poi={$this.metadata.pointOfInterest.x},{$this.metadata.pointOfInterest.y},{$this.metadata.pointOfInterest.w},{$this.metadata.pointOfInterest.h}&scaleFit=poi)
?fmt=auto&qlt=default&metadata=true$poieg$&w=1000&h=1300&sm=c&poi={$this.metadata.pointOfInterest.x},{$this.metadata.pointOfInterest.y},{$this.metadata.pointOfInterest.w},{$this.metadata.pointOfInterest.h}&scaleFit=poi)
?fmt=auto&qlt=default&metadata=true$poieg$&w=1000&h=1300&sm=c&poi={$this.metadata.pointOfInterest.x},{$this.metadata.pointOfInterest.y},{$this.metadata.pointOfInterest.w},{$this.metadata.pointOfInterest.h}&scaleFit=poi)
_0824_RETOUCHED?fmt=auto&qlt=default&metadata=true$poieg$&w=1000&h=1300&sm=c&poi={$this.metadata.pointOfInterest.x},{$this.metadata.pointOfInterest.y},{$this.metadata.pointOfInterest.w},{$this.metadata.pointOfInterest.h}&scaleFit=poi)
?fmt=auto&qlt=default&metadata=true$poieg$&w=1000&h=1300&sm=c&poi={$this.metadata.pointOfInterest.x},{$this.metadata.pointOfInterest.y},{$this.metadata.pointOfInterest.w},{$this.metadata.pointOfInterest.h}&scaleFit=poi)
?fmt=auto&qlt=default&metadata=true$poieg$&w=1000&h=1300&sm=c&poi={$this.metadata.pointOfInterest.x},{$this.metadata.pointOfInterest.y},{$this.metadata.pointOfInterest.w},{$this.metadata.pointOfInterest.h}&scaleFit=poi)
?fmt=auto&qlt=default&metadata=true$poieg$&w=1000&h=1300&sm=c&poi={$this.metadata.pointOfInterest.x},{$this.metadata.pointOfInterest.y},{$this.metadata.pointOfInterest.w},{$this.metadata.pointOfInterest.h}&scaleFit=poi)
?fmt=auto&qlt=default&metadata=true$poieg$&w=1000&h=1300&sm=c&poi={$this.metadata.pointOfInterest.x},{$this.metadata.pointOfInterest.y},{$this.metadata.pointOfInterest.w},{$this.metadata.pointOfInterest.h}&scaleFit=poi)
