12 Summer Sunglasses Styles to Try for Summer (2024)

Sunglasses are summer's number one accessory. Not only do they protect your eyes from the sun's harmful rays, but they also help elevate your outfits. If you are hoping to add a new pair of frames to your collection this summer, look no further.

Ahead, find the 12 sunglasses trends our team is loving this summer along with product picks in each category.

Alien Vibes

When I say there are trend-forward styles on this list, I really mean this one, which very much reminds me of those plastic alien sunglasses I used to wear at extraterrestrial-themed birthday parties as a kid (remember these green ones?). There’s something I actually really love about these, though. If you’re wearing a simple tank and shorts, your look instantly gets an intentional lift with this very distinct style.

Chunky Aviators

I own this pair of very large, thick-rimmed sunglasses from long ago and am thankful I still have them, because I'm seeing chunky aviators more and more. I specifically love the below picks from Chanel, Coco and Breezy, and Lapima. The thicker the frame, the better.

Be Square

I think wayfarer or wayfarer-adjacent styles are always relevant. I still go for my classic Ray-Ban wayfarers and actually get compliments on them when I wear them. Such a simple, classic style is always a good idea, and with plenty of sizes (from more oversized to narrow), this style fits every face.

Big Cat Energy

I'm very attracted to oversized cat-eye sunglasses right now. I think it’s because I can’t get the idea of large cat-eye sunglasses with a silk headscarf and top-down convertible, Thelma and Louise-style, out of my head. They are so chic and timeless.

Paparazzi Pair

Speaking of oversized sunglasses, I hadn't thought I’d ever want a pair of huge early-aughts sunglasses again, but here we are. The most iconic style is dark or has dark lenses, though I also included a few lighter ones because I enjoy their retro flair. If Ashley Olsen can still do it, so can we.

Rainbow Brite

If you want to make a real statement with your sunglasses, go for bold color. I always feel my coolest when I’m wearing a pair of colorful sunglasses: They’re youthful and ooze confidence. I’m specifically seeing a lot of rectangular, cat-eye, and goggle styles right now, and I personally tend to prefer versions with opaque frames and contrast/darker lenses like the below from Poppy Lissiman and Celine.

Rose-Colored Glasses

Pink is definitely trending right now, since even before recent red carpets were flooded with pink looks (thank you, Pierpaolo Piccioli). From pale pink to hot pink, I think pink might just be the color of the season, and I happen to love it for eyewear.

Citrus Lenses

Yellow lenses have such a suave element to them. Moscot makes a timeless aviator style with yellow lenses that I think is one of the best pairs ever. And because the yellow lenses are transparent (which I suggest, opposed to mirrored), you’re still able to make eye contact while looking your absolute coolest.

Real and Round

From oversized to micro, round frames come in all shapes and sizes, and no matter which one fit your fancy, they add a little quirkiness to your favorite summer fit. Wear tortoise frames for a classic feel or try bedazzled rims for a dramatic flair.

Y2K Inspired

Y2K fashion influence is not going anywhere. If you want to try the trend but rhinestone tanks and low-rise denim are not your thing, a pair of sunnies may be a good place to start. If you are wishing you kept your middle school frames, you are not alone.

Sporty Frames

Who says you have to be skiing or running to wear sporty frames? I certainly do not. Athletic frames are made for styling as well as the slopes. Pair with your favorite staples to make your look edgier.

Return to Retro

What goes around comes around and what goes out of fashion will eventually come back in. This summer, frames inspired by all decades (our team is partial to the 60s and 70s) will be everywhere.