Trend report: 6 eyewear trends to sport (and shop) this summer

While sunglasses are timeless staples in our summer wardrobes, each season brings a shift in style. For 2024, six standout trends have emerged from the runways:

1. Mirrored lenses
Mirrored lenses are making a solid comeback in 2024. Seen on models for Acne Studios, Givenchy, and Alberta Ferretti, these sunglasses feature reflective coatings in various colours, from classic silver and blue to vibrant hues. They not only reduce glare but also add a futuristic touch to any outfit.

2. Round shapes
Round sunglasses are a must-have, exuding a retro vibe reminiscent of Jane Birkin in the 1969 psychological thriller La Piscine. This season, smaller round frames have been featured on the runways of Balmain, Max Mara, and Prada, offering a chic, timeless look.

3. Colourful shades
Bright and bold colours are dominating the eyewear scene in 2024. Designers like Etro and Burberry showcased vibrant shades like red, blue, and yellow, and even multi-coloured frames, perfect for adding a playful pop to any ensemble.

4. White frames
If you want to be more experimental with your accessories but prefer a clean and modern aesthetic, white frames may be just the thing for you. These sunglasses are particularly striking in oversized or geometric shapes, as seen on the runways of Elie Saab, Louis Vuitton and Versace.

5. Mega oversized models
Oversized frames continue to be a major trend in 2024. These large, often dramatic sunglasses provide ample coverage and a bold fashion statement to boot. With various shapes available – as exemplified by Nina Ricci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Blumarine – we would argue that there's an oversized frame to suit any face.

5. The classic aviator
Aviator sunglasses remain a timeless favourite, evolving with new materials and designs. In 2024, expect to see aviators with oversized lenses, innovative materials like acetate, and detailed accents. Designers like Tom Ford and Saint Laurent are showcasing these updated classics, ensuring they remain a staple in any fashion-forward wardrobe.

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In 2024, the eyewear scene is vibrant and diverse, embracing a spectrum of colours that cater to different tastes and styles. Bold and vibrant hues are leading the charge, with bright reds, blues, and yellows making a significant impact. These primary pantones are perfect for those looking to add a playful touch to their outfits. Additionally, multicoloured frames are becoming increasingly popular, with designers experimenting with dynamic colour combinations that appeal to avant-garde enthusiasts.

Neutral and classic shades remain timeless options. White frames are particularly in vogue, but classic black and tortoiseshell frames continue to endure. Earthy beige, taupe, and light brown tones furnish a grounded and natural aesthetic, making them versatile choices for those who prefer a softer look. Finally, metallic and mirrored finishes should also be on your radar. Mirrored lenses, in particular, provide the perfect canvas when playing with colour, available in a veritable rainbow of options.

Regardless of your face shape, trying different styles is essential to see what suits you best. Additionally, ensure your sunglasses sit comfortably on your nose and ears without pinching or slipping. Lastly, prioritise lenses that provide 100 per cent UV protection to safeguard your eyes while enhancing visibility. That said, here’s how to find the perfect pair for your face shape:

Round face
Characterised by full cheeks, a rounded chin, and equal width and length, round faces benefit from angular frames such as rectangular, square, or cat-eye sunglasses. These shapes add definition and create balance. Avoid round frames, as they can make the face appear fuller.

Oval face
With balanced proportions, a slightly wider forehead than chin, and high cheekbones, oval faces can experiment with various styles. However, to maintain balance, it’s vital to ensure the frames are as wide as or wider than the broadest part of the face. Aviators, rectangular frames, and oversized sunglasses are excellent choices.

Square face 
Square faces with strong jawlines, broad foreheads, and square chins are softened by rounded or oval frames. These shapes reduce the angular appearance and help balance the features.

Heart-shaped face 
Heart-shaped faces have broad foreheads and cheekbones with narrow chins. Bottom-heavy frames, aviators, or round sunglasses soften the forehead and add width to the lower part of the face.

Diamond face
Diamond face shapes, with a narrow forehead and jawline and broad cheekbones, are complemented by oval and rimless frames. Flattering options include oval frames, rimless sunglasses, and cat-eye glasses. That said, it is best to avoid narrow frames that emphasise the width of the cheeks.

Oblong face
For oblong faces, which are longer than they are wide with a long, straight cheek line, oversized frames, wraparound styles, and frames with decorative elements are ideal. These styles add width to the face and balance its length. Oversized sunglasses, wraparound styles, and rectangular frames are perfect choices.

Mirrored sunglasses first made their way onto the fashion scene with the introduction of classic polarised sunglasses in the 1930s. The ambition was to create a pair of sunglasses that would minimise UV rays directly reaching the eye. Now, almost 100 years later, the trend is still thriving. Givenchy, for example, have wholeheartedly embraced mirrored sunglasses, sending several models down the runway wearing the reflective style.

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You can never go wrong by keeping things simple and straightforward with a classic pair of rounded shades. The versatile silhouette means minimal effort in styling, and can form a night contrast to sharp lines in your outfit – as exemplified on the Balmain runway.

Whilst us Scandinavians are famous for our neutral 'go-to's, the exception is often eyewear. Think bright, statement-making frames and colourful lenses: bringing a DIY sense of cheer to your everyday even when the summer sun disappears. Plus, a pair of these will add playful contrast to an otherwise muted outfit.

White-framed glasses are a timeless investment that can be worn with pretty much everything and anything. And when paired with a black lens, the monochrome look is always a safe bet. A case in point, this season's oversized, crisp white pair from Versace are exactly the sort of whimsical pair we are coveting this season.

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The more the merrier, at least when it comes to the scale of your eyewear this summer. Oversized sunglasses are a great accessory to create the sought-after statement look, without it being too much.

Aviators are a long-time runway mainstay which isn't going anywhere fast. The fashion world has a long relationship with aviator sunglasses, counting back all the way to mid 1950s – and it's a fixation that's bound to last.