Sunglasses are a key part of any look. As well as being style-defining, they cross the border from season-to-season with only minor nuances to differentiate them from the last.
They have the power to transform an outfit just as effortlessly as Bottega Veneta’s square-toed mules. They also happen to be a style trademark of some of fashion’s greats – here’s thinking of you, Karl Lagerfeld. And while protecting our precious peepers from the UV rays, they shield tell-tale tired eyes, too.
The reality is you already know what shapes suit your face. You may even have a go-to brand. But this season, sunglasses have undergone a subtle yet remarkable make-over and it is well worth taking note.
ON THE CATWALK
Small details such as distinctive metal frames and bolts – at Cartier and Chloé – are defining new styles. Ever-so-slightly-different shapes, too. Cat-eye styles, which have been a major shape for several seasons, have been slimmed down.
At Christian Siriano slim-line black shades perched atop models noses. But while they seemed to shrink, their winged counterparts seem to fly. At Fendi they were exaggerated upwards and outwards. Coloured lenses also infiltrated the catwalks, as did the perennial fashion favourite, white. Frames also became thicker – as seen at Victoria Beckham – adding a retro feel.
ON THE STREETS
Of course fashion week provided some of the best inspiration, yet. Sunglasses are, after all, every girl’s most treasured accessory. When you’re hot-footing from one show to the next, or one party to another – they hide a multitude of sins – and offer a little protection from the sometimes-unforgiving eye of street style photographers.
While adding an abundance of style points to your look, they characterise your style. Black and tortoiseshell colour ways have the power to make a look more glam and sophisticated, while coloured and translucent frames err on the more fashion forward side.
SHOP THE LOOK
Scroll through to see our edit of autumn winter 2019’s best sunglasses…
- Words by Elaine Lloyd-Jones
- Images: GoRunway.com
