The right pair of sunglasses are an easy way to elevate your style. They can give you a boost of confidence and add the finishing touch to any outfit. But when it comes to hype, the designer sunglasses that genuinely deserve it are the ones that serve both quality and style.
The truth is not all fashionable sunglasses are worth the investment. Some might not be durable. Some may quickly fall out of fashion. Some, according to research from Columbia University, are even counterproductive to eye protection because of insufficient coverage, despite being a trendy style on the rise today. So when it comes to designer sunglasses, the ones truly worth the hype are from the brands that devote attention to both looks and performance.
Curious about which designer sunglasses deserve your attention? Here are five that are definitely worth the hype.
Fendi Cat-Eye Acetate Sunglasses
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Fendi are one of the most highly-coveted luxury brands in the fashion world, and you probably know them best for their impeccably precise designs and signature double “F” logo. Their Cat-Eye sunglasses particularly showcase this attention to detail. They’re primarily made of acetate, a long-lasting material that’s very durable. Meanwhile, their meticulously crafted blue lenses give you the right pop of colour for a bit of variety. Overall, this pair is sturdy, but distinctly stylish enough to be a head-turner wherever you go.
Chanel Square Sunglasses
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For any luxury fashion lover, Chanel’s accessories are a must-have. For decades, their designer bags have proved to be timeless and chic, adding a classic elegance to any outfit. Naturally, these qualities extend to their signature eyewear. The Chanel Square sunglasses are simplistic and bold, with a sleek design that speaks for itself. Not quite angled or round, their graceful shape strikes a perfect balance for every aesthetic—and, of course, Chanel’s sunnies guarantee 100% UVA and UVB protection, so you can wear them time and time again.
Prada PR 17 WSF
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Known for its signature luxury sunglasses, Prada is the first name that comes to mind if you’re looking for style and quality in eyewear. Prada sunglasses come in various frame shapes, lens colours, and frame sizes, all available in-store and online. Above all, they are created with optimum durability and superior optical performance, giving you your money’s worth in style and function. Prada’s PR 17 WSF sunglasses are a testament to this. Intentionally understated, the model expresses Prada’s forward-thinking fashion language through its geometric frame and temple. It’s dark and bold, and it can give you an immediate edge by adding definition to every outfit.
Celine Triomphe Sunglasses
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Although Celine made its name through ready-to-wear leather goods, it also offers a glamorous array of sunglasses with distinct, uncompromising, and long-lasting designs. Perhaps this is why Celine sunglasses have been donned by so many greats over the past decades, including the late great culture essayist Joan Didion who graced their 2015 sunglasses campaign. The Celine Triomphe is reminiscent of the oversized pairs that the celebrated author was often seen wearing in life. It exudes the same elegance and sophistication—with a touch of the enigmatic. These high-quality, long-lasting pairs can be an excellent investment for those wanting a dramatic statement piece that lasts years.
Saint Laurent SL 276 Mica
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Yves Saint Laurent has popularised a lot of looks since the 1960s, like thigh-high boots, the Beatnik look, and women’s trousers for all occasions. This pair of sunglasses is just the latest in its roster. Merging cat-eye and square shapes, the Saint Laurent SL 276 Mica results in an angled silhouette—but its timelessness lies in not quite being able to tell whether its charm is retro or futuristic. Made with the highest-quality material and featuring the highest sun protection index, these sunnies can be a staple in any wardrobe.
Sunglasses have been a staple in fashion for decades. These five designer pairs follow the legacy of long-established brands offering nothing but the best for high-end accessories.