Sian Victoria © - Sunglasses and beach outfit

After shivering through a cold and dreary winter, nothing is quite as satisfying as stepping outside in your summer attire and slipping on your sunglasses for the first time in the new season.

In Australia, summer is unique in that it runs from December to February. While these months flow naturally one after the other, they are simultaneously split across the calendar year.

This means that there is a nine-month gap between the last official day of the previous summer, February, and the first official day of the new summer, December.

During this time, particularly around June to September, fashionistas and influencers in the Northern Hemisphere have pretty much defined the significant trends for sunglasses in the year.

Therefore, if you are an Aussie, especially one living in the southern states like New South Wales and Victoria - where the winter chill bites the most - you may have missed what’s been in vogue for 2024.

But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Here are the top 10 sunglasses trends for 2024, which you should be aware of if you need to purchase a new pair.

Before selecting sunglasses, it might be a good idea to book an eye test. This can help you determine the best options for your vision needs and ensure you choose the most suitable pair.

1. Timeless Aviators

Aviators have long been many people's go-to pair of sunglasses, and they will be as popular as ever in 2024.

Notably, this classic style received a modern twist this year from many designers, including Saint Laurent and Tom Ford. They featured oversized lenses, detailed accents, and inventive materials like acetate.

They ensured they remained a staple in many European and Asian fashionista's everyday styles.

2. Oversized Frames

Big or oversized frames have been a real hit in 2024, thanks to Dolce & Gabbana, Nina Ricci, and Blumarine all bringing them glasses frames out in various shapes.

Often used to dramatic effect, this style has so many examples available that it isn’t difficult to find one that suits your overall face shape.

3. Bold and Bright Frames

Blue, red, and yellow are just some of the bold and bright colours used in the sunglasses designs of frames by Burberry and Etro.

Adding a playful and attractive pop to anything you wear will bring a fresh feeling to summer days at the beach or when brunching with the girls, which you may not have experienced before.

4. Classic Cat-Eyes

Cat-eye sunglasses were invented in the 1920s by an artist named Altina Schinasi Miranda and immortalised by Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, and Marylyn Monroe.

Whether you wear them as prescription sunglasses or not, it is fair to say they have probably never really gone out of style. They have returned to prominence in 2024 thanks to A-listers like Selena Gomez, Miranda Kerr, Priyanka Chopra, and Gigi Hadid, who have all been snapped wearing a winged version of it this year.

5. Mirrored lenses

Thanks to fashion houses like Alberta Ferretti, Givenchy, and Acne Studios, whose models wore them on the catwalk, mirrored lenses are a sunglasses trend that made a notable comeback.

Besides protecting the eyes outdoors, these shades might add a futuristic edge to any ensemble while significantly reducing glare. They were also released in a range of stylish colours, including silver and blue, which will really get you noticed.

6. The Retro Metal

When you think of metal-rimmed sunglasses, Julia Roberts in Erin Brockovich immediately springs to mind.

However, these sunnies, both vintage-inspired and a touch mysterious, have remained popular and enjoyed a bit of a renaissance this season in the Northern Hemisphere.

Generally available as a gold or silver metal, both complement most people’s skin tones and tend to match any outfit.

7. Round shapes

Nothing says timeless appeal quite like classic rounds, which have been the go-to choice for many celebrities for years.

In 2024, they were often seen in smaller frames on Selena Gomez, the Olsen twins, Lady Gaga, and the Hadid sisters.

Prada, Max Mara, and Balmain led the way with chic and sophisticated seasonal designs.

8. Pearly Whites

If you want to try something a little different, why not embrace your pearly whites?

No, we are not talking about your teeth but rather the white-framed sunglasses seen on the runways of Louis Vuitton, Versace, and Elie Saab.

Designed with geometric and oversized shapes, they showcase a contemporary and clean vibe that matches a neutral tone and a monochromatic look.

9. Rose-Coloured Lenses

There is a lot of hate in the world right now, so why not choose to look through rose-coloured glasses, which made a big (and potentially symbolic) comeback in 2024?

If the rose isn’t your colour, some designs come in fuchsia, blush, or terracotta, which can improve your style!

10. Decorative Details

Sometimes, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel; you just need to give it a makeover. This is precisely what happened to classic black frames this year.

Many styles with eye-catching but subtle details were introduced to the sunglasses market, featuring pearls, metal wiring, dangling beads, and other adornments that quickly became a popular intentional styling choice.

To conclude

As you prepare for the summer season, staying informed about the latest sunglasses trends will help you update your style while protecting your eyes. From timeless aviators to bold colours and unique shapes, there’s a perfect pair out there for everyone. So, embrace these fashionable options and step into summer feeling confident and chic!

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