A first peek at the shades to scoop this year
Here comes the sun, we promise
It's no surprise that we're not exactly in a sunglasses-buying state of mind. Grey skies and Mother Nature's last wintery push are taking their final toll. But like bathing suits, we should be buying our sunglasses now in anticipation of the sunny rays ahead. After all, you'll want to be ready with a trendy new pair when the sun does make its triumphant return.
We spotted sunglasses on more runways than ever this season and designers dug deep to give new life to classic styles. Poised to take the top spot as the trendiest pair of the summer is the cat eye. The most striking versions, seen at Louis Vuitton and Miu Miu, were skinnier, slimmed-down takes on your run-of-the-mill feline face-framers. On the other end of the spectrum were the enormously oversized tortoise shell frames worn at Carolina Herrera and J.W. Anderson. Not ready to try the more extreme silhouettes? Retro white is back and comes in every shape and size. You're bound to find one that suits your style. Last but not least, find those wrap-around Oakleys you bought back in the 90s because sporty sunnies are back. Worn with everything from gowns at Stella McCartney to scuba gear at Fenty x Puma by Rihanna, they're going to be your go-tos for every adventure ahead.
The skinny cat eye
The cat eye is back, but with a new twist. Look for pairs that have an extra slim silhouette for the most fashion-forward take. The dramatic upturn on these small, sharp lenses make them ideal for showing off dewy, sun-kissed cheekbones.
Le Specs x Adam Selman Last Lolita 49mm Cat Eye Sunglasses, $151, lespecs.com
Illesteva Marianne Cat-Eye Acetate Mirrored Sunglasses, $190, net-a-porter.com
Moschino Cat's Eye Sunglasses, $326.44, nordstrom.com
The oversize tortoiseshell
Brown or golden-flecked tortoiseshell glasses are nothing new. The scale of this season's styles, however, is. The bigger the better when it comes to these squared-off, eye-shielding sunnies.
Bailey Nelson Elizabeth Sunglasses, $175, baileynelson.com
Gucci Round-Frame Acetate Sunglasses With Star, $485, gucci.com
H&M Polarized Sunglasses, $59.99, hm.com
The white frame
Thick or thin, creamy white frames are a nostalgic nod to mod '60s style. Keep your eye out for metallic lenses, unconventional shapes and unique arm details that will make them feel the most modern.
Aldo Meacham Sunglasses, $16, aldoshoes.com
Stella McCartney White Slim Rectangular Sunglasses, $315, ssense.com
Elizabeth and James McKinley Oval-Frame Acetate Sunglasses, $220, net-a-porter.com
The sporty throwback
Part sport-inspired and part futuristic, these shield-like shades almost feel like slipping on a pair of VR glasses. This is also where you can go wild with colour, everything from acidic neons to chalky pastels are fair game.
Oakley Turbine Rotor Sunglasses, $245, ca.oakley.com
Nike Tailwind Sunglasses, $120, clearly.ca
Marc Jacobs Flat Top Sunglasses, $140, shopbop.com
Caitlan Moneta (@caitlanmoneta) is a Toronto-based fashion editor, writer and stylist. She's a firm believer that there's nothing a little retail therapy can't fix.