On the Lookout–Sunglasses for Summer

Do you transform into a whole new person when you put on a great pair of sunglasses? I sure do. Suddenly I’m a little mysterious, a touch more chic and fully ready to display my red carpet strut as I navigate the grocery store parking lot.

Also, I’m a writer, so people-watching is part of my inspiration tool kit. I’m a big fan of sitting solo on a sunny patio while engaging in a few minutes of surreptitious eavesdropping from behind the “shield” of my dark-tinted lenses. Sunglasses are a necessity when I’m pretending to read a book while bending an ear toward the juicy gossip happening at the next table.

And let's not forget, they are a great way to enjoy your modern midlife while letting the world know that style is ageless.

Fun, Affordable Style

I also appreciate the instant and accessible style (and attitude) boost that sunglasses bring to almost any outfit.

Whether they help you hide or inspire you to shine, a great pair of sunglasses is an easy and affordable accessory to add to your summer style. And bonus, many are enjoying mid-summer sale prices, so stock up for fall and beyond.

Top trends you’ll see poolside this summer include:

Tinted lenses

Hello 1970! Here’s a trend we can enjoy wearing again. Tinted lenses from Yesglasses in soft pink, baby blue and bright orange add a ton of character to any outfit, and surprise, you can wear them indoors as well.

Chains

Let’s take a moment and applaud a trend inspired by the Boomer generation! While we think of eyeglass chains as a purely utilitarian way to keep reading glasses from wandering, fashion brands like Asos have deemed them a sunglass essential. Choices on Amazon range from chunky metal chains to jewel encrusted links to leather lassos.

Metal/wire frames

If you are a fan of Sarah Jessica Parker in her HBO Max show “And Just Like That,” you’ve seen all shapes and sizes of metal frames including oversized grannies, half-rim designs and tiny ovals in gold, gunmetal, silver and black and more. If you are looking for an option that is lightweight and comfortable, wire is the way to go. Versions by Look Optics even offer progressive lenses for poolside beach reads.

Aviators

Classic, Ray-Ban aviators never go out of style because they work on almost any face shape. This year, oversized versions like the ones from Free People often elevated with tinted frames, are making a style statement, too. Here’s a tip, head over to the men’s section where you can find bigger frames that often cost less. Just check to make sure that the ear and nose pieces fit properly so that they don’t slide down your nose.

Tortoiseshell

Add a touch of class to any summer outfit with this sunglass staple. From the classic Wayfarer shape (think Tom Cruise in Risky Business) to an updated Jackie O version, the tortoiseshell frame works with everything from a white cotton tee to sophisticated suiting. Versions by Diff eyewear even come with a look good/feel good advantage. Diff’s charitable arm provides screenings, fittings and eyewear to children through their Vision to Learn Mobile Clinics

Modern cat-eye

Looking for a big, bold way to make a statement this summer. Put on a pair of cat-eye sunnies with high-contrast frames like these from Quince. Designers are tuning out these perennial favorites with frames molded in bright blue, hot pink, fiery orange and more. They’re the

purr-fect way to get noticed this summer…convertible not required.

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HELL YEAH!

Tips for picking the best:

Darker lenses do not guarantee the best protection. Always look for 100% UVA protection on the label.

Look for polarized lenses to reduce glare–especially if you plan on spending time by the water.

Are you an athlete? Consider impact protection–sturdiness of frames, built in nose pieces, hinges on earpieces, etc.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, here is the best way to assess the quality of lenses.

I do not endorse these businesses and organizations, nor do I receive compensation from them.

LET’S TALK ABOUT IT:

How many pairs of sunglasses do you have in your accessory wardrobe?