Retro Sunglasses

This summer’s hottest trends all stem from a retro look, so its only fitting that even the accessories feel like a blast from the past. This season's sunglasses are classic looks with very few modifications. As the saying goes, "if it ain't broke don't fix it," so investing in a pair of classic shades will last you for years to come, maybe even decades.

WOMEN

The Cat-Eye Sunglasses

The Cat-Eye sunglasses came into play in the 1950’s and for this season, designers have updated them for a more sophisticated and glamorous look. Cat-eyes are best for faces that tend to look triangular because it adds some curvature to the face.

Nicole Richie wearing the updated Cat-Eye

Stella McCartney SM4023, Sunglass Hut

Round Sunglasses

The Round sunglasses were inspired by John Lennon in the late 1960’s. Now, more than 50 years later, these frames have become more modern and look best with a thicker frame, instead of the skinny wired ones we've seen on the runway. The best face shape for these sunglasses is a squarer face.

Mary-Kate Olsen wearing the Round sunglasses

Vogue VO2669S, Sunglass Hut

Wayfarer Sunglasses

Wayfarers first came into popularity in the 1950’s and now, just about every sunglass maker has a wayfarer shaped style in their collection. These glasses add a sense of “cool” and “hipster” to anyone’s outfit and they go with just about anything. The face shape that looks best in this style is an oblong face.

Taylor Swift wearing the classic wayfarer

Persol PO064954, Sunglass Hut

Square Sunglasses

Square sunglasses were made famous in the 1960’s as well and now they have made a very great come back with its new modern look. These frames look great on people with rounder faces to give the face definition.

Eva Mendes wearing a square-shaped sunglass

Salvatore Ferragamo FE2197B, Sunglass Hut

MEN

The Aviator

The Aviator style was created in the late 1930's by Ray-Ban for the U.S. military. By the 1960's, their popularity was solidified with the young crowd. This season, designers continue to salute the classic style with little change to the look and shape.

David Beckham wearing the classic Aviator

Persol PO2365S56, Sunglass Hut

Wayfarer Sunglasses

Wayfarers credit much of their popularity in the 1950's to actor James Dean who famously wore them around Hollywood and Tom Cruise in Risky Business, so its only fitting that the retro trapezodial lens that are wider at the top than the bottom are as popular with men as they are with women. Today, they come in several sizes and a multitude of colors, making them a great pair on just about every male face.

Rob Pattinson wearing the Wayfarer sunglass

Rayban RB4105, Sunglass Hut

For more tips on how to choose the right shape sunglass for your face, revisit this Dear Shopping Savage.

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Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

I need help choosing sunglasses. I've gone a few places and tried on a few pairs but the sales associates were either clueless or overly aggressive. Is there a process for choosing sunglasses or should I just go with my gut and buy the first pair I like?

Signed,

Shady Situation

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Dear S.S.,

There are so many factors to consider when choosing sunglasses. If you apply all of the criteria found here you'd either have the perfect pair, a collection to rival Imelda Marcos's shoe collection or a splitting headache.

My advice would be to take what you learned from the link above - you may also want to check out here and here to add to your information overload - and then head back to a sunglass shop, armed with your new technical knowledge. Utilize the sales associate or a friend as the true mirror you'll need to determine if the chosen pair - or pairs - are the best for you or if you need to eyeball a few other options.

So the answer to your questions, S.S., are yes and yes. There is a process to choosing sunglasses but you may also be able to make your selection based on appearances alone. Although, if you take the time to apply the information from the links to the sunglass aesthetic you're drawn to, you're liable to find a pair of sunglasses that are a real treat to wear; sweet enough to redefine the meaning of "eye candy".

Need sartorial advice? Email me: ShoppingSavage@gmail.com