Sunglasses are just for summer, right? Wrong. With UV protection awareness growing, most people now realise that a trendy pair of shades are a year-round necessity. However, if you’re looking for a new pair of designer sunglasses, the almost bewildering number of contemporary designs and colours can make it hard to know which to pick.
From classics with a twist to calming colours, below you will find an overview of 2016’s biggest eyewear trends. What more help do you need to find a pair of head-turning sunglasses for the year ahead?
Classics With A Twist
Classic styles earn their reputation for a reason – they exude a timeless sense of style that just never goes out of fashion. In a bid to keep things fresh, however, a selection of designers are introducing modern twists to these traditional designs, with spectacular results. For men, subtle rounded frames, elegant rectangles and minimalist embellishments are hot right now. For women, shiny metals, cat-eye frames, small jewels and smooth edges are most definitely in vogue.
This trend is all about standing out from the crowd. And, with the huge range of energetic, spritely shades now available, it has never been easier. Glossy, metallic frames, bright and flashy lenses, electric tones and extraordinary embellishments are the defining elements of this trend. For fellas, sunglasses that embody the heady extravagance of the eighties are popular. For ladies, thinkaccentuated frames, squared-off shapes and faux-wood finishes.
In this digital age, sunglasses with analogue sensibilities are making a Lazarus-like return. As such,sunglasses with a sense of flashback fashion and refined flair are proving to be a major hit. For the gents, must-have shades in a vintage style include timeless aviators and sunglasses with delicate metal frames in copper or gold. For the ladies, latticework, tinted lenses, tortoiseshell, thick rims and sunglasses with a retro-chic sheen are hugely popular.
The continued eroding of gender barriers means that sunglasses styles are becoming less and less defined by ‘for him’ or ‘for her’ ideals. For this reason, extravagantly shaped shades in bright and bolshy colours are proving a massive hit with both ladies and gents in 2016. Think head-turning electric yellows, blood reds, neon pinks and brilliant blues, as well as stereotype-reversing designs that scream “anything goes!”
As you probably know, Scandinavian design is huge right now, and its influence is starting to extend beyond the home and into fashion. Consequently, sunglasses sporting calming colours and natural hues are becoming a massive trend in 2016. A selection of Hollywood’s most famous leading ladies, such as Scarlett Johansson and Eva Mendes, have already been seen stepping out in sunglasses matching this description. And designer sunglasses for men that capture the Nordic feeling are another colour craze that is sure to catch on soon.
Do you want to choose a pair of sunglasses that suit the unique profile of your face? Then check out our interactive Face Shape Guide for Sunglasses, which provides customised sunglasses recommendations.
