A CASE FOR INVESTING IN WINTER SUNGLASSES

We might be tucking our bikinis safely into their winter beds (aka, the back of the bottom drawer) but hold fire on the sunglasses. Despite colder weather bringing darker skies for the next few months, shades are the ultimate all-year accessory – and should be treated as such. In fact, I’d go as far as to say that coat and sunglasses weather is the greatest weather of all. From oversized frames that conceal tired mornings, to sleek silhouettes imbued with a sense of mystery – I’m proud to say that I always have an appropriate pair of sunglasses to hand. And of my entire wardrobe, they prompt the most ‘where did you get those?’ questions. In honour of my favourite accessory, I’ve compiled a list of all the shapes, sizes, and shades I’ll be wearing this season (sun not required). Keep scrolling.

A pair of oversized sunglasses are, I would argue, the modern woman’s secret weapon. Regardless of what’s trending, an enlarged sunny always has a fashionable flair about it – not least because they conceal most of your face and leave others guessing. Whether you’re tired, uninspired, or simply want to feel fabulous, this silhouette will never let you down. If it’s good enough for Anna Wintour, need I say more?

 

GET THE LOOK: 

Jimmy Fairly The Dita oversized square sunglasses in black, £135
Jimmy Fairly The Marilu oversized square sunglasses in vintage tort, £135
New Look oversized oval sunglasses in black, £10.99
Le Specs fortune teller oversized aviator sunglasses, £65

Smaller sunglasses have been enjoying the spotlight these past few years, thanks largely to brands like Miu Miu. Skewing 90s preppy, I love these micro styles during the colder months because they pair so well with a roll neck jumper. Finishing your autumnal look with a pair of tortoiseshell oval frames is the perfect nod to pre-Goop Gwyneth Paltrow – the ideal outfit finisher for those long afternoons sipping espresso and putting the world to rights. If you wanted Parisian-cool, this is the gateway accessory.

 

GET THE LOOK: 

ASOS DESIGN slim oval sunglasses in black, £14
Pull&Bear Oval sunglasses in brown, £15.99
Vogue Oval sunglasses with green lens in gold, £84
Cotton On ophelia oval sunglasses in cactus green, £12

Purveyors of the aviator include Tom Ford and Alessandro Michele-era Gucci, two designers who gave this 70s frame the spotlight it deserves. When choosing your perfect pair, my motto is: the bigger the better. Chunky frames, warm earthy tones, and curved silhouettes pair well with a cold-weather wardrobe – particularly a statement trench coat.

 

GET THE LOOK: 

Pull&Bear Oversized aviator sunglasses in black, £15.99
Stradivarius double bridge sunglasses in pale camel, £12.99
ASOS DESIGN chunky aviator sunglasses in tortoise shell with amber lens, £14
AJ Morgan flat top aviator sunglasses in green with brown lens, £23

Another utterly timeless style is the humble cat-eye. If anything was to convince you that sunglasses are an all-year accessory it’s these. From Audrey Hepburn to Hailey Bieber, these feminine frames have woo-ed the world since the 20s. Their up-turned design was the first distinctive eyewear style in history, creating a chic lifted look that remains just as iconic today. My favourite thing about the cat-eye is that they really do suit everyone, and a classic black or brown pair will match any outfit in your wardrobe.

 

GET THE LOOK: 

AJ Morgan chunky cat eye sunglasses in vintage tort, £22
Jimmy Fairly The Lucia slim cat eye sunglasses in black, £135
Vogue Cat eye polarised sunglasses with brown lens in total dark havana, £101
Pieces cateye frame sunglasses with brown tint lense in tortoiseshell, £14

Of course, sunglasses aren’t all about the aesthetics. Like any good accessory, they also serve a practical purpose – in this case protecting our eyes from the sun. During crisp autumn walks this still rings true, but that doesn’t mean there’s no place for a good frame when the skies are grey and gloomy. In fact, sporty silhouettes are vital for wet weather excursions – especially if you’re braving a winter jog or hike. Streamlined, wrap around styles will keep the elements at bay and make you look undeniably cool whilst doing it.

 

GET THE LOOK: 

A.Kjaerbede Gust racer sunglasses in chocolate brown, £30
ASOS DESIGN festival racer sunglasses in matte black with smoke lens, £14
AIRE vega metal rectangle sunglasses in black, £40
Arnette Bubblewrap rectangle sunglasses with grey lens in dark blue, £66