The Best Sunglasses for Women, From Classics to Trendy Picks

Accessories are often thought of as an addition to your outfit, not the focal point. We “throw on” a pair of earrings, “grab” a bag, or hastily “pop on” a hat as we’re rushing out the door. But really, accessories are what make an outfit. And if there’s one accessory we swear by — both for style and practicality — it’s sunglasses. 

There are, of course, countless sunglass styles to choose from. Some, like the micro frames sported by celebs in the aughts, might be best left in the past. Others, however, are timeless — and donning a pair is among the best ways to level up your day-off look. Ahead, we’ll introduce you to five sunglass styles that flatter everybody, from modern oval frames to retro-inspired cat-eye sunnies. Plus, we’ll share a look at some of our favorite pairs worth adding to your cart. 

1. Aviator Sunglasses

According to the North Central Institute, aviator sunglasses were first developed in 1935 after the United States military commissioned American Optical to make sunglasses for the U.S. Army Air Corps. The iconic style became available for mass purchase four years later, in 1939 — but it wasn’t until after World War II that they surged in popularity.

In case you’re unfamiliar, aviator sunglasses typically feature a soft triangular or trapezoid-shaped lens surrounded by a thin metal or acetate frame. The bottom of the lens usually hits around the top of the cheekbone, while the top sits straight across the top of the brow bone. There are variations on the look — in the mid 2010s, aviators with colorful mirrored lenses were especially popular — but Tini Lux founder Jackie Burke suggests opting for a classic neutral-toned pair if you’re looking for something you can wear for years to come.

Shop the trend:

• DIFF Eyewear Tahoe Sunglasses in Sequoia Tortoise Brown
• Ray-Ban RB3025 Classic Aviator Sunglasses
• Quince Halston Polarized Stainless Steel Aviator Sunglasses

2. Oval Sunglasses 

Scroll through any street-style account on TikTok or Instagram, and you’re likely to spot oval sunglasses in at least a few pictures. This ’90s-inspired style checks all the boxes: It’s elegant but not stuffy; retro, but not dated; and, like aviators, easily flatters a wide range of face shapes. It’s no wonder the understated style counts Kendall Jenner among its biggest fans. 

Shop the trend:

• Le Specs Work It! Dark Tort Polarized Sunglasses
• Mosanana Retro Designer Oval Metal Sunglasses
• Dezi Drippy

3. Cat-Eye Sunglasses

Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s had no shortage of iconic looks. But if we had to pick one that perfectly encapsulated her character’s demure, feminine aesthetic, cat-eye sunglasses would almost certainly be it. This beloved style mimics the ever-popular cat-eye eyeliner, with frames that pull upward and outward at the corners. They’re fun and sassy, but undeniably glam — and, in our opinion, the perfect finishing touch for an outfit that features animal print in some form. 

Shop the trend: 

• QUAY Tempted Sunglasses
• Livhò Retro Vintage Narrow Cat Eye Sunglasses
• Anthropologie Cat-Eye Sunglasses

4. Wayfarers

Unlike “cat-eye,” which conjures up an image of a particular shape, even if you’re unfamiliar with the style, the term “Wayfarer” does little to describe what, exactly, these sunglasses look like. So, we’ll break it down for you. Typically, Wayfarers feature opaque rectangular lenses encased by an acetate frame (often in black). The classic style was popularized by Ray-Ban and the brand’s iconic Wayfarers, though these days, there are countless iterations of the beloved style to choose from. Opt for a colorful pair if you’re looking for a trendier take on the timeless style — as fashion writer Sydney Yeager notes, color remains one of 2024’s biggest eyewear trends. 

Shop the trend: 

• Crap Eyewear The Heavy Tropix 
• Ray-Ban RB2140 Original Wayfarer Sunglasses
• Quince Walker Polarized Acetate Sunglasses

5. Oversized Sunnies

We couldn’t end this list without a callout to the Jackie Onassis signature: oversized sunglasses (one of trend forecaster Lucinda Pickkat’s favorite sunglass trends of 2024). Whether rounded, square, or butterfly-shaped, oversized sunglasses are a true classic and instantly give any outfit a chic — and decidedly glam — feel. Because they’re a statement in and of themselves, we suggest pairing them with a laid-back ’fit. That way, your oversized sunglasses will be the star of the show — which, when it comes to these bold frames, is exactly the point. 

Shop the trend: 

• Krewe Sophia Sunglasses in Selene
• Prada PR 14WS
• Ralph Lauren The Oversized Ricky