All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
After spending far too much money on trendy sunglasses that went in and out of style before we could even wear them, we’re now taking our time as we evaluate 2024’s top sunglasses trends and the overall best sunglasses for women. After all, if we’re going to invest in a pair of shades, we want to be sure they can stand the test of time.
Luckily, there are tons of options that are just as timeless as they are cute, and if you’re in the market for a new pair, there are at least 10 sunglasses shapes that never go out of style
Although we’ve seen celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Rihanna break out teeny tiny, sporty shades, the trend isn’t for everyone and likely won’t stand the test of time. When it comes to the best sunglasses for women, cat-eye shapes, aviators, wayfarers, and rounded and rectangular frames are among the most popular sunglasses for women since they’ve proven to be classic silhouettes. Investing in any of the aforementioned styles is a safe splurge, as you’re guaranteed to have them for years.
So, how can you pick the best sunglasses for you? It’s all about finding a timeless pair that suits your style best. Are you an edgy cool-girl in love with a bold pair of aviators? A ladylike diva who prefers a cat-eye flick? A laid-back beach babe who can’t leave the house without her wayfarers? Consider your own aesthetic, then choose your perfect match from our list of classic sunglasses shapes.
Of course, selecting a sunglasses style is only half the battle — next comes shopping for a spectacular pair you’ll love for life (or, at least, many, many years). We’ve rounded up a few great pair of sunnies ahead, all of which are worth adding to your growing collection.
Round Sunglasses

Round sunglasses are a quick way to spice up a simple outfit (even just a T-shirt and jeans!), giving your look a retro feel. Thankfully, you don’t have to spend a ton to snag a quality pair. Zenni Optical’s option offers UV protection, has an anti-scratch coating, and comes in four different colorways — all while also costing less than $50.

One way to ensure your round sunglasses are more timeless than trendy is to stick with a neutral colorway, such as brown, black, gold, or silver. This $15 pick from Target is also mid-sized, which makes them a bit more versatile than teeny-tiny or oversized alternatives, which can sometimes come across as dated.

When it comes to classic sunglasses, Ray-Ban has you covered. The brand keeps the same timeless shapes in its rotation but still knows how to give its pieces fun, bold twists. While this clear and gold pair will earn you compliments today, they’ll still look just as cool months and years down the road, thanks to their shape and unique bridge detail.
Cat Eye Sunglasses

Despite being a mainstay in the fashion world, cat eye sunglasses have a reputation for being retro and tend to give off a glam, old Hollywood feel. Celeb-loved brand Le Specs sells a version of this style that will no doubt become your new go-to, which makes that under-$100 price tag beyond worth it.

Looking for a pair of sunglasses that will instantly bring you joy and give your outfit some oomph? Add this Vogue Eyewear option to your cart. The bright red frames are bound to amp up any look.
$5711450% Off

If you prefer quiet statements instead of something dramatic, it’s still possible to embrace the cat eye design. Rather than going big and bold, find a pair that’s more rectangular but still features slightly pointed details at the top corner.
Aviator Sunglasses

Aviators or pilot glasses are still going strong in 2024 and the style is here to stay. One reason these sunglasses are so beloved is that they’re universally flattering; the teardrop design complements rounder face shapes, but it also provides a softer balance for those with square or angular jawlines.

If you’re looking to put a playful twist on this timeless sunglasses trend, choose a pair of aviators that have colorful lenses, such as yellow or blue. It’s a quick way to incorporate a pop of something into your outfit and this option from AIRE feels very ’70s.

Ever tune into an episode of Love Island? If yes, you may have spotted someone in the villa rocking Quay sunnies. The brand’s High-Key shades are slightly exaggerated and will feel a tad oversized on your face, not only shielding you from the sun but giving you that superstar vibe each time you slide them on.
Rectangle Sunglasses

Splurging on designer sunglasses might feel risky, but if you’re searching for a style that will look just as modern five years from now as it does today, go with a rectangular pair. The shape is a current favorite among top fashion houses like Prada and Gucci, but since the angles are so sharp, the look will forever come across as glam and elegant when paired with dresses, ruffles, and draped designs.

Of course, if spending hundreds on sunglasses is beyond your budget, it’s easy to find more affordable alternatives. Brands like Mango have rectangular sunglasses ready to shop, and while these pairs look expensive, the actual price tag is less than $40.

Timeless doesn’t have to mean boring. If you’re hoping to add some exciting shades to your round-up, try DIFF’s rectangular Indy design, which gives you the option of choosing a blue, green, or taupe frame. A pop of color could be the little extra your outfit needs.
Shield Sunglasses

Although this statement-making shape feels a bit Y2K or (eek) 2010s, that doesn’t stop it from popping up year after year. Shield sunglasses not only look effortlessly cool, but they cover up the entire eye area for extra protection — or, in some cases, extra privacy. This clear pick from Giant Vintage is approved by Paris Hilton herself.
Giant Vintage Zipper Shield Sunglasses
$34

Shield sunglasses have a reputation for being futuristic and extreme, but Carrera’s 99mm pair isn’t overly dramatic. Perhaps that’s because the size isn’t too large (these glasses are around 4 inches) and the neutral brown colorway helps tone down the bold design.

These neon Foster Grant sunglasses are the perfect pair to wear all summer long and will instantly transport you to the ’80s. They’re so bright and shiny, there’s no way you’ll blend in with the crowd. Marty McFly would surely approve.
Wayfarer Sunglasses

If you’re unsure whether wayfarers are worth the money, consider this: the sunglasses shape has been around since the 1950s. Unlike other styles that come across as too quirky or youthful, the rounded frames are simple and classic and also look great on everyone, regardless of age, gender identity, or face shape. Ray-Ban makes the OG pair, and no matter which combination you purchase, you’re bound to be reaching for them for at least the next decade or two.

When a sunglasses style is so popular, there are bound to be plenty of lookalikes. With Retro Rewind’s polarized pair , customers can choose from more than 20 color combinations, including transparent frames and a hot pink and rose gold design .

There’s so much to love about Privé Revaux’s The Dean sunglasses: the funky tortoiseshell print, the classic design, that under-$50 price tag, etc. But aside from protecting wearers against 100% of all UVA/UVB rays, the’ll also block out blue-light rays emitted from screens. Now, you won’t feel too guilty about scrolling at the beach.
Geometric Sunglasses

Hexagon- or octagon-shaped frames are essentially a small but significant update to an otherwise average pair of sunglasses. The angular look immediately reads as fashion-forward, and you’re bound to get a few compliments each time you arrive somewhere in your geometric shades.

Two sunglasses for the price of one? We’re sold. Keep both pairs for yourself so you can alternate between color combos or give the other option to a stylish loved one.
Krewe is known for its unique sunglasses shapes and too-cool colorways, so obviously, the brand is a go-to for anyone adding a geometric pair to their collection. With dreamy, top-rated shades like the Pascal design, it’s no wonder that celebrities such as Blake Lively, Meghan Markle, and Anne Hathaway are fans.
Oversized Sunglasses

Despite micro shades being the “It” item in recent years, oversized sunglasses never truly went out of style. Perhaps that’s because you find a large and in-charge pair that perfectly suits your style, whether you’re drawn to rounder shapes or square styles, like this pair from Tory Burch.

According to reviews, customers continue to be pleasantly surprised by BP.’s version of oversized sunnies.
“Comparable to a pair of Gucci’s I have!” one person wrote, while another added that they complement her large cheekbones.

It’s hard to pick a favorite detail when it comes to these oversized Ferragamo shades. Is it that unique shape? The dark tortoiseshell print? Or the very discounted sale price for a designer item? It might be a three-way tie.
$79.9737579% Off
ncG1vNJzZmirpK65pq%2FArKueql6YvK57y6Kqratfl7K0wIysrKefnJbAtLHSZp2oql2svK6xzWg%3D