Why Statement Sunglasses are Making a Comeback

Have you been looking to improve your wardrobe this year? If so, look no further than statement sunglasses, which have been making a big comeback in the fashion world. Fans recently spotted Bella Hadid donning Liotta Aviators from INDY Sunglasses, a brand that draws inspiration from colorful mod styles of the late 1960s and traditional aviators of the 1970s. Commentaries note the frame’s rounded edges and widened arms that could be shaping the retro-futuristic feel of this season’s trends.

Since their sighting on Bella, the colorful frames have been selling fast at discounted prices on Wolf and Badger. In this article, we take a closer look at what drives the demand and comeback of statement sunglasses.

Nostalgia factor

The Y2K trend exploded in 2021, and it just so happens that statement sunglasses fall perfectly within this fashion niche. You can easily find Gen Z fashionistas experimenting with colorful lenses and frames, hoping to emulate a carefree and sassy statement reminiscent of the mid-’90s and early 2000s.

Sunglass wearers who wish to dig even deeper within the nostalgic factor can opt for the lasting symbol of coolness — oversized sunglasses. As Vogue illustrates, many femme fatales in history have worn the look, including former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and writer Joan Didion. They were just as popular onscreen, seen worn by screen icons Peggy Lipton in The Mod Squad, Małgorzata Braunek in Hunting Flies, and Jane Birkin in La Piscine. If you hope to imitate the classy and vintage appearance of these celebrities, wearing oversized statement sunglasses is the best place to start.

Availability of styles

Statement sunglasses used to focus primarily on size. Today, however, statement sunglasses include a range of styles that experiment with variations of color and shape. Oversized sunglasses, for instance, can now come in white-rimmed shades, as seen with the Quay Australia 20’s sunglasses worn by Paris Hilton.  They can even accommodate cat-eyed edges, as shown by Mia Goth, who embodied mob-widow chic at the 2022 Venice Film Festival.

Different brands have since released their own take on statement sunglasses. You can find the latest styles on popular retailer Sunglass Hut, where customers can shop based on fit and even material. For instance, the bold, feminine shapes of the luxury Versace Spring Summer 2023 can be ordered from their catalog in vibrant purple or classic black, as modeled by Emily Ratajkowski. More price-accessible options are available as well, with the latest Hailey Bieber signature looks available through the $50-$100 frames of Vogue Eyewear.

Eye protection

Recent statistics have shown that sun damage is an overwhelming contributor to the increase in eye health complications. In fact, 2020 statistical data derived from WHO indicate that overexposure to UV radiation contributes to 20% of cataract cases. That is why many people have been returning to the original functional purpose of sunglasses: eye protection.

Many customers think that expensive lenses offer more protection from the sun. However, that’s not always the case! Women can feel effortlessly chic with polarized GQUEEN sunglasses that come in 15 mirrored hues, all the while knowing that their vision is being safeguarded by the brand’s advanced UV400-rated lens. This can offer complete protection against harmful UVA, UVB and UVC rays for as low as $10.

Individual style

Statement sunglasses are an accessory that can set your outfit apart from the crowd. With growing trends like fitleisure, taking out your sleek and sporty sunglasses is the perfect way to complete your look.

However, don’t be afraid to mix and match to create your own unique fashion style! High-end brands like Bottega Veneta, Gucci, and Balenciaga have all begun to make a case for a futuristic and elevated take on sporty sunglasses. 3rdEyeView owner Christyn Breckenridge notes a rising trend where athletics and high fashion “clash” in harmony, especially now that razor-edge shapes can now easily be spotted on the celebrity courtside.

Fashion enthusiasts can look forward to a ton of exciting new variations in statement sunglasses in the market. To find the perfect outfit to complement the look, check out our favorite picks below: