As we finally bid farewell to the bleak British winter, selecting your go-to eyewear for the spring and summer months might feel like a minor afterthought. However, a powerful pair of sunglasses can make or break an outfit, adding a chic sense of sophistication and class. Styled incorrectly, they risk tarnishing your entire look with cheap and tacky eyewear.
Fortunately, celebrity stylist Lisa Talbot is here to share the ultimate dos and don'ts for choosing your eyewear this season. Speaking to The Daily Mail, she said: 'As a personal stylist, I often see women making the same mistakes when choosing sunglasses. It's not about how much you spend, but how considered your choice is. Sunglasses shouldn't just be a seasonal purchase; they should be a considered part of your wardrobe. The key is to focus on balance, proportion, and versatility. When you do, even a £20 pair can look incredibly chic. And when you don't, even a luxury pair can fall short.'
What to Avoid
Overly Trend-Driven Micro Frames
While 'extremely small or ultra-narrow sunglasses might be having a moment', Lisa suggests they are not as appealing as they seem. Popular with A-listers including Bella Hadid, Anne Hathaway, Zoe Kravitz, and both Kendall and Kylie Jenner, the tiny sunglasses trend has shown little sign of wavering, with designers such as Stella McCartney contributing to the resurgence. Pop star Billie Eilish is also known for her fondness for smaller, retro-inspired glasses, wearing micro Prada frames at the GRAMMY Awards last year. However, while they work on the red carpet, Lisa warns that in daily life they 'often look impractical and dated very quickly. They rarely suit many face shapes and can feel more like a fashion statement than a considered style choice.'
Loud, Overly Bright or Artificial Finishes
While it may be tempting to add a pop of colour to your eyewear in summer, bright lenses, harsh white frames, or 'overly shiny plastics' should be avoided, Lisa warns. She explains: 'If the colour is the first thing you notice, rather than how it works with your outfit, it's usually a sign to step back.' Popular in the 1960s and 1970s, tinted lenses experienced a resurgence in the late 90s and are now often considered vintage, showcased by the likes of Kris Jenner.
Poorly Proportioned Frames
Next to watch out for, Lisa shares, are 'frames that are too small, too wide, or sit awkwardly on the face'. Overly dominant sunglasses 'can throw off your entire look'. Adored by Victoria Beckham, oversized sunglasses are slowly creeping up the trends due to their chic and sophisticated finish. At the Golden Globes in January, Miley Cyrus showcased wide frames with YSL's oversized black sunglasses combined with a custom Saint Laurent dress. However, ensuring the size does not overwhelm the face is key to preventing focus from deviating too far from the rest of your outfit.
Overly Embellished or Logo-Heavy Designs
Designer sunglasses may be desirable, but overly embellished or logo-heavy designs should be avoided as they risk looking 'gimmicky', according to Lisa. She explained: 'Too much branding, excessive embellishment, or unusual features can quickly tip sunglasses into looking gimmicky rather than stylish.' Adored by the likes of Khloe Kardashian, sunglasses by brands such as Gucci can risk taking attention away from the rest of your look, not to mention the high price tag—a pair of women's Gucci sunglasses can cost up to £250.
One-Outfit Wonders
While a good pair of sunglasses can last decades, Lisa suggests considering whether your go-to pair suits most outfits in your wardrobe rather than a select few. 'If your sunglasses only work with one very specific look, they're unlikely to earn their place in your wardrobe,' she said. Stressing the importance of avoiding an 'expensive mistake', she suggests considering how sunglasses look with varying looks before buying. Unique designs that may not work for all looks include cut-out aviator sunglasses, rainbow-decorated sunglasses, and those covered with jewels. Rihanna's cat-eye sunglasses for the 2023 Met Gala, for instance, would be unlikely to pair with any future outfits.
Sunglasses That Always Feel Classy
Classic Shapes with a Modern Edge
For Lisa, sticking with traditional shapes and styles is a sure way to look classy and chic this summer. Think 'timeless silhouettes' with a 'softly rounded cat-eye', 'oversized frames', or 'refined rectangular styles that will always look elegant'. She added: 'Styles like the oval cat-eye from Marks & Spencer or Mango's gold oval frames strike that perfect balance between trend-led and wearable.' Classic sunglasses shapes 'frame the face beautifully without overpowering it, which is key to achieving that effortless, put-together feel,' Lisa explained.
Versatility Across Outfits
Ultimately, the best sunglasses should 'work with everything'—from your morning coffee run to a flashy event. Nicole Kidman's elegant Bottega Veneta sunglasses at Venice Film Festival perfectly executed this, with stylish cat-eye frames suitable for both day and night. 'If you can wear the same pair with a blazer, a dress, and casual denim, you know you've found a winning style,' Lisa said. 'True style isn't about the label, it's about how everything works together.'
Subtle, Neutral Tones
When considering colour, Lisa suggests opting for 'tortoiseshell, soft brown or black' as the most viable options. She explained that such 'muted metallics will always look more expensive than they are'. 'Pieces like the Oliver Bonas faux tortoiseshell frames or the ASOS crystal brown ovals are perfect examples; they complement your wardrobe rather than compete with it,' she added. Known for appreciating tortoiseshell or soft brown sunglasses, model Brooke Shields recently stepped out at Paris Fashion Week in striking tortoiseshell Chloe visor sunglasses.
Proportion That Works for Your Face
'The most flattering sunglasses are those that feel in harmony with your features,' Lisa noted. Rather than moving away from oversized shapes completely, she explained that a 'slightly oversized style can add instant glamour, while balanced proportions create a more refined finish'. 'Brands like Jimmy Fairly and Meller offer shapes that feel intentional and well-designed, which always reads as more premium,' she added. Showcasing this style, in March, Gigi Hadid stepped out in New York City wearing oversized Jimmy Fairly sunglasses reminiscent of Paris Hilton in the early '00s.
Minimal, with Consideration for Details
When looking to elevate your looks, Lisa suggests looking for 'a hint of gold hardware, a clean frame, or a subtle design feature'. Adding a beautiful hint of elegance and interest 'without trying too hard', she recommends shops such as River Island for gold slim hexagon styles. Previously seen on Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner, light metal hexagon sunglasses are growing in popularity as brands move towards a lighter style. They bridge the gap between retro 1970s/60s nostalgia and a more modern look, adding subtle dimension to your summer eyewear collection.
