Sunglasses: 10 pairs for summer

Out of the shower, tan settling in, beach bag already packed: all that's missing is the pair that will go with everything, and that's often where it gets tricky. Here, for those who haven't got a pair yet, for collectors, for the undecided… a few styles that caught my eye and the trends of the moment.

A favourite: the softly rounded frames of these Oliver Peoples sunglasses. Rounded shape, fine coral-coloured frames, perfect on tanned skin. At Shopbop.

The famous Ray-Ban Wayfarer comes in orange and black with slightly graduated lenses. That zingy hit of colour gives them a fun, youthful feel that I love.

Retro mood for these round sunglasses that are back in fashion. We've seen them on several stars and, fair enough, they have real impact. These come with chic dark lenses and are by Ray-Ban.

Flashy translucent blue, a rounded frame and graduated lenses: these are the Matthew Williamson sunglasses with a trendy look. At Shopbop.

Retro-chic shape for these sunglasses called Cat Eye, whose arms stretch outwards from the face. An original yet elegant shape that is appearing more and more, both in prescription glasses and sunglasses. These are by Ray-Ban and available to shop at Net-a-Porter.

Matthew Williamson again for these gorgeous sunglasses in fluoro pink and neon green. Rounded shape, zingy frames, graduated lenses: they're good enough to eat. Available to shop at Shopbop.

Funky frames for these ASOS sunglasses with a leopard print, cat-eye shape and graduated lenses.

The famous Aviator sunglasses have nothing to worry about: they remain at the top of the trends, and the Victoria Beckham model will not prove otherwise. Extra-fine gold frames and peach-tinted lenses with a graduated centre, super-stylish! At Net-a-Porter.

Aviator inspiration but with a more rounded lower frame for this Ray-Ban model, dressed entirely in black. With these very dark lenses, they are chic and mysterious while keeping that fashion edge we love so much.

We finish with the design sunglasses from Marc by Marc Jacobs, with an angular tricolour frame layered like a mille-feuille on the edge. At Shopbop.

Geographically speaking, we are not all equal when it comes to sunglasses. Well, yes: if some wear them fixed to their nose half the year because they live in a sunny region, others count themselves lucky to wear them three weeks a year (I'm one of them, alas!). But for both camps, sunglasses have an undeniable fashion dimension, all the better embraced because it goes hand in hand with the necessary side of things: protecting the retinas — now that's functional and essential!

A small reminder that doesn't spoil the pleasure: looking good doesn't excuse you from checking the filter. Category 3 covers everyday life, while 4 is reserved for high mountains — and definitely not for driving, where it is not permitted. Also be wary of very dark lenses sold without a UV filter: your pupil dilates and your eye then receives more UV than if your face were bare.

On shapes: the round style always finds an audience for a confident retro effect, slimming a round face without weighing it down; the black rectangular style with a thick frame remains the staple that works as well with jeans as with a suit — it's the pair you keep for ten years without thinking about it! The butterfly shape lifted at the corners raises the gaze and opens up the forehead, handy if you have a fringe. The oversized square with fine arms covers the cheekbones well, a real plus when you're trying to protect the skin around the eye.

This season, the octagonal shape is gradually replacing the round: the same bold geometry, less seen everywhere, a more angular line that structures a soft face.

The fine metal aviator slips into a monochrome total look without raising its voice, and the black model with very dark lenses plays the mystery card. In the fitting room, judge the fit and the way the arms rest, not the label.

For the more daring, leopard print and bright frames work with an entirely neutral capsule wardrobe. As for the wraparound sports shield with polarised lenses, it is still designed for cycling or sailing — not for accessorising a city outfit, even if the look has something alluring about it.

Some brands show their frames in fishing nets recovered at sea, an FSC-certified cardboard case, a bio-based frame: these are real arguments, but none is proof of a better lens. Judge the frame when trying it on, not on the label.

And if a pair is sleeping at the back of a drawer, know that some opticians and charities organise collections, worth checking near you. The action that makes all the difference is still repair — replacing lenses costs far less than a new pair, and the frame goes off for another season!

Budget

Expect to pay around £20 for a spare pair or a novelty pair to wear for two weeks of holiday, and £50 to £130 for a decent frame with a proper filter from an optician. Beyond that, you're mainly paying for the brand, the quality of the acetate and the skill that goes into the hinge. Price varies according to material (acetate, metal, titanium), lens type (polarised, graduated, prescription) and where you buy — also think about second-hand and charity collections for models you no longer want.

Sources

• Santé publique France — Sun protection: the right habits, accessed in 2026.
• World Health Organization — Ultraviolet radiation and health, accessed in 2026.
• European Commission — Sunglasses: standards and filter categories, accessed in 2026.