If eyes are the window to the soul, sunglasses are a playful sneak peek into who you are.

Sunglasses for women are, scientifically speaking, the perfect accessory. They’re conveniently portable to bring anywhere on the go. They can transform an otherwise meh outfit into an intentional ensemble. And, like the best new sunscreens, they serve an imperative purpose by shielding you from the sun’s rays.

In all their built-in anonymity and undeniable coolness, it’s no wonder that sunglasses have remained a go-to symbol of power, boldness and self-expression. Would Anna Wintour be the terrifyingly chic icon she is today without her signature face-covering frames? We think not.

Often a last-minute outfit addition as you run out the door, stylish sunglasses for women are the unsung hero of any cool summer outfit.

What sunglasses for women are trending right now?

As an ongoing staple of high-fashion runways, sunnies work to give models a mysterious look or complete a high-concept pairing. And this season, there have been plenty of styles to draw inspiration from.

Coloured shades and rims add playful intrigue, as seen on the runways of Miu Miu (above), Casablanca and Gucci. Cat-eye silhouettes were embraced and reimagined by labels like Louis Vuitton (below). In a daintier minimalist twist, we were served thin wired frames at Khaite and Emilio Pucci.

Meanwhile, classic styles like tortoiseshell prints and aviator shapes continue to be street-style favourites, thanks to recognizable designs that add instant visual intrigue. From whimsical swollen silhouettes to sleek futuristic finishes, there’s no shortage of stylish sunglasses for women on the market this summer.

The best sunglasses for women to shop right now

Cult Gaia x Thierry Lasry The Jazz sunglasses

Nothing says statement individuality like a pair of translucent coloured shades. Cult Gaia’s sunglasses, made in collaboration with French label Thierry Lasry, are the perfect example.

With a puffy cat-eye shape and a retro-futuristic finish, they’re the epitome of making a statement out of a single accessory. Handmade in Italy, these fun shades are crafted to last long beyond the summer.

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Gucci round sunglasses

If you’re after la dolce vita, Gucci sunglasses for women are the place to look. These oversized oval-shaped sunnies exude the energy of days spent lounging at a seaside villa.

Crafted in Italy with warm tortoiseshell finish, they are embellished with a gold-toned Double G logo across the temple for some extra designer drama. Wear these with a satin scarf fashioned around your hair, and you’re embodying coastal ease. Bellissima!

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Poppy Lissiman Katsu sunglasses

Feeling a little funky? Poppy Lissiman is the sunglasses spot for you. You might have seen the brand’s viral bug-like lenses on your feed, a style that has garnered attention for its upsweeping melty shape that mimics the eyes of an insect.

This pair, a more wearable take on the aforementioned sunnies, brings all the statement-making with a more everyday shape. The rounded rims and yellow lenses give it a retro appeal, while the brushed tortoiseshell hue bring contemporary freshness.

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Miu Miu D-frame gold-tone sunglasses

Feeling Y2K fashion this summer? Meet Miu Miu’s wide-lens sunnies. With a wraparound make that curve to cover your temples, they are dripping with early aughts nostalgia.

For those with a taste for maximalism, the gold Miu Miu branding adds some logomania and statement hardware. With lenses available in taupe (pictured above), black and grey, there are plenty of options to play with when it comes to this accessory.

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Jenny Bird The Cateye in pink glass

When it comes to sunglasses, a classic frame shape (like the cateye) iterated in an unexpected colour or texture (like jelly pink) is an instant win that will add a pop of cool to a casual summer outfit.

This pair from Canadian jewellery maven Jenny Bird are handcrafted from biodegradable acetate and have thoughtful touches like the JB logo stamped at the temple.

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Bottega Veneta square-frame sunglasses

Nothing says ‘90s minimalism like a good pair of thin-wired sunglasses. This Bottega Veneta offering, with its narrow square frame and gold-hued details, is evocative of easy-going elegance before the Y2K boom.

Complete with green lenses and dainty slim hardware, these sunglasses promise to add subtle polish to an outing. Just pair with your favourite gold jewellery, and you’re good to go.

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Dior B1U cat-eye acetate sunglasses

A modern take on the classic cat-eye shape, these angular sunglasses for women work to heighten and pronounce cheekbones. Made from glossy black acetate with gold-tone detailing, they’re a minimalist-approved pick with just the right amount of drama.

If you’re looking to make a statement through shape, these are the frames for you.

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Reformation x Jimmy Fairly The Brune sunglasses

In search of sustainable sunglasses? Reformation’s new collab has got you covered. This spring, the brand partnered with iconic French sunglass brand Jimmy Fairly on a collection of five vintage-inspired styles.

Made of 100 per cent bio-acetate and bio-nylon, they’re renewable, biodegradable picks that exude timeless elegance. Case in point: These aviator frames freshen up a classic look with bold black hardware and a yellow tinged lens.

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Celine Triomphe sunglasses

In the realm of designer glasses, the Celine Triomphe sunglasses reign supreme this summer. ​​These oval-frame shades are beloved for their ability to complement basically any face shape. Made with acetate and softly rounded, they’re both durable and aesthetically appealing.

Plus, they’re available in crisp white, classic black and playful tortoiseshell. Whichever style you choose, you’ll be serving French girl fashion.

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Coach pillow tabby round sunglasses

If you’re still obsessing over Coach’s ultra-soft pillow tabby bag, these sunnies are for you. Available in three colours and inspired by the brand’s puffy purses, Coach’s pillow tabby sunglasses for women are oversized, round and complete with a perfectly plump rim.

Available with gradient or solid lenses, they strike the right balance between playful and practical. As a result, they are an easy addition to any warm-weather outfit.

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Le Specs Y2OK Sunglasses

Designed in Sydney, Australia, Le Specs sunglasses are chic, well-priced and a TikTok OOTD staple. This pair, sold at Dynamite, is reminiscent of what might be worn on an early 2000s red carpet.

Its translucent grey hue, rim-less frames and thin hardware add to its futuristic effect. As FASHION Summer cover star Paris Hilton would say, “That’s hot.”

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Saint Laurent Shade oval sunglasses

In the mood for a Matrix fashion moment? These sleek specs are just the ticket. The Shade Saint Laurent sunglasses for women are minimal, black and anything but boring. Plus, thanks to their elongated shape, they draw attention to the cheekbones.

Taking a less-is-more approach, the made-in-Italy shades are simple and polished with subtle logo branding at the temples. Pair them with an all-black outfit, and you’ll be serving immediate Olsen twin coolness.

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