Top Trending Sunglasses Styles for Summer 2024

When the sun's out, shades are a must. Gear up for hot summer days with a stylish pair (or two) of new sunglasses. While they might be just one accessory, they're essential for every warm-weather look. Keep reading for our forecast of top trending sunglasses for the season.

The Best Styles for the Summer

With so many sunglasses options out there, navigating through each website can feel overwhelming. To make things easier, here’s a look at this summer’s standout styles.

1. Chunky Square Frames

Oversized, chunky styles are the biggest sunglass trend for summer 2024. Get the look with WMP Eyewear’s Madison – a chic pair of oversized sunglasses that elevate any outfit. These frames complement both casual and statement pieces, creating an effortless style suitable for everything from weddings to brunch.

2. Modern Aviators

Try a modern spin on an iconic silhouette with Emerson from WMP Eyewear. These sleek aviators feature square lenses, a defined browline, and a single keyhole nose bridge for a refined take on the original style. Grab these sunglasses in Whiskey Brown Tortoise with Gradient Blue polarized lenses for a bold yet understated summer look.

3. Oversized Cat-Eyes

For a modern retro vibe, give Portofino from FREYRS a try. These oversized cat eye sunglasses, crafted from acetate with nylon lenses, add instant interest to everyday outfits thanks to their sharp angles and cool color offerings.

4. Retro Rectangle Shades

Go retro with rectangular sunglasses like Noa from FREYRS, designed with 1960s aesthetics in mind. These narrow yet chunky unisex frames are a fashion-conscious essential, crafted from biodegradable acetate for an eco-friendly touch.

5. Geometric Shapes

For a unique, vintage-inspired look try a bold geometric style like Warby Parker’s Keiko. Featuring hexagonal lenses, this slim and on-trend option works for both men and women.

6. Metal Accents

Add some shine to your style with Vela from Warby Parker, a pair of metal accent sunglasses. With metallics and oversized frames both trending for summer, these luxe shades will ensure you look endlessly stylish. 

Where To Shop for Each Budget

Money matters. The great thing about sunglasses is that you can find high-quality options at a low price point. The sunglasses industry is dominated by the Luxottica monopoly, which artificially drives up prices. So, those expensive designer sunglasses you've had your eye on aren't necessarily superior to lower-priced ones from small businesses.

WMP Eyewear | Under $50

For on-trend styles at incredible prices, WMP Eyewear is a no-brainer. Most of their non-prescription sunglasses are priced under $50, including the polarized options. Explore their iconic frames for men and women, crafted from quality materials like acetate and stainless steel, offering both comfort and durability while elevating your look.

Moreover, WMP Eyewear dedicates a portion of all sales to supporting animals in need at the Arizona Humane Society, the state’s largest no-kill shelter. With every purchase, you can feel good knowing you're contributing to Arizona's animal rescue efforts.

FREYRS Eyewear | Under $95

Based out of Chicago, FREYRS Eyewear offers bold, timeless styles for women. Check out their fashion-forward cat eye styles for an edgy yet refined look. 

Warby Parker | $95+

If you can’t live without a brick-and-mortar option to shop for sunglasses, Warby Parker is the way to go. Use their location finder to find a store near you to try on your shades before you buy them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Some Styling Tips for These Summer Sunglass Styles?

Pair your summer sunglasses styles with the season's other must-have essentials. Check out our guide to the best summer accessories for key pieces to style with these sunglasses (they also make great gifts for summer birthdays!). A few highlights include:

• Thin neutral mini belts
• 90s hair claw clips
• Sia bracelet in silver

Some of the summer wardrobe essentials to style with your shades include neutral shirts, linen pants and shorts, and strappy sandals.

Which Frame Shapes Are Considered the Most Versatile For Different Face Types?

The two most versatile frame shapes are round sunglasses and rectangular sunglasses. The best way to choose a pair of frames is to figure out your face shape. In general, people with square faces and stronger angles tend to look better in round sunglasses. Conversely, opt for a pair of rectangular or square sunglasses if you have a round face with softer lines.

Another option to find versatile frame shapes for different face types is to measure your face for your glasses. This way, you can find a comfortable style that fits the size of your face.

Are Colorful Lenses a Popular Choice This Summer?

Yes, colorful lenses will be in style this summer, with orange, yellow, and red being the ones to watch out for. These 70s-inspired colors add a retro vibe to any outfit and are also effective in low-light conditions.

When purchasing lenses, ensure they provide 100% UV protection. This way, you can look cool and safeguard your vision while spending time in the sun.

What Materials Are Commonly Used in the Latest Sunglass Designs?

The materials most commonly used in the latest sunglasses designs are polycarbonate, acetate, and stainless steel. 

Polycarbonate is a strong and light plastic material. It’s incredibly difficult to break, making it the perfect choice for a pair of sunglasses. While it used to be expensive for a pair of polycarbonate frames, small businesses such as WMP Eyewear offer lower mark-ups so that these high-quality styles fit everyone’s budget.

Acetate is another commonly found plastic derivative, with a bit more flexibility than polycarbonate. This makes it easier to gently bend the frames for a better fit. Emerson is a popular acetate frame, and FREYRS offers a biodegradable acetate in many of their styles.

For metal frames, stainless steel is the best option. It’s an alloy of iron, chromium, and a handful of other elements. This creates a lightweight, non-corrosive, and hypoallergenic metal that looks sleek and feels light on the face.