This summer it's all about small, but not tiny sunglasses
Every year, without exception, there is a new style of celebrity-approved sunglasses. Who would have thought that protecting your eyes from the sun could be such a fashionable quest? Last summer, tasteless gas station style sunglasses were all the rage, worn by stars like Kim Kardashian and Dua Lipa. And in 2017, stars like Bella Hadid, Rihanna and Kendall Jenner wore micro glasses—so tiny they barely covered the pupils. But in the summer of 2024, balance is key: celebrities are wearing small (but not tiny) sunglasses, reminiscent of looks from the 1990s and 2000s.
There is an art to wearing this latest collection of subtly chic shades. The freshest styles are restrained, neutral tones and big enough to close the eyes. (These aren't giant goggles.) The understated (and very thoughtful) silhouette—a nod to the turn of the millennium, when minimalism was all the rage—gives any look a sense of sophistication without actually taking the eye away from the outfit. At Miu Miu's Fall 2024 show, Sydney Sweeney wore a sophisticated pair of oval-shaped pieces from the brand that gave a retro twist to her blazer and briefs.
Other stars who have embraced this small-but-not-too-small accessory? Model Kendall Jenner, who teamed a square-framed black pair with her emerald Margaux bag from The Row, and Zoë Kravitz, who opted for a similarly sized round pair and styled it with a black lace camisole top and Saint Laurent skirt. The trend has also made its way into the everyday, with both Katie Holmes and Kaia Gerber wearing similar understated sunglasses while running errands in New York. Given that fashion is now leaning towards understated elegance – call it a refinement of taste after last year's tumultuous Y2K trend – it's only logical that sunglasses will also become more understated.
Summer isn't over yet, so do yourself a favor and buy a low-key style. They should last at least until next summer, when we're sure there will be some unexpected new eyewear trend. Maybe next will be carelessly chic aviators?
