Regardless of the fact that living in Australia means leaving the house with a pair of sunglasses in hand is a non-negotiable, a stylish set of shades make for an essential sartorial staple.
Whether it’s an array of colours ready to match every one of your tonal ensembles or one timeless, go-to to withstand trends and seasons, no outfit is complete without a stylish set of designer sunglasses.
Beyond their styling merits, sunglasses provide protection from harsh UVA and UVB rays to the particularly delicate skin surround the eyes, making them a must-have year-round, but particularly in the summer season.
If you’re looking to invest in a new pair of designer sunglasses, we’ve found the best styles and places to shop for your next set, below.
Best Places To Shop Designer Sunglasses for Women
If you’re in the market for a new pair of designer sunglasses these are the online retailers to shop across multiple brands.
Sunglasses Trends For 2024
While some sunglass shapes will never go out of style, with a new season comes a few key trends that become must-haves in one’s sartorial arsenal.
In 2024, the classic aviator has had a makeover with coloured and exaggerated styles favoured by the style set, ’90s and Y2K-inspired shapes continue to reign supreme and wire-framed sunglasses in bolder shapes gain momentum.
The best designer sunglasses 2024
Balenciaga square-frame acetate sunglasses
$315 (usually $616) at The Outnet
Best for: Timeless design
Perhaps a more classic silhouette than one might be used to from Balenciaga, these square-framed, dark-toned sunglasses from the Spanish fashion house boast a timeless design. Pair them with an all-black ensemble for maximum aloofness.
Style notes:
- Square frames
- Shaded lenses
- Case included
Celine Eyewear Triomphe hexagon-frame sunglasses
$710 at Net-A-Porter
Best for: A metal moment
Celine Eyewear always delivers. And the hexagonal frame Triomphe sunglasses are no exception. We love how the silver-tone colourway amps up ’90s vibes but we wouldn’t say no to the golden finish either.
Style notes:
- Silver-tone metal frame
- 100% UV protection
- Branded case
Also available at:
- $880 from Mytheresa
- $880 from Sunglass Hut
Loewe x Paula’s Ibiza square-frame sunglasses
$504 at Net-A-Porter
Best for: Full-face framing
There’s an effortless ’70s sensibility to this mask-style pair of sunglasses from Loewe’s collaboration with Paula’s Ibiza. The blue-tinted lenses match perfectly with the tortoiseshell acetate frames.
Style notes:
- Tortoiseshell acetate
- 100% UV protection
Also available at:
- $500 from Mytheresa
Dior Eyewear CDior B1U cat-eye sunglasses
$980 at Net-A-Porter
Best for: Seeing red
Red isn’t going anywhere. Choose Dior’s signature cat-eye sunglasses in this season’s hottest hue for an easy way to add statement glamour to your outfit.
Style notes:
- Acetate frame
- 100% UV protection
- Branded case
Miu Miu MU56ZS sunglasses
$598 at The Iconic
Best for: Geometric dimension
It’s Miuccia Prada’s world and we’re just living in it. These retro-infused cat-eye sunglasses tap into the geometric trend that has been doing the rounds. The green-tinted lenses and golden metal frames are a classic combo.
Style notes:
- Golden metal frames
- Category 3 lenses
- Adjustable nosepades
- Narrow fit that suits oval, square, round and heart face shapes best
Versace VE4474U rectangular sunglasses
$566 at Myer
Best for: Barbie summer
Last year might have technically been the peak of Barbiecore. But Versace makes a case for keeping the mood going with its pastel pink take on a classic rectangular style. They’re finished with the brand’s signature Medusa motif at the temple, of course.
Style notes:
- Injected acetate frame
- Category 3 lenses
- Wide fit that suits oval and round face shapes best
Also available at:
- $566 from The Iconic
Acne Studios Antus shield sunglasses
$580 at Mytheresa
Best for: Scandi-cool coverup
Acne Studios is known for its directional approach to design. These shield-style sunglasses will bring an instant hit of Scandi-cool to your summer wardrobe.
Style notes:
- Acetate frame
- Category 3 lenses
- Branded case
Gucci embellished cat-eye sunglasses
$570 at Mytheresa
Best for: Classic cat-eye
Gucci marks this classic black cat-eye style with a sparkling embellished G motif at the temple. Double-down on The Matrix vibes and wear these with a leather jacket or oversized black blazer.
Style notes:
- Acetate frame
- Category 3 lenses
- Hard case
- Made in Italy
Khaite x Oliver Peoples 1984C sunglasses
$655 at Mytheresa
Best for: Sleek shade
This flat-top take on a classic metal-framed aviator style isn’t hard to love. American brand Khaite teams up with luxury eyewear label Oliver People’s to deliver a well-made addition to your everyday.
Style notes:
- Metal frame
- Category 3 lenses
- Branded case
- Made in Italy
Also available at:
- $584 from David Jones
Alaïa Petal round sunglasses
$505 at Mytheresa
Best for: French-girl fancy
Alaïa’s ballet flats have caused quite a stir in our accessories collections. But don’t sleep on the Parisian brand’s eyewear collection – say coucou to these oversized round sunglasses.
Style notes:
- Acetate frame
- Category 3 lenses
- Made in Italy
Also available at:
- $498 from Vision Direct
Why should I buy designer sunglasses?
If your budget allows, a pair of designer sunglasses is a great investment for your accessories collection. In general, luxury fashion houses use high quality materials to create their eyewear ranges. Frames are often sturdier and lenses are finished with filters or tints that can help protect your eyes.
What sunglasses shape will suit my face?
The best way to know if a pair of sunglasses will suit you or not is to try them on. But as a rule of thumb, think about shapes that complement your features. For example, people with more angular face shapes might choose round or oval styles to help balance things out. And likewise, anyone with a round face might find square or rectangular silhouettes look best.
Looking to save money on designer sunglasses? Check out our coupon codes for The Iconic, Net-A-Porter and more.
This article originally appeared on Marie Claire Australia and is republished here with permission.
