This summer, coloured lenses are a hot commodity.
A tinted, subtly hued lens has proven to be wildly popular in the current fashion landscape. But we’d be fools to delve into their sartorial influence without first paying homage to none other than Sir Elton John, the original proponent of tinted lenses, who is certainly renowned (musical genius aside) for his taste in exuberant sunglasses.
Tinted sunglasses first became popular back in the 1970s. Colour palettes of harvest golds, burnt sienna and earthy tones were at the forefront of this decade, especially in sunny California – the heart of the Rock ‘n’ Roll scene.
As time went on, cult-classic sunglasses designer Ray Ban capitalised on this warm colour palette. In 1974, they introduced Ambermatic lenses, a chameleonic type of photochromatic lens which changes colour in response to light exposure and temperature. The classic amber-yellow lens would thus shift to a dark brown hue in direct sunlight.
Before long, the likes of John Lennon, David Bowie and Elton John were scarcely seen without a pair of Ambermatics perched on their talented noses. The tinted lens trend has been subtly on the rise short while now, but in recent years has found a permanent position of popularity among the fashion set. But what exactly is behind their sudden resurgence in popularity?
It’s no secret that the 2020s have cycled through the fashion of bygone decades faster than you can say, “Is that true vintage?”. From the 1960s to the early 2000s, Gen-Zers are attaching themselves to old-school sartorial identities which they feel better reflect their personalities than current trends.
So, not only are the kids of today enjoying experimenting with 1970s styles – sunnies included – but they’re also obsessing over all things Y2K, which was another popular time for sunglasses with fabulously tinted lenses. Whether it’s soft pinks, cool blues or honey-hued tints, these shades have thus been popping up on the high street and beyond for the last few years.
Just look to Timothée Chalamet for inspiration whose method dressing on the A Complete Unknown press tour saw him toting a pair of orange-tinted specs in true Bob Dylan fashion.
Once reserved for retro throwback themed parties and eccentric fashion statements, coloured lenses have also cropped up on high fashion runways. Andreas Kronthaler’s latest spring/summer 2025 collection for Vivienne Westwood featured an array of coloured lens sunglasses, with a pair of ruby red specs taking centre stage. It-girl and perennial muse, Julia Fox was seen sporting futuristic yet oh-so-90s red-hued sunglasses around the desert.
We’ve curated a selection of the best women’s sunglasses with coloured lenses to sport this summer.
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Meller Seba
Black and orange is the new black and yellow. Recently released in their new spring collection, the Seba is a modern take on the classic aviator sunglasses. Featuring a double bridge, bevelled edges and a slim frame, these sunnies are perfect for providing a retro classic look with a trendy twist.
Buy now £49.00, Meller
The Resort Co Mazzo Tortoise
Crafted with a bold black to yellow gradient, the classic rounded tortoiseshell frame has just been elevated. Handcrafted in Italy, featuring The Resort Co’s signature diamond rivets, these are a summertime must-have.
Buy now £188.00, The Resort Co
Lexxola Jordy Tort Yellow
The distinctive style of Jordy is realised through German-engineered hinges and eco-friendly bio acetate for a long-lasting, perennially stylish accessory. The yellow-tinted hue offers a subtle style which is perfect for those experimenting with incorporating coloured lenses into their ensembles.
Buy now £70.00, Lexxola
Jimmy Fairly The Darren
Known for providing a vast array of excellent quality, unique designs, Jimmy Fairly is also beloved for its customisable offering through which you can choose between a variety of coloured lenses to suit your fashion-forward aesthetic. The Darrens are our personal favourites, and they feature rosy, pink-toned lenses that’ll make everything look romantic.
Buy now £135.00, Jimmy Fairly
Free People Basset Round Sunglasses
Coloured lenses are the perfect addition to a festival survival kit. Pair these cool blue pairs from Free People with your best pair of cowboy boots and some mini shorts to instantly elevate any look. The distinctive blue tinge will make it hard to be lost amongst a crowd.
Buy now £22.00, Free People
Ray Ban RB4260D Polished Black / Yellow
Taking it back where it all began. If you want to stand out from the crowd, look no further than a pair of Ray Ban Ambermatics. The square shape is complemented with solid yellow lenses, adding an edgy touch to your classic black-framed sunnies.
Buy now £130.00, Ray Ban
Cutler and Gross The Great Frog Lucky Diamond II Rectangle Sunglasses
One glance at these Cutler and Gross X The Great Frog and we’re immediately in rockstar-girlfriend territory. Featuring daggers and lucky diamond emblems on either side of the frame, these details were hand-cast from sterling silver by a jeweller in Vicenza. We’re big fans of the suave, green-tinted lens.
Buy now £650.00, Cutler and Gross
Bottega Veneta Classic Aviator Sunglasses
From suiting to bags, oversized is in - and even sunglasses frames aren’t immune. This Bottega Veneta pair encapsulates the boldness of a yellow-coloured lens and balances it with an extra-large frame for an immediately chic look.
Buy now £450.00, MyTheresa
Tom Ford FT1044 Bronson Pilot-Frame Acetate Sunglasses
Featuring an accented pilot frame and red-tinted lenses, Tom Ford never fails to deliver. These are a hot take on a trending accessory that we’re sure will be sported by all sorts of supermodels.
Buy now £260.00, Selfridges
Loewe Eyewear Paula’s Ibiza Dive Mask Sunglasses
A collaborative collection with the iconic Paula’s Ibiza, these Loewe sunnies deliver on vibrant, summer-ready energy. The rectangular shape is complemented by a soft-toned pink lens, perfect for pairing with your favourite mini skirt and your best bikini on the Ibiza strip.
Buy now £319.00, END
