Technically, sunglasses are always in season. Even in the midst of winter, the sun can peek out from behind the clouds and blindingly reflect off all that snow. Spring and summer are more associated with shades, however, which makes this period before spring an ideal time to buy. Right now there are many, many styles to choose from, but there's one trend that appears to be taking over. We're talking about side lenses sunglasses.
Now cat eyes and aviators will never fall by the wayside, but the extended lenses variety is a burgeoning category. Sometimes labeled as wraparound or shield silhouettes (or the less frequently used mask moniker), these must-have shades definitely demand attention. Which is probably why so many designers are adding them to their warmer-weather repertoire. Saint Laurent supplies two pairs. A silver-tone option and one boasting an oversize acetate frame. Bottega Veneta also offers several varieties, from gold rimless shades to a futuristic shield shape.
They're far from the only designer creations, though. Versace's square pair really makes a statement. As does Christian Dior's number that features the brand's logo on all of the lenses. Actually, a large chunk of the most stylish picks make sure that it's abundantly obvious who's behind the shades. Some are subtler, including Balmain and Gucci, whose signatures are almost invisible. Givenchy and Prada's pairs show no indication of their origin whatsoever. Ideal for anyone who's not a fan of name-dropping.
While the vast majority of choices come courtesy of big names, there is a lower-cost alternative. Urban Outfitters' rimless shield sunglasses contain curved lenses for a real 90s vibe and will only run you $15. Although certainly not a fast-fashion selection, Balenciaga's rectangle design is surprisingly affordable at just $284.
Shop the best side lenses sunglasses below.
Saint Laurent Eyewear D-Frame Silver-Tone Sunglasses, $615 at Net-a-Porter
Versace 0VE2277 Rimless Square Sunglasses in Blue, $652 at Neiman Marcus
Givenchy Silver Giv Cut Sunglasses, $600 at SSENSE
Bottega Veneta Eyewear Knot Rimless D-Frame Gold-Tone Sunglasses, $620 at Net-a-Porter
Vuarnet Glacier 01 in White -Bronze/Skilynx, $775 at Vuarnet
Urban Outfitters '90s Curved Rimless Shield Sunglasses, $15 at Urban Outfitters
Saint Laurent Eyewear Oversized D-Frame Acetate Sunglasses, $465 at Net-a-Porter
Bottega Veneta Eyewear Futuristic Shield Sunglasses in Silver/Green, $580 at Bottega Veneta
Prada Eyewear Pink Twisted Frame Sunglasses, $600 at SSENSE
Miu Miu D-Frame Gold-Tone Sunglasses in Taupe, $681 at Net-a-Porter
Gucci Metal Flat-Top Sunglasses, $555 at Mytheresa
Dolce & Gabbana Shield Sunglasses, $644 at FWRD
Balmain Eyewear Mask-Effect Frame Sunglasses, $1,098 at Farfetch
Dior Eyewear DiorClub M1U Blue Dior Oblique Mask Sunglasses, $730 at Christian Dior
Balenciaga Eyewear Mono Rectangle Sunglasses, $284 at Farfetch
