Summer is rolling around again. Soon, we’ll be heading into Fashion Month, where trends for next year will be dictated.
Before we start looking toward next year, let’s take a look at trending sunglasses in 2026. Already this year, we’ve seen major revivals and a surge of nostalgia in the eyewear market.
If you’re ready to try out new sunglasses, here are some of the top styles of the year.
Women’s Sunglasses in 2026
Women’s sunglasses are getting bolder in 2026. There are so many great sunglasses available to add to your collection.
Building the ultimate sunglasses collection is about rounding out a few classic, wearable styles with some fun, trendy pieces. One way to do both is to pick shades that revive past styles. These have staying power even if they are currently on trend.
Oval Acetate Sunglasses
The FX show Love Story was a huge hit over spring, and it cemented Carolyn Bessette Kennedy as a ‘90s fashion icon. A pair of black acetate oval sunglasses was her go-to accessory.
Oval frames are perfect for daily wear. They also work for a variety of face shapes. This includes round, heart, and square faces. You could opt for a black pair like Carolyn’s. Or, choose brown frames for a subtler look.
Brands like Prada and Miu Miu make a range of chic oval sunglasses. Fashion it-girl Bella Hadid has been spotted in Miu Miu’s pair.
Oversized Chunky Frames
The ‘70s are coming back around, this time in the shape of glamorous oversized women’s sunglasses. These frames are perfect for summer. They’ll protect your eyes from UV rays from all angles and effortlessly elevate even the simplest outfit.
Many pop culture icons wore oversized sunglasses. This includes Sophia Loren, Jackie Kennedy, and Brigitte Bardot. They showed that you can wear large sunglasses with a variety of face shapes. The key is to look for a pair that flatters your features and proportions without overwhelming you.
Choose a pair that doesn’t slide down your nose or completely cover your eyebrows, so they don’t look too big. For the color, you can’t go wrong with tortoiseshell or black frames. However, you could also step outside the box with a color like burgundy or blue.
Brands like Balenciaga and Celine featured oversized sunglasses on their runways. This indicates that this 2026 eyewear trend has staying power.
Edgy Cat Eye Sunglasses
Woman Wearing Sharp Cat-Eye Sunglasses
Cat-eye women’s sunglasses have been a staple for decades. They evoke chic femininity and add a touch of flair to any look. However, it can feel like this style plays into the predictable at times.
In 2026, the cat-eye style has gotten bolder and almost futuristic. They are perfect for accentuating your bone structure and showing off your fashion sense.
Anne Bing and Bottega Veneta previewed styles with metal frames rather than traditional acetate frames. This demonstrates how the cat-eye shape can be reinvented.
High Octane Colors
In 2026, sunglasses are getting brighter. If you enjoy turning heads and getting compliments on your personal style, bright-colored sunglasses could be the trend for you.
Miu Miu’s recent eyewear collection is a good example of how bold sunglasses are becoming. The collection featured some funky colors, including neon pink and bright-yellow frames on shield-shaped sunglasses.
Pick a color that’s out there and screams summer. If you don’t want to go too far, you can strike a balance with transparent frames.
Bug-Eye Sunglasses
Bug-eye sunglasses take the oversized trend to the next level. The shape combines wraparound and shield styles.
If you’re worried about them looking like too much, the main consideration should be if they fit your face. Just because bug-eye glasses are huge, it doesn’t mean they should look out of proportion on your face.
Ensure a good fit by trying them on before you buy, or do it virtually on online stores such as EZContacts, which offers a virtual try-on feature. The sunglasses shouldn’t droop down your nose or extend too far from the edge of your face.
Balenciaga’s bug-eye sunglasses are a popular choice. They have been spotted on celebrities like Rosalía.
The Aviator With a Twist
Woman Wearing Oversized Aviator Sunglasses
Although Rihanna sported a pair of tinted Tom Ford aviator frames years ago, the fashion world is now catching on. In line with previous trends, bigger really is better this year. Even aviators are supersized, for a style that’s contemporary. The other major difference is that they don’t just feature metal frames, such as the classic Ray-Ban model, this year.
Brands including Prada and Gucci have released frames in black and Havana. They work well for those who enjoy pushing the limits but prefer timeless shapes and colors.
Which Trend Will You Go For?
2026 is the year of choosing eyewear that reflects your unique style. There are so many great options available, from retro throwbacks to futuristic shades. Choose a pair that flatters your face and highlights your best features.
