The Must Have Summer Accessory
Sunglasses are having a moment this summer, and honestly, it’s a fun one. The trend is splitting into two completely different energies: go big and bold with oversized “bug eye” shield frames, or go small and polished with retro micro ovals. Both directions are trending hard right now, and there’s no single “right” answer this year, which honestly makes shopping for them more fun.
I rounded up the best of both trends, plus options at every single price point, so you can shop whichever vibe (or budget) feels right for you.
The Trend, Explained
If you’ve scrolled your favorite style feeds lately, you’ve probably noticed sunglasses getting a lot more dramatic. Oversized, “bug-eyed” shield sunglasses have taken over the Spring/Summer 2026 runways — think Saint Laurent’s oversized lenses, Celine’s graphic circular frames, and Miu Miu’s sportier shield shapes. The early-aughts are back, and bigger is officially better.
But if maximalist eyewear isn’t your thing, you’re not behind — the slim, polished oval frame (a la Carolyn Bessette Kennedy) is still very much in rotation as the “quiet luxury” counterpoint. There’s also a rise in colored lenses (amber, olive, smoky rose) and sporty shield styles that lean into this summer’s bigger sports-meets-fashion crossover trend.
Basically: this is the summer to have more than one pair in rotation.
Splurge ($150+)
For the days you want to invest in a forever piece:
- Celine slim oval sunglasses — gold metal arms, green lens. The definition of cool-girl polish.
- Miu Miu shield sunglasses — shown in neon pink and bright yellow on the runway, sportier and more playful than a classic shield.
- Loewe oversized sculptural shield frames — for the maximalist who wants something architectural.
- Prada or Gucci supersized aviators — in black or Havana, for a timeless shape with a bigger, more contemporary scale.
Mid-Range ($40–$120)
The sweet spot for trying the trend without the splurge price tag:
- Quay Australia — oversized shield styles that nail the 2026 silhouette.
- DIFF Eyewear — both oval and shield shapes, great quality for the price.
- Le Specs — ’90s-inspired micro ovals if you’re leaning toward the smaller frame trend.
- Mango or & Other Stories — colored-lens ovals in amber, olive, and smoky rose tones.
Budget Finds ($10–$25)
Proof you don’t need to spend a lot to wear the trend right now:
- Trendy 90s Sport Wrap Oval Sunglasses — $12.99, available in five colorways including matte black/fuchsia mirror and gold/black.
- Joopin Square Polarized Sunglasses — $10.77 (marked down from $21), rated 4.5 stars across 483 reviews.
- Joopin Polarized Aviator Sunglasses — $12.59 (marked down from $24), 4.5 stars, 231 reviews.
How to Shop This Trend
A few quick tips if you’re trying to decide where to start:
- Pick your camp first. Are you more drawn to dramatic and oversized, or clean and minimal? Let that guide which silhouette you shop for, rather than trying to buy both extremes at once.
- Budget pairs are perfect for testing a trend. If you’re unsure whether oversized shield frames work for your face shape, start with a $12 pair before committing to a splurge.
- Colored lenses are an easy way to feel current without changing your whole frame shape — amber, olive, and smoky rose are the colors to look for.
- Don’t be afraid to own more than one pair. This is one of those seasons where having a “going out” pair and an “everyday” pair actually makes sense, since the trends are so different from each other.
Shop my full sunglasses edit and the rest of my Summer 2026 picks linked above.