If sunglasses have been falling a little short on your to-buy radar, you might want to think again. And no, we're not about to spout off the health benefits of protecting your retinas (though, you should!). Instead, we're here to offer a PSA that there are some pretty cool things happening in the world of shades.
A typical scenario when it comes to shopping for specs usually sees us making the the same rounds at the two for $20 Urban Outfitters counter. But, there's been a revival in sunglasses designers gravitating towards funky shapes vs. your standard aviators. From celebrity favorites to designers who have expanded their accessories collection and yes, even some under-$100 options, there's more places than ever to pick up a pair of shades you'll love enough to actually care about.
Before you start planning your summer road trip looks, these are the 10 brands you should be looking to for sunglasses no one else has.
Alice + Olivia
Stacey Bendet is well-known for mixing kooky and feminine in a way that gives us "gimme" vibes. Bendet's latest endeavor is a collection of sunglasses, which launched in February, that is just as whimsical as herself and her brand. You'll even find a pair or two designed after her own signature oversized statement sunglasses.
Alice + Olivia Dinah, $295, available at Alice + Olivia.
Alice + Olivia Palm Canyon, $350, available at Alice + Olivia.
Alice + Olivia Stacey, $295, available at Alice + Olivia.
Perverse
Who doesn't love anything under-$100? All of Los Angeles brand Perverse's sunglasses fall under the affordable category, and all of its styles push the boundaries of edgy and stylish.
Perverse Herondo, $45, available at Perverse.
Perverse High Street, $60, available at Perverse.
Perverse SYL, $58, available at Perverse.
Krewe
If you've already heard of Krewe, we wouldn't be surprised. The brand was founded in 2013 by Stirling Barrett, a New Orleans native, but in the past two years, its exploded to become a celebrity favorite (even with Beyoncé!). Its colored lens, wire-framed designs are a refreshing reminder that we don't have to take our style too seriously.
Krewe STL II, $335, available at Krewe.
Krewe Toulouse, $215, available at Krewe.
Krewe Ward, $295, available at Krewe.
Smoke x Mirrors
Speaking of celebrity faves, Smoke x Mirrors is another new brand with a cult influencer following. Its collection is full of geometric shapes and edgy styles that you've probably found yourself tapping "like" for on one too many fashion blogger Instagrams.
Smoke x Mirrors Sugarman, $295, available at Smoke x Mirrors.
Smoke x Mirrors Geo IX, $350, available at Smoke x Mirrors.
Smoke x Mirrors Sodapop IV, $395, available at Smoke x Mirrors.
Westward Leaning
Think classic style-meets-mirrored lenses, and you get Westward Leaning. The brand's popularity has exploded since it's launch in 2012, thanks to Hollywood's obsession with it. (Olivia Palermo even jumped on board and designed a collaboration with them). Here, you'll find both your beloved square frame sunglasses, as well as double bridged aviators.
Westward Leaning Dyad 06, $295, available at Westward Leaning.
Westward Leaning Pioneer 29, $185, available at Westward Leaning.
Westward Leaning Sphinx 01, $275, available at Westward Leaning.
Grey Ant
It's been a little over five years since the clothing brand redirected towards becoming a full-time eyewear collection, and it's more than paid off. The New York-based label finds a happy medium between subtle, everyday eyewear and fashion-forward styles that encompass the hustle and bustle of city style.
Grey Ant Diskov, $360, available at Grey Ant.
Grey Ant The Foundry, $280, available at Grey Ant.
Grey Ant Notizia, $420, available at Grey Ant.
EyeBuyDirect
EyeBuyDirect focuses on offering trendy optical glasses at affordable prices. Recently, it launched an enviable sunglasses selection, all for under-$100. The kicker? You can even get polarized lenses installed into your shades.
EyeBuyDirect The Keys, $29, available at EyeBuyDirect.
EyeBuyDirect Joplin, $52, available at EyeBuyDirect.
EyeBuyDirect Enzo, $42, available at EyeBuyDirect.
Vuarnet
Vuarnet is not a new kid on the block by any means, but we are just rediscovering how much we love the brand. (Seriously, how can anyone not be obsessed with its Rag & Bone collaboration?) For us, though it's these goggle sunglasses that take the cake. We're hoping they become more of a street staple in winters to come.
Vuarnet Glacier, $600, available at Westerlind.
Vuarnet 1604 Square Cable Car, $295, available at Westerlind.
Vuarnet 1613 Edge Round, $320, available at Westerlind.
Haze
Launched in 2012, Haze has found its niche in reinterpreting what eyewear should look like. The brand's collection is heavily influenced by architecture with sharp lines, but it's the color options and embellishments that have us weak in the knees. An ordinary square frame becomes that much cooler with a metal waffle one.
Haze Edge, $280, available at Haze.
Haze Bond, $276, available at Haze.
Haze Coz, $365, available at Haze.
Raen
At Raen, you'll find all of your favorite classic styles, but kicked up a notch — and its latest Luxury Wig collection proves just that. Raen is ideal for the shopper who knows their preferred frame shape and is looking for something that's on-trend, but also affordable.
Raen Nomi Sunglasses, $180, available at Raen.
Raen Flatscreen Sunglasses, $150, available at Raen.
Raen Potrero Sunglasses, $185, available at Raen.
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