Sunglasses are way more than just eye protection from the sun right? They’re a major fashion accessory, for some, it completes their superstar ‘look’ and defines who they are and we’ve seen more than our fair share of sunglasses-wearing celebrities throughout the ages. Choosing the right vintage style sunglasses will no doubt complete your perfect vintage look. I take a look at the more popular styles through the ages from the chic ‘cats eye’ of the 1950s to the wraparound look of the 90s, and we’re giving our top buys along the way, including original vintage finds!
1950s – Cats Eye
Chic, stylish and full of drama. We saw celebrities galore in the 1950s donning the ‘cats eye’ frame on their faces, from Audrey Hepburn to Marylin Monroe. They’re stylish and versatile as they suit the majority of face shapes, if you have a round, oval, or square face these are for you! They are without a doubt the most ‘vintage’ looking frame, so if you have a true vintage style these are perfect to complete your look.
BUY HERE – Messy Weekend Thelma
BUY HERE – Opto Base Vintage
1960s – Round
The 60s definitely belonged to the round frame, and the rounder the better! This iconic style of sunglasses became John Lennon’s signature look. He was one of the first musicians, along with Buddy Holly, to make his sunglasses a fashion statement. To this day the round sunglasses style is known as the ‘Lennon’ he not only created a look but a long-lasting style that is now known worldwide… all because of his sunglasses! Crazy right? This style is fabulous for heart, triangular and rectangle-shaped faces. If you’re going for a 60s style vintage look, they will be your perfect fashion accessory.
BUY HERE – Marvin Gardens Vintage
1970s – Aviator
The Aviator was born in the 1970s and fast became a super cool look for many. Gloria Steinem made them her signature style and this feminist leader was rarely seen without her wire-rimmed aviators. They’re still a hugely popular style today so if you’re looking for a super cool vintage look then these are your frames. There are some amazing modern re-makes on this style if you’re not looking for an original vintage pair. They’re also the perfect choice if you’re struggling to find a glasses type you like because they suit every single face shape!
BUY HERE – Ed and Sarna Vintage
1980s – Ray-Ban
The 80s was when Ray-Ban came of age. It’s a style that has never gone out of fashion and is by far one of the most popular styles of the current day. Nick Kamen famously wore a pair in his ‘shrink to fit commercial’ and rebooted Levi’s brand and Rayban brand in one fail swoop. They add a super cool edge to your vintage look and are perfect if you have a round-shaped face.
BUY HERE – Sun Sun Sun Glasses
1990s – Wraparound
In the 90s we saw the rise of the wraparound style. Bono was the latest celebrity to define his look with a pair of shades, but not out of choice, he wore them for medical reasons and made the most of them in his ‘fashion’ statement look. The Matrix famously had all its characters in sunglasses, which was a visual aid for the audience to differentiate those who were ‘awake’ and those in simulation, but let’s face it Keanu Reeves definitely made them look super cool, no matter what their purpose was! If you have an oval or diamond shape face then this style is for you!
BUY HERE – You Are Brand London
Whatever your style, and whatever look you are channelling, there is most definitely a pair of vintage or vintage style sunglasses or even prescription glasses, to complete your look! Go big and bold, or chic and classic, but most of all have fun creating your vintage look with them!
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