Looking for the perfect pairs of sunglasses to complete your summer look? With the 70s trend taking over, choosing the right sunglasses can be overwhelming. But I’ve got good news for you—I’ve found 18 of the best pairs you can buy now. Our curated list includes stunning pairs from well-known designer brands like Celine, Ray-Ban, and Gucci to high-street brands like Zara, Free People, and M&S.
The 70s was a decade of bold psychedelic fashion, like frayed pants, maxi dresses, peasant blouses and suede jackets. But possibly, my favourite item to come out of the era were the oversized sunglasses. XXL shades were huge; everyone wore large, circular or square-shaped frames that provide ample protection from the sun’s harmful rays – but of course, it was mainly a style statement.
Another critical feature of 70s sunglasses were the tinted lenses. Thanks to the innovative technological advances in eyewear during the decade, photochromic and tinted lenses were all the rage—from sepia tones to bright blue tints. These cool shades came in a rainbow of colours, from orange to green and even pink. Today, this is a great way to add a pop of colour to any outfit.
Over the past couple of summers, we’ve seen a huge rise in 70s-style sunglasses. Retro aviators with yellow lenses and oversized tortoiseshell frames are perhaps the most popular, with designers like Gucci and Fendi adding groovy pairs to their spring summer collections in a nod to the past. But of course, the classics like wayfarers, metal frames, and bold cat eyes are still not going anywhere.
Y2K fashion may still be a key trend for 2024, but it’s the retro aesthetic of the 70s that’s catching our attention for summer accessories. So if you’re thinking of getting a cool pair of 70s-style sunglasses for summer, check out our edit below. Next, explore our selection of the best basket bags and summer dresses from Sezane that bring flair to your summer fashion.
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Shop 70s style sunglasses
They may be vintage, but they’re bound to be timeless classics.
DiorMidnight S3I Square-Frame Tortoiseshell Acetate Sunglasses
DiorMidnight S3I square-frame tortoiseshell acetate sunglasses, £320, Net-A-Porter – buy now
DiorMidnight’s S3I square-frame sunglasses bring that retro glam look that go together beatifully with structured, minimalist pieces. Their bold square frames in glossy tortoiseshell acetate scream high-key sophistication.
Saint Laurent Oval-Frame Gold-Tone Sunglasses
Saint Laurent oval-frame gold-tone sunglasses, £350, Net-A-Porter – buy now
Channel your inner John Lennon vibes with these killer shades from Saint Laurent. The oval frames and gold-tone metal give off major ’60s vibes, perfect for adding a touch of retro glamour to any outfit.
Celine Cat-Eye Acetate Sunglasses
Celine cat-eye acetate sunglasses, £340, Net-A-Porter – buy now
Feel like a true fashion icon with these Celine cat-eye stunners. Best on angular faces to soften those lines, they’d be dreamy with a flowy maxi dress or a sharp, tailored suit for that high-fashion brunch date vibe.
ASOS DESIGN Oversized 70s Sunglasses
ASOS DESIGN oversized 70s sunglasses, £13.00, ASOS – buy now
ASOS’s oversized sunglasses is totally rocking that retro vibe. Their bold oversized frames and gradient lenses scream 70s chic, perfect for pairing with flared jeans and a flowy blouse or a sleek monochrome outfit for that cool throwback look.
River Island Oversized Cateye Sunglasses
River Island oversized cateye sunglasses, £12.00, ASOS – buy now
Tortoiseshell frames were a thing during the 70s, but they’re totally coming in hot this year with the revival of 70s fashion. If you love tortoiseshell frames that make a bold statement, these River Island oversized cat-eye sunglasses are worth getting.
Bottega Veneta Oversized Square-Frame Acetate Sunglasses
Bottega Veneta oversized square-frame acetate sunglasses, £365, Net-A-Porter – buy now
Not a fan of cat-eye? Bottega Veneta’s oversized sunglasses, boasting square frames and tortoiseshell acetate, exude timeless elegance that elevate your overall look with a classy retro touch.
H&M Sunglasses
Sunglasses, £6, H&M – buy now
Score some serious style points with the classic H&M aviator sunglasses. These 70s style double-bridged sunglasses have plastic frames and tinted lenses that offer both fashion and function, making them the perfect accessory for sunny days.
H&M Gold-Coloured Sunglasses
Gold-Coloured Sunglasses, £9.99, H&M – buy now
Love metal frames? Shade yourself in style with these H&M sunglasses. These retro-style sunnies offer a sleek and chic look that amp up any outfit, whether you’re going for modern, edgy styles or beach-ready ‘fits.
Sardine Aviator-Style Gold-Tone Sunglasses
Bottega Veneta Sardine aviator-style gold-tone sunglasses, £425, Net-A-Porter – buy now
Bottega Veneta’s Sardine aviator sunglasses captivate that classic aviator look reminiscent to what Tom Cruise wore in Top Gun. But this sleek pair is updated with gold-tone metal frames and green lenses that exude vintage glam.
Celine Triomphe Square-Frame Acetate Sunglasses
Celine Triomphe square-frame acetate sunglasses, £400, Net-A-Porter – buy now
Celine’s Triomphe sunglasses may be an investment piece, but they definitely make a statement with their glossy black acetate frames and classic square shape that evoke effortless sophistication.
M&S Metal Large Aviator Sunglasses
Metal Large Aviator Sunglasses, £15, Marks & Spencer – buy now
Sunnies with colourful tinted UV lenses like from Marks & Spencer add a playful yet practical touch to your summer look. Stock up on this pair if you’re looking to add eye-candy shades to your summer wardrobe. The good news is, they match any face shape!
Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses
Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses, £119, Farfetch – buy now
There’s no denying that wayfarers are timeless accessories that literally go with anything. We’ve seen them from Hollywood icons like Marilyn Monroe, Madonna, Tom Cruise, and more. If they love it, I’m sure you’re going to love these Ray-Ban wayfarer sunglasses, too!
Gucci Square-Frame Sunglasses
Square-frame sunglasses, £149, Gucci – buy now
Classic oversized square sunglasses like Gucci scream luxe and elegance. Featuring sleek black frames, gradient lenses, and a logo plaque on the arm, they’re perfect for any occasion.
Messy Weekend Burt Sunglasses
Burt Sunglasses in Tortoise Brown, £100, Messy Weekend – buy now
Rock the classic aviator with a fresh update from Messy Weekend’s Burt sunglasses. These aviators boast a bold, contrasting style that’s packed with attitude—a true statement piece for any sunny day adventure.
Ray-Ban RB3447 Round-Frame Sunglasses
Ray-Ban RB3447 round-frame sunglasses, £147, Farfetch – buy now
Whether you’re strolling the streets or lounging on the beach, these round-frame sunglasses by Ray-Ban are your ultimate accessory for nailing a timeless style with a hint of retro charm.
Garrett Leight Wilson Sunglasses
Garrett Leight Wilson sunglasses, £362, Farfetch – buy now
Rock your look with these Garrett Leight Wilson sunglasses. Their classic black lenses and sleek design make them a must-have accessory.
Celine Oversized Square-Frame Tortoiseshell Acetate Sunglasses
Celine oversized square-frame tortoiseshell acetate sunglasses, £360, Net-A-Porter – buy now
These Celine oversized sunglasses scream ’60s glamour with their tortoiseshell acetate frames and wide arms. They’re an investment pair that matches well with quiet luxury and mob wife aesthetics.
Free People Sugar Oversized Square Sunglasses
Sugar Oversized Square Sunglasses, £22, Free People – buy now
If you love a pair of crisp white oversized frames that add instant flair to your outfit or bikini, Free People’s Sugar sunglasses are the perfect pick. Whether you’re lounging poolside or hitting the streets, these shades have got you covered in style.
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