The 16 Best Sunglasses for Women, Including Aviators, Cat Eyes, and Luxury Dupes
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These shades are loved by celebrity stylists and our editors, and prices start at just $14
People / Erin Johnson
We’ll say it: shopping online for sunglasses is a pain. A general scroll down the webpage of online sunglass retailers reveals plenty of facts and figures but not a lot of practical information on how each pair of frames will fit on each unique face shape (and which ones are worth your money). Sure, online “try-on” functions can give you a rough idea of what a pair of shades will look like on you, but has anyone ever really looked good while staring at themselves in a faux-frame simulation? (If they have, then we haven’t met them yet.)
That’s where we come in. We scoured the internet and purchased some of the most popular frames to test drive for ourselves; we interrogated our most fashionable editors into revealing their favorite pairs; and we even gathered tips and tricks for buying a pair of flattering frames from celebrity stylist Micaela Erlanger (who regularly dresses A-listers like Amal Clooney and Blake Lively). Erlanger tells PEOPLE that experimenting with different sunglasses is an easy way to up your style game.
"“Think of glasses almost like a piece of jewelry you wear on your face." — Celebrity Stylist Micaela Erlanger"
Erlanger also says that “cat eyes are universally flattering,” but if you’re looking for another type of frame, her general rule is “opposites attract.” According to Erlanger, those with square or rectangle shaped-faces tend to look most balanced with round or ovular frames, and if you’ve got a rounder or more ovular face, you might want to opt for square-edged frames.
In the name of style, function, and absolutely no gatekeeping, here are the 16 best sunglasses for every style, budget, and face shape.
Best for All Face Shapes: Safari Round Dark Tortoise Sunglasses
Who It's Good For
We’d recommend these rounded, mid-sized sunglasses to anyone looking for a no-fuss pair of shades that they can buy online.
Who It's Not Good For
Honestly, we think these sunglasses are a great choice for anyone.
The plight of finding the perfect pair of sunglasses is a tedious one. As a picky writer constantly on the hunt for the best of the best, I’ve spent hours of my life trying on every frame style displayed at my local Sunglass Hut while my mom begs me to "just choose one already!" over a phone-bill-busting Facetime call. Luckily for you, I’ll save you the phone bill debt and let you in on the most flattering sunglasses I’ve encountered: the Safari Round sunglasses at Eyebuydirect.
They look good on round faces. They look good on square faces. I’m sure they’d even look good on octagonal faces if that were a real thing — they’re just that good. Round sunglasses with a slightly upturned corner creates a slight illusion of lifted cheekbones, and these frames master the fine balance between oversized and sleek.
With lightweight acetate frames and an anti-scratch lens coating, these sunglasses look and feel like they cost much more than they do. They're lightweight yet still feed sturdy. Plus, you can even add your custom eye prescription to your frame color of choice to make these sunglasses truly all your own.
Shape: Round | Polarized: No | Frame width: 127mm | Bridge width: 21 mm | Frame material: Acetate | Color options: Tortoise, dark tortoise, black, clear melon
Best Cat Eye : Edie Cat Eye Crystal Pink Sunglasses
Who It's Good For
Anyone who’s looking for a fun accessory with a pop of color, these cat-eye glasses truly suit everyone, especially our square face friends.
Who It's Not Good For
Those who prefer neutral basics for their sunglasses.
Fun accessories can jazz up any outfit — and these sparkling pink shades are the ultimate pop of color with a flattering cat-eye shape. PEOPLE shopping writer Cai Cramer says she reaches for the Edie glasses in crystal pink to add a subtle flair to her look for parties or weekend strolls. She even donned them for New York Fashion Week.
We love that the Edie sunnies feel light yet substantial on the face, with arms that grip the sides of the face to ensure they stay on. They have an anti-scratch lens coating, so you can feel better about tossing them into your bag. But while these sunglasses are undeniably adorable, we found that they don't provide much (if any) glare protection (though all of Eyebuydirect's sunglasses have a protective coating), so they might be better suited as fashion shades than practical sun blockers.
Shape: Cat eye | Polarized: No | Frame width: 130 mm | Bridge width: 17 mm | Frame material: Acetate | Color options: Crystal pink, tortoise, or yellow
People / Cai Cramer
Best Cat Eye (Less Expensive): Jolie Cat Eye Tortoise Sunglasses
Who It's Good For
We’d recommend these flattering cat-eye shades to anyone.
Who It's Not Good For
We really can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t like these (unless you’re averse to cat eye sunglasses in general).
A classic pair of cat eye sunglasses should be a staple in any stylish person’s accessory repertoire. We’re especially fond of this pair from Eyebuydirect, with a tortoise acetate frame that angles up to a point. The lifted corners create the illusion of high cheekbones (we're petitioning to call these the “insta-snatch” glasses), and the three tortoise colorways feel romantic and wearable.
Shape: Square | Polarized: No | Frame width: 142 mm | Bridge width: 20 mm | Frame material: Acetate | Color options: Black, black marble, honey tortoise, blue, powder, dark tortoise, white
Best Oversized: Feisedy Classic Thick Square Sunglasses
Who It's Good For
For anyone in search of an oversized pair of sunglasses that’ll cover large areas of your face, we recommend these modern ones (and especially for those with oval-shaped faces).
Who It's Not Good For
If you have a smaller face, you might find these shades to be a bit too oversized.
Square-shaped sunglasses are super flattering on rounder face shapes, and this pair from Amazon comes in various fun and practical colors. As soon as former editorial director Avery Stone slid these sunglasses on, she was showered with ooohs and ahhhs from every style writer in the vicinity. Little did they know, these compliment-drawing sunnies are under $16.
With an oversized, thick square frame and a beveled edge, these sunnies have a luxe feel without the luxe price tag. The frames are coated to provide UV protection, and because they are oversized, they help protect larger swaths of your face from the sun, which is great for relaxing poolside.
Shape: Square | Polarized: No | Frame width: 145 mm | Bridge width: 19 mm | Frame material: Acetate | Color options: Olive, black, champagne, grey leopard, rose, tortoise, transparent pink/purple, transparent turquoise, white
People / Avery Stone
Ray Ban Aviators
Who It's Good For
If you’re looking for a pair of aviators, it doesn’t get more classic than a pair of Ray-Bans. They’re especially great on square-shaped faces.
Who It's Not Good For
Those with very narrow faces might find these glasses to be too wide.
The Ray-Ban aviators have cemented their status as the go-to aviator for their quality and timeless style. They were originally launched in 1937 to protect pilots from the sun (Top Gun vibes, anyone?), but you don’t need to know how to fly an airplane to look fly (we couldn't help ourselves) in a pair of these sunglasses that come in a variety of sizes and lens colors.
Writer Jasmine Hyman shares that the Ray-Ban Classic Aviators feel lightweight on her face and protect her entire eye area from the sun. These aviators are available to buy with both polarized and non-polarized lenses (check out our FAQs to find out if you should opt for polarized lenses).
Shape: Aviator | Polarized: Yes | Frame width: 137 mm | Frame material: Metal | Color options: Gold, gunmetal, black, green, grey
People / Jasmine Hyman
Related: The 10 Best Face Sunscreens of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Best Retro: Westward Leaning Fhlosten Paradise Sunglasses
Who It's Good For
If you’re looking for a pair of sunglasses that will help you stand out from the crowd, these flattering cat eyes are a sure bet and look great on square and rectangle-shaped faces.
Who It's Not Good For
If you’re more inclined to wear the same pair of sunnies every day, you might want to choose a more classic shape.
An easy way to up your style game is by pairing a simple outfit with some stand-out sunglasses, like these ones from Westward Leaning. The thick half-circle black frames feel reminiscent of mod-era styles, with a flattering cat-eye shape and mother-of-pearl details along the arms.
Handmade in Japan with shatterproof, 100 percent UV-blocking lenses, the Fholsten Paradise sunnies have a sturdy construction with high-quality hinges that we think will last for a long time. You can snag a pair of Fholsten Paradise sunnies on sale right now for over half off.
Shape: Rounded cateye | Polarized: No | Frame width: 139 mm | Frame material: Acetate and mother of pearl| Color options: Black
Best Luxury: Prada Rectangle Sunglasses
Who It's Good For
If you’re looking for a pair of luxury sunglasses to invest in, this pair from Prada is effortlessly cool and suits ovular and circular faces.
Who It's Not Good For
If you’re in search of a practical and affordable option, check out the rest of our recommendations.
If you’re looking to treat yourself to a pair of stylish luxury frames, you can’t go wrong with the classic geometric Prada sunglasses. Their design feels both effortlessly modern and romantically timeless, and they’re gorgeous to look at. On top of that, they’re totally functional, offering 100 percent UVA/UVB protection.
While the Prada shades are undoubtedly cool, you can definitely find sunglasses that look and feel just as luxurious without the price tag, but you'll have to concede on the coveted label, which adds resale value.
Shape: Geometric | Polarized: No | Frame width: 126 mm | Bridge width: 20 mm | Frame material: Acetate | Color options: Black, black marble, honey tortoise, blue, powder, dark tortoise, white
Best Luxury Dupe: Dweebzilla Slim Oval Gold Tiger Head Medallion Luxury Sunglasses
Who It's Good For
If you want a pair of shades that look like a luxury splurge for around $15, give these ones a shot (plus they look great on ovular faces).
Who It's Not Good For
If you’re looking for luxury quality, you might have to look elsewhere.
Sunglass trends come and go, so spending big on a pair of in-style designer shades isn’t always worth your money. Luckily, these Amazon shades exist to keep your shade game on-trend for a microscopic fraction of the cost of luxury brands like Chanel and Versace.
Gold-embossed lion's heads decorate the side of these geometric shades that suit round and oval face shapes. "Of course, I like that these sunglasses are super affordable," says PEOPLE senior shopping editor Erika Reals, "but I was also pleased to find the quality was much higher than expected. They have a good weight to them and seem durable enough for everyday wear." She adds that the frame size, shape, and thickness also flatter her round face shape. And, for around $15, why not grab one in every color?
Shape: Geometric | Polarized: No | Frame width: 125 mm | Bridge width: 23 mm | Frame material: Plastic and metal | Color options: Black, tortoise, transparent, blue, orange, pink, red
People / Erika Reals
Best '90s: Veda Tinda Rectangle Sunglasses
Who It's Good For
This affordable pair of rectangle sunnies look more expensive than they are and pair well with any face shape (but especially heart-shapes).
Who It's Not Good For
Because they’re a narrower shade, they won’t protect as much of your delicate eye area from the sun.
'90s style really is all that, and while certain stylized pieces might fall out of fashion as easily as they came back in (looking at you, lace chokers), these rectangular sunglasses are undoubtedly here to stay.
The shape is super flattering on almost every face shape, especially those with rounder features. We snagged this pair from Amazon — and at around $14, you won’t lose sleep about losing them in a music festival mosh pit.
Shape: Rectangle | Polarized: No | Frame width: 142 mm | Bridge width: 20 mm | Frame material: Acetate | Color options: Black, black marble, honey tortoise, blue, powder, dark tortoise, white
Best Prescription: Maui Jim Mehana Polarized Plus2 Cat Eye Sunglasses
Who It's Good For
Anyone who wants a high-quality pair of sunglasses that help improve outdoor vision clarity, as these sunnies are flattering on any face shape.
Who It's Not Good For
If you’re looking for a cheap pair of sunglasses, these aren’t inexpensive.
When PEOPLE associate editorial director Erin Johnson went to Hawaii, on a past trip, she threw some $10 Target sunglasses and these Maui Jim prescription sunglasses in her bag without much thought. While she knew that Maui Jim’s more premium frames were of higher quality, she was shocked to see the difference a great pair of sunglasses could make on an outdoor adventure (compared to contacts and cheap Target sunglasses).
“With my Maui Jim sunglasses on, I could really take in the beauty of the island,” Johnson says. “I could see the sea turtles bobbing in the water, and the color of the ocean was so vivid. Since these were prescription sunglasses, I even found myself wearing them indoors sometimes because the lens technology made everything so crisp, so they were better than my regular prescription glasses!”
Shape: Round cat-eye | Polarized: Yes, premium PolarizedPlus2 lenses | Frame width: 130 mm | Bridge width: 20 mm | Frame material: Acetate | Color options: Black/grey, crystal blue/blue, rootbeer/bronze, crystal raspberry/rose
People / Erin Johnson
Best Square: Crap Eyewear The Heavy Tropix Sunglasses
Who It's Good For
Those who are looking for a chunky — but not overpowering — pair of square sunglasses, especially those with rounder face shapes.
Who It's Not Good For
The square shape might not be as flattering on square or rectangular-shaped faces.
For small faces, oversized or chunky sunglasses might sometimes feel overwhelming, but these frames from Crap Eyewear are so flattering and cool. The light olive acetate frame feels modern yet classic and doesn’t overwhelm, even on small faces. Plus, they feel super lightweight and comfortable.
Crap Eyewear is an indie sunglass brand born from frustration with the lack of affordable, funky sunglasses available on the market. Since its founding, Crap has amassed a loyal following and has been donned by celebrities like Olivia Rodrigo and Rihanna. Cramer is a personal fan of the Heavy Tropix shades and shares that she gets so many compliments on these sunnies that she can’t bear to gatekeep them for another minute!
Shape: Square | Polarized: Yes, 100% UVA/UVB protection | Frame width: 145 mm | Bridge width: 22 mm | Frame material: Bioacetate | Color options: Crystal olive, tortoise/rose, dark tortoise/deep rose, black, agave/olive crystal sand/mustard
Best UV Protection: Ray-Ban Women's Erika Sunglasses
Who It's Good For
For anyone looking for a polarized pair of sunglasses to protect their eyes while looking stylish, this pair is a no-brainer and looks great on all face shapes (but especially heart, square, and rectangular faces).
Who It's Not Good For
If you don’t care about polarization, there are cheaper options with a similar shape that we’d also recommend (like the Safari Rounds).
Made with a lightweight frame and polarized gradient lenses, these classic sunnies from Ray-Ban are as comfortable as they are stylish. The rounded cat-eye shape is flattering on all face shapes and comes in 16 different colorways, including matte, tortoise, and translucent frame options. Plus, the slightly oversized shape shades more of the delicate eye area with 100 percent UV protection.
These are some of the most lightweight sunglasses we've tried, and with the option of polarized lenses, these sunglasses would make a great choice for outdoor activities where you might be exposed to more glare, like the ocean or the ski slopes.
Shape: Rounded cat-eye | Polarized: Yes, optional | Frame width: 130 mm | Bridge width: 18 mm | Frame material: Nylon | Color options: Tortoise, black, dark sand, transparent brown, transparent blue, transparent violet
People / Kendall Brown
Related: The 17 Best Sunscreens of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Best for Skiing: Smith Pursuit ChromaPop Glacier Photochromic Sunglasses
Who It's Good For
If you’re looking for a pair of sunnies that work great on and off the ski slopes, especially for those with larger faces or anyone who's a winter outdoor enthusiast.
Who It's Not Good For
These sunglasses are pretty oversized (to mimic ski goggles), so if you don’t like that style, then these may not be for you.
These oversized goggle glasses might be meant for the slopes, but Johnson wears them all year round. “I cannot stop wearing these sunglasses,” Johnson says. The ChromaPop lenses adapt to light changes, and the goggle-like size combined with the magnetic side shields protect the eyes from all angles.
They come in a few snazzy, mirrored colorways that look sporty and cool no matter how you style them. Pair them with a leather jacket and a slicked-back ponytail for a sleek weekend ‘fit, or throw them on with your cycling kit and hit the road knowing you’ll be protected from all angles.
Shape: Large goggle | Polarized: Yes, ChromaPop™ Glacier Photochromic lens adapts to light | Frame width: 148 mm | Frame material: Evolve™ bio-based frame | Color options: Matte black/ChromaPop blue, matte slate/ChromaPop red, matte bone/ChromaPop copper-gold, matte black/ChromaPop black, white/ChromaPop platinum
People / Erin Johnson
Related: The 10 Best Face Sunscreens of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Best Sun Readers: Caddis Muzzy Custom Sun Readers
Who It's Good For
Anyone looking for sunglasses that also double as reading glasses.
Who It's Not Good For
If you don’t need reading glasses, then that feature will be redundant for you.
Reading outdoors when the weather is sunny might just be one of life’s greatest pleasures, but choosing between reading glasses or sunglasses is an aggravating and unnecessary concession. These tinted readers from Caddis allow you to customize your own lens power and tint. Plus, they come in 5 cute colors to match every mood. Did we mention that they’re also super chic?
Shape: Wayfair | Polarized: No, but they feature glare-cutting technology | Frame width: 144 mm| Bridge width: 20 mm | Frame material: Bio-based acetate | Color options: Black, blue, brown, green, black tortoise
Things to Consider Before Buying Sunglasses
Face Shape
When it comes to choosing your new favorite pair of sunglasses, perhaps the most important factor is the shape — and the best way to figure out which frame shapes will best suit you is by determining your face shape.
Start by taking a photo of your face straight-on with your hair pulled back. Then, draw four lines: one vertical line from the top of your forehead down to your chin and three horizontal lines from cheekbone to cheekbone, jaw to jaw, and one side of your forehead to the other. It should look something like this:
People / Cai Cramer
Cai’s three horizontal lines are about the same length, and her vertical line isn’t much longer than her vertical lines, so she has a square-shaped face.If your vertical line is much longer than the line from cheekbone to cheekbone: You probably have a rectangular or ovular face. If your face is roughly as long as it is wide: You most likely have a round, square, or heart-shaped face.
If your cheekbone line is longer than your forehead, jawline, and vertical line, you likely have a round face shape.If your cheekbone line is longer than your forehead and jawline, but your vertical line is significantly longer, then you probably have an oval face shape.
If your cheekbone, forehead, jawline, and vertical face line are all about the same length, you may have a square-shaped face. If your three horizontal lines are the same length, but your vertical line is significantly longer, then you likely have a rectangular face.
You may have a heart-shaped face if your jawline is narrower than your forehead and comes down to a delicately pointed chin.
Frame Shape
To figure out which frame shapes are generally the most flattering on each face shape, we spoke with stylist-to-the-stars Micaela Erlanger. She’s dressed the most stylish celebs, including Amal Clooney, Ana De Armas, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Blake Lively, so her fashion advice is as good as gold in our book (she even wrote a book called How to Accessorize). Erlanger tells PEOPLE that when in doubt, choose cat eye sunglasses (which is why we have three on our list). As mentioned above, remember that opposites attract, so if you have a round face, opt for square-shaped frames and vis versa to achieve a fun yet balanced look.
Color
Whether you stick to neutrals or opt for a bright pop of color in your sunglass frames is totally up to your preference and style. While neutrals like brown tortoise shells and black tend to match with anything, opting for a fun-colored pair of sunglasses can liven up your look.
"A tinted frame is a fun way to add color to any outfit,” shares Erlanger. “Think of glasses almost like a piece of jewelry you wear on your face.” Erlanger suggests that those looking for an eye-catching pair of sunglasses experiment with hues: “A frame can be flattering if it is a subtle contrast with your skin tones, or it can be a statement piece if it is a bold color choice.”
Polarization
If you’ve been hunting for sunglasses, chances are you’ve come across the word “polarized.” This basically means that the glasses are treated to reduce glare, which can help increase visibility. This is particularly helpful when doing things like driving, surfing, fishing, or any other activity that requires clear vision to stay safe. Maui Jim sunglasses have great polarization.
But not everyone needs polarized lenses in their sunglasses, which tend to be more expensive than non-polarized ones. As long as your sunglasses have UV protection (not the same as polarization), they’ll help to protect your eyes from the sun’s potentially harmful rays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy sunglasses online?
There are plenty of retailers that sell sunglasses online, with some that specialize in boutique and unique frames, and other more general retail markets that sell a variety of sunglass brands, shapes, and prices, like eyebuydirect.com and sunglasshut.com. If you’re looking for a less expensive pair of sunglasses that you won’t feel guilty about dropping or losing, then amazon.com is a great place to find cheap yet stylish shades.
What are polarized sunglasses?
Polarized sunglasses are designed to mitigate glare, specifically the blinding light that bounces off of horizontal surfaces like the road, sidewalks, or large bodies of water. Polarized lenses are treated with a special chemical that helps to filter out horizontally reflected light, which can help to keep you safe while doing activities where clear vision is needed, such as driving, surfing, or sailing.
Some people prefer polarized sunglasses because they can help reduce eye strain, but polarization is not the same as UV protection, and there are lots of sunglass options that provide UV protection without polarization (and those tend to be cheaper, too!)
How do you clean sunglasses?
Most manufacturers recommend wiping down your sunglass lenses with a soft microfiber cloth. If your sunglasses have stuck-on smudges or you feel like they could use a really good clean, you can usually use warm water with a little bit of dish soap to rinse them off, but it’s best to double-check with the manufacturer before doing so because there’s a risk that you’ll rub off a protective lens coating.
Take Our Word For It
Cai Cramer is a staff writer on the commerce team at PEOPLE, with a focus on health, beauty, and style. For this story, Cai extensively researched the most popular sunglasses on the market, scouring through specs and reviews and grilling PEOPLE editors to find the best sunglasses for every style and face shape. Cai also spoke to celebrity stylist and author of How to Accessorize, Micaela Erlanger, to provide professional expertise.
Meet Our Expert
Micaela Erlanger is a stylist-to-the-stars. She’s dressed the most stylish celebs, including Amal Clooney, Ana De Armas, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Blake Lively. She also wrote a book called How to Accessorize.
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