The 1970s were a fantastic time for fashion—full of hot trends, hip styles, and plenty of creativity! A newfound experimental culture extended to eyewear, with several new shapes and styles of shades born in the era. Read on to learn more and pick a pair of 70s sunglasses to add to your collection.
Revolutionary 70s Fashion
American culture shifted in the 1970s, following Woodstock and the Summer of Love in the 1960s. The wave of fun and freedom kept flowing into the next decade, which meant fashion was more free and imaginative than ever before. There was the rise of florals, go-go boots, and lots of corduroy!
When it comes to sunglasses, they were made to compliment the era’s clothes, with round frames being loud and funky. Oversized shades and quirky shapes were at the forefront of fashion, along with lots of color.
70s-Inspired Sunglasses
There are a few retro-inspired styles that won’t go out of style. Trends always come back around, but when it comes to sunglasses, invest in a few pairs you can always wear.
Gradient lenses are effortlessly cool.
This style adds a touch of glamor to your outfit. And it doesn’t have to be hard to pull off. Opt for a pair with a brown tint to coordinate with various outfits.
These men’s Persol shades combine the trend of round frames with brown gradient lenses. Style them with earth tones for the ultimate 70s look.

And ladies, this delicate pair of Miu Miu sunglasses is a wise investment if you want to inject color into your eyewear collection. They feature dainty gold frames and violet gradient lenses.

Butterfly sunglasses show your free spirit!
Add a subtle touch of hippie-chic in butterfly sunglasses. They are flattering and offer an oversized, glamorous silhouette. Hollywood icons loved this style since it’s feminine and provides coverage, ideal after a long night.
You can choose from various frames, but don’t be afraid to experiment with some color. After all, the ’70s were bright and bold. With a butterfly twist, these Tom Ford shades are the perfect mix of trendy and versatile.

Round sunglasses are a smart choice.
Timelessly trendy, round sunglasses are as groovy as it gets. They can make you look fabulous without having to try too hard. Pick a pair that suits the shape of your face. Some are smaller, as seen on Gigi Hadid, and then there are oversized circle sunglasses, as seen on Twiggy.
Double-bridged sunglasses offer subtle flair.
As you might expect, double-bridged sunglasses have two bridges between the lenses. They typically feature medium-sized frames. These frames aren’t flamboyant. In fact, they are very easy to pair with many looks.
Aviators, which have remained popular for decades, often have a double or triple bridge. They’re a favorite of men and women of all ages, including celebrities! Thanks to brands like Ray-Ban, aviators transcend trends; they are always in style.
It doesn’t get more classic than these unisex gold-framed Ray-Bans. Their timeless shape works on various face shapes for a flattering fit.

Oversized sunglasses never seem to go out of style.
The 70s were all about being unapologetic about fashion. It was truly the era of oversized sunglasses, which have been a staple ever since!
Pick a classic pair for that jet-set look, but if you want to have a little fun, try oversized rectangular sunglasses. These Gucci shades will instantly upgrade your accessory collection with their brave design.

Geometric sunglasses are fabulously funky.
Geometric sunglasses go the extra mile. They add a hint of whimsy to your look while still being stylish. The trick is to find a pair that’s the right size for your face. This trend goes best with thinner frames, so they don’t overpower you.
Thick-framed sunglasses are far out!
In the ’70s, thick frames were everywhere. They’re still popular today! If you pick the right pair, they can frame your face for a flattering look. These CELINE sunglasses are an example of a dynamic shape and color that are easy to pull off.

Colorful 70s-Style Sunglasses
Color, color, color! The 70s were vibrant, think disco-glam and Studio 54. Everything was glitzy and full of life, which extended to bright, fashion-forward sunglasses.
Vivid frames are cool and captivating.
Take the spirit of the ’70s and find a pair of sunglasses that take things up a notch. You can select shades with loud frames in an oversized shape. Or, if you want to dip your toes in the water, try thinner-colored frames in a cat-eye silhouette.

Brightly tinted lenses add a splash of sass.
Instead of playing it safe with black and brown, go for pink, red, and green tones. You can combine this trend with gradient lenses for a touch of 70s Saturday Night Fever swagger. These unisex Tiffany sunglasses are chic and unique. They feature brown lenses for a little sprinkle of individuality.

Your Perfect 70s Sunglasses Are Waiting!
No matter which ’70s sunglasses you choose, you can bet they’ll add some personality to your outfit. These styles have been trendy for decades, so you know you’re making a wise investment. It’s time to take some inspiration from icons like Pat Clevland and Stevie Nicks, and you won’t go wrong!