Are you nostalgic for the 1900s? Think old Hollywood glamour, retro trends, and stylish accessories. The 20th century was truly a memorable era!
If you can’t get your hands on authentic vintage sunglasses, try these contemporary takes on fabulous eyewear from the past.
From classic cat-eye sunglasses to oversized Jackie O shades, many models are easy to incorporate into your collection. We’ve listed ten that will keep you dazzling for decades!
Why Vintage Sunglasses Are Versatile
Specific trends, like vintage-inspired sunglasses, don’t go in and out of style. They are staple it-girl pieces that you can rock for years! Retro shades’ versatility means you can easily style them with an array of outfits, making them perfect for daily wear and a busy lifestyle.
Top 10 Vintage-Inspired Sunglass Styles
Here is a rundown of 10 pairs of vintage-inspired sunglasses that will always make you look like a fashionista. We’ve included some contemporary models that you can choose from to add to your closet.
1. Tortoiseshell sunglasses add interest.
When it comes to retro shades, it doesn’t get more classic than a pair of tortoiseshell sunglasses. They channel old movie star glam while still looking chic today.
Tortoiseshell frames are a celebrity favorite, with stars like Taylor Swift, Meghan (Markle) Sussex, and Katie Homes opting for this style. It’s no surprise they are so popular. They give off old-school glam without trying too hard.
These Prada shades look great year-round! Pair them with wool coats in the winter and boho dresses in the summer.
2. Adopt Jackie O’s famous style.
Jackie O was a style icon. Her legacy lives on, with countless brands, influencers, and celebrities taking inspiration from her looks. She was a trailblazer, pairing her accessories and outfits for a head-to-toe glamorous look.
Her signature sunglasses were oversized and often round. They gave off an effortlessly cool energy, as Jackie didn’t try too hard. She just knew how to dress in chic ensembles.
This pair of Ray-Bans, appropriately called the Jackie Ohh, is a wearable pair of retro sunglasses. The Havana brown frames echo vintage tortoiseshell shades with a modern twist.
3. Black cat-eye sunglasses are effortlessly chic.
When it comes to classic cat-eye sunglasses, black frames are the way to go. They are timeless and look great on various faces, including heart-shaped and rounded ones.
“Lily” by Saint Laurent is the epitome of vintage timelessness. Its black frames and grey lenses are highly versatile, perfect for pairing with gold and silver jewelry. They also look great with a bold red lip for a pop of color!
4. Pay homage to Audrey Hepburn!
One of history’s most famous fashion movies is Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Audrey Hepburn helped make the little black dress and oversized sunglass combo iconic.
These frames by Michael Kors are understated and classic. They are ideal for wearing to work or while out and about and match almost every outfit!
5. Bring back a bit of the ’70s with circular shades.
Round sunglasses have evolved, but they are certainly here to stay! Popularized in the era of funky style, these sunglasses are still just as stylish today.
Opt for oversized circular shades for a vintage vibe. This throwback version by Ralph Lauren has been refined for a hint of luxury, and the subtle gold frames add a feminine touch
6. You can’t go wrong with a pair of aviators.
Aviators have been popular for decades. They are a great example of unisex sunglasses that suit a variety of faces. The double-bridge design and slim frames give off that vintage charm.
Maui Jim BABY BEACH sunglasses have a retro appeal while remaining versatile enough for daily wear. Their cool shape and minimalistic design make them the perfect pair of vacation sunglasses.
7. Tiny sunglasses aren’t a new trend.
Tiny sunglasses have been reinvented countless times over the decades, but they are also a vintage staple. So, if you invest in the right pair, you can wear them forever!
The trick is selecting a pair with timeless frames and subtle lenses. This black pair by Gucci is a modern spin on small shades, featuring a bold gold logo. But the black frames remain classic, making them a great addition to your collection.
8. Red sunglasses add retro glam.
Have you ever used sunglasses to add a pop of color to your outfit? It’s a great way to make a bold fashion statement! Red is a traditionally cool color that won’t go out anytime soon.
This gorgeous pair by Prada has a bold aesthetic and a simple shape. They look luxe with an all-black ensemble for that authentic ’40s glamour.
9. Rock white sunglasses this summer!
It doesn’t get much more retro than a pair of white sunglasses. They will take you back to a time of flirty beach outfits and floral summer dresses. White frames are easier to pull off than bolder colors, so you have no excuse not to try them!
This vacation season, accessorize your maxi and mini dresses with this pair by Miu Miu! They are classically cute and coordinate well with flirty summer outfits.
10. Vintage sunglasses channel dark academia.
This trend isn’t going anywhere. In fact, it’s just a reinvention of English heritage fashion. Sunglasses with brown frames perfectly fit the dark academia style, so find a shape that suits you.
These brown sunglasses by Cutler And Gross will give you major cool points. These vintage shades look great paired with classic prints like tweed, tartan, and wool in the winter.
Ready To Take a Step Back in Time?
There you have it—the top 10 contemporary versions of vintage sunglasses! All the styles on the list are timeless, making them smart additions to your closet.
Which pair of shades will you pick?
