As we finally depart the bleak British winter, deciding on your go-to eyewear for the spring and summer months may feel like a slight afterthought.
But in reality, a powerful set of sunglasses has the power to make or break an outfit – helping to enhance an overall look by adding a chic sense of sophistication and class.
However, if they are styled incorrectly, you run the risk of your entire outfit being tarnished by cheap and tacky eyewear.
Fortunately, celebrity stylist Lisa Talbot is on hand to share the ultimate do’s and dont’s when selecting your go-to eyewear for the coming months.
She told The Daily Mail: ‘As a personal stylist, I often see women making the same mistakes when choosing sunglasses. It’s not about how much you spend, but how considered your choice is.’
‘Sunglasses shouldn’t just be a seasonal purchase, they should be a considered part of your wardrobe.
‘The key is to focus on balance, proportion, and versatility. When you do, even a £20 pair can look incredibly chic. And when you don’t, even a luxury pair can fall short.’
Read on to discover which sunglasses look effortlessly chic and elevated, and which ‘impractical and dated’ styles are causing middle-class regret…
WHAT TO AVOID
Overly trend-driven micro frames
While ‘extremely small or ultra-narrow sunglasses might be having a moment’, Lisa suggests they are not quite as appealing as it may initially seem. Pictured: Billie Eilish wears micro Prada glasses at the 2025 GRAMMY Awards
While ‘extremely small or ultra-narrow sunglasses might be having a moment’, Lisa suggests they are not quite as appealing as it may initially seem.
Popular with A-listers including Bella Hadid, Anne Hathaway, Zoe Kravitzand and both Kendall and Kylie Jenner, the tiny sunglasses trend has shown little sign of wavering, with designers such as Stella McCartney helping with the resurge.
Pop star Billie Eilish is also known to be particularly found of the smaller, retro-inspired glasses, and at the GRAMMY Awards last year donned micro Prada glasses to finish off her striking look.
However, while they may work on the red carpet for A-listers, Lisa suggests that in day-to-day life they can ‘often look impractical and dated very quickly’.
She explained: ‘They rarely suit many face shapes and can feel more like a fashion statement than a considered style choice.’
Loud, overly bright or artificial finishes
While it may be tempting in the summer to add a pop of colour to your eyewear, the use of bright lenses, harsh white frames or ‘overly shiny plastics’ should be avoided, Lisa warns. Pictured: Kris Jenner opts for bright Gucci tinted lenses
While it may be tempting in the summer to add a pop of colour to your eyewear, the use of bright lenses, harsh white frames or ‘overly shiny plastics’ should be avoided, Lisa warns.
She explains: ‘If the colour is the first thing you notice, rather than how it works with your outfit, it’s usually a sign to step back.’
Popular in the 1960s and 1970s, tinted lenses experienced a slight resurge in the late 90s and are now often considered to be vintage and showcased by the likes of Kris Jenner.
Poorly proportioned frames
Next to watch out for, Lisa shared, are ‘frames that are too small, too wide, or sit awkwardly on the face’. Pictured: Miley Cyrus wears YSL’s oversized black sunglasses combined with a custom Saint Laurent dress at the Golden Globes
Next to watch out for, Lisa shared, are ‘frames that are too small, too wide, or sit awkwardly on the face’.
This is because the overly-dominant sunglasses ‘can throw off your entire look,’ she warned.
Adored by Victoria Beckham, oversized sunglasses are slowly creeping up the trends due to their ability to create a chic and sophisticated finish.
Indeed, at the Golden Globes in January, Miley Cyrus showcased wide frames with YSL’s oversized black sunglasses combined with a custom Saint Laurent dress.
However, ensuring that the size of these sunglasses do not overwhelm the face is key to prevent focus deviating too far away from the rest of your outfit.
Overly embellished or logo-heavy designs
Designer sunglasses may be a desirable asset to your wardrobe, but overly embellished or logo-heavy designs should be avoided as they can run the risk of looking ‘gimmicky’, according to Lisa. Pictured: Khloe Kardashian wears Gucci sunglasses
Designer sunglasses may be a desirable asset to your wardrobe, but overly embellished or logo-heavy designs should be avoided as they can run the risk of looking ‘gimmicky’, according to Lisa.
She explained: ‘Too much branding, excessive embellishment, or unusual features (like exaggerated arms or novelty materials) can quickly tip sunglasses into looking gimmicky rather than stylish.’
Adored by the likes of Khloe Kardashian, sunglasses by designer brands such as Gucci can risk taking the attention away from the rest of your look.
Not to mention the incredibly high price-tag, with a pair of women’s Gucci sunglasses, for instance, costing up to £250.
One-outfit wonders
Rihanna’s cat-eye sunglasses for the 2023 Met Gala, for instance, would also be unlikely to pair with any future outfits
While a good pair of sunglasses can last decades, Lisa suggests considering whether your go-to pair suit most outfits in your wardrobe, rather than a select few.
‘If your sunglasses only work with one very specific look, they’re unlikely to earn their place in your wardrobe,’ she said.
Stressing that it is key to avoid an ‘expensive mistake’, she suggested considering how sunglasses look with varying looks before buying is the best way to ensure you get the most out of your summer looks.
Unique designs that may not work for all looks include cut out aviator sunglasses, rainbow-decorated sunglasses and those covered with jewels and accessories.
Rihanna’s cat-eye sunglasses for the 2023 Met Gala, for instance, would also be unlikely to pair with any future outfits.
SUNGLASSES THAT ALWAYS FEEL CLASSY
Classic shapes with a modern edge
For Lisa, sticking with traditional shapes and styles is a sure way to look classy and chic this summer. Pictured: Margot Robbie opts for striking oval cat eye glasses while promoting Barbie
Think ‘timeless silhouettes’ with a ‘softly rounded cat-eye’, or ‘oversized frames, or refined rectangular styles that will always look elegant’.
For Lisa, sticking with traditional shapes and styles is a sure way to look classy and chic this summer.
She added: ‘Styles like the oval cat-eye from Marks & Spencer or Mango’s gold oval frames strike that perfect balance between trend-led and wearable.’
The reason for such success? Classic sunglasses shapes ‘frame the face beautifully without overpowering it, which is key to achieving that effortless, put-together feel,’ Lisa explained.
Versatility across outfits
Ultimately, the best sunglasses should ‘work with everything’ – from your morning coffee run to a flashy event. Nicole Kidman’s elegant Bottega Veneta sunglasses at Venice Film Festival perfectly executed this – with the stylish cat-eye frames perfect for both a day and night look
Ultimately, the best sunglasses should ‘work with everything’ – from your morning coffee run to a flashy event.
Nicole Kidman’s elegant Bottega Veneta sunglasses at Venice Film Festival perfectly executed this – with the stylish cat-eye frames perfect for both a day and night look.
Complementing her sophisticated style, the Italian luxury fashion house was a perfect choice for the renowned actress.
‘If you can wear the same pair with a blazer, a dress, and casual denim, you know you’ve found a winning style,’ Lisa said.
‘True style isn’t about the label, it’s about how everything works together.’
Subtle, neutral tones
When considering the colour of your summer eyewear selections, Lisa suggests opting for ‘tortoiseshell, soft brown or black’ as your most viable options. Pictured: Brooke Shields steps out at Paris Fashion week in striking tortoiseshell Chloe visor sunglasses
When considering the colour of your summer eyewear selections, Lisa suggests opting for ‘tortoiseshell, soft brown or black’ as your most viable options.
She explained that such ‘muted metallics will always look more expensive than they are’.
‘Pieces like the Oliver Bonas faux tortoiseshell frames or the ASOS crystal brown ovals are perfect examples, they complement your wardrobe rather than compete with it,’ she added.
Known for appreciating a tortoiseshell or soft brown pair of sunglasses, model Brooke Shields recently stepped out at Paris Fashion week in striking tortoiseshell Chloe visor sunglasses.
Proportion that works for your face
‘The most flattering sunglasses are those that feel in harmony with your features,’ Lisa noted. Showcasing this style at its finest, in March, Gigi Hadid stepped out in New York City dressed in a pair of oversized Jimmy Fairly sunglasses
‘The most flattering sunglasses are those that feel in harmony with your features,’ Lisa noted.
Rather than moving away from oversized shapes completely, Lisa explained that a ‘slightly oversized style can add instant glamour, while balanced proportions create a more refined finish.’
‘Brands like Jimmy Fairly and Meller offer shapes that feel intentional and well-designed, which always reads as more premium,’ she added.
Showcasing this style at its finest, in March, Gigi Hadid stepped out in New York City dressed in a pair of oversized Jimmy Fairly sunglasses that appeared reminiscent of Paris Hilton in the early ’00s.
Minimal, with a consideration for the details
Previously seen by the likes of Hailey Bieber (pictured) and Kendall Jenner, light metal hexagon sunglasses are suddenly growing in popularity, as brands are slowly moving towards a lighter style
When best considering how to elevate your looks, Lisa suggested looking for ‘a hint of gold hardware, a clean frame or a subtle design feature’.
Adding a beautiful hunt of elegance and interest ‘without trying too hard’, she suggested looking to shops such as River Island for gold slim hexagon styles.
Previously seen by the likes of Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner, light metal hexagon sunglasses are suddenly growing in popularity, as brands are slowly moving towards a lighter style.
Helping to bridge the gap between retro 1970s/60s nostalgia and a more modern look, they can add an element of subtle dimension to your summer eyewear collection.
