These Summer 2025 Sunglasses Trends Have Some Serious Staying Power
Summer might be halfway through, but the sun is shining as bright as ever. So too are the exciting sunglasses trends we’ve seen this year—and no doubt will continue to see even after the season shifts to fall.
Whether you’re a fiend for trends or a one-style loyalist like me, sunglasses are an easy way to experiment with your look while staying effortlessly cool. They’re the perfect topper for any summer or fall outfit and, let’s face it, a health essential for protecting your eyes from the ever-burning sun.
Practicality aside, sunglasses are cooler than ever, with AI tools and 3D printing helping brands experiment with design, functionality, and technology. Nina Esteves—the trend and foresight manager at EssilorLuxottica—one of the world’s biggest eyewear manufacturers for brands including our favorites like Prada, Burberry, and Diesel—gave us a sneak peek into the eyewear trends we’ll definitely be shopping in current and upcoming seasons. Wipe off your lenses and turn up the brightness—you won’t want to miss these.
All About BurgundyIt’s the hottest color trend of the year, so of course it’s making its way into eyewear, too. If you’re looking for a long-lasting trend that transcends seasons, burgundy is the hue to choose for your shades. “There’s an underlying desire for earthy, natural tones in general,” Esteves confirmed. Magma hues, as she calls them, are just that.
’60s-style oval sunglasses are making a comeback both for women and, surprisingly, for men, too. The style is universally flattering, and the classic, clean silhouette leaves plenty of room to play with frame or lens color, scale, other accessories, or even your hairstyle, if you so choose.
As someone whose go-to is a flat-top silhouette, this is one of my favorite eyewear trends. Flat top sunglasses don’t have to look like you’re going to an LMFAO concert (throwback) or a rave in Ibiza. Styles have evolved into something much chicer these days, with just a dash of edge, if that’s all you have the taste for. This particular trend also reads more unisex, so they’re perfect for anyone.
Rimless and semi-rimless glasses are the eyewear answer to minimalism and anyone subscribing to the ‘clean girl aesthetic.’ They’re a whisper, not a shout, but the message is just as clear. “Shoppers are buying frames—especially metal ones—just as they buy a pair of earrings,” says Esteves. Consider these styles additions to your jewelry box rather than just another pair of sunglasses.
Sunglasses are here to make things darker, of course, but lighter colors are actually in for eyewear. Bone, ivory, cream, and tan are trending colors for summer shades and transition seamlessly to fall and winter, as well. These lighter neutrals are also flattering on various skin tones and can subtly complement or contrast with any outfit.
Thanks to Charli XCX’s Brat Summer, edgy, funky sunglasses are becoming a normalized statement. Sure, she has her signature style, but Brat Summer opened the door for alien-esque silhouettes, oversized frames, and unapologetic boldness when it comes to eyewear. Brave enough to sport the trend? Start with the styles below.
According to Esteves, interior design plays a big role in forecasting external trends like eyewear. “In general, for 2025 we’re going to see a discussion on metals, not just in the fashion space,” Esteves says. Chrome has had a major comeback in interior design—hello, mid-century modern—and with the rise of silver jewelry, it’s only natural that eyewear is following suit.
Your shades don’t have to be all black all the time (well, mine are—but that’s a personal choice). Tinted lenses are having a big moment. Yellow and red lenses evoke a sexy ’70s vibe, while green, blue, or purple shades can be cute and flirty. Tinted lenses are often more about self-expression than actual shade, and they can become the protagonist of the outfit, according to Esteves. And if you wear clear opticals regularly, you can get in on the fun, too. Transitions Gen S lenses can go from clear to eight different shades—think ruby, amethyst, emerald, etc.—and can be added to your favorite frames for an extra touch of personal style.
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