Mark my words: 2025 is the year of the accessory. From handbags that are bigger (literally) and better than ever (see: the Margaux carryall craze from The Row) to the revival of statement belts and Bayonetta glasses—more on that in a second—accessorizing has never been this exciting. And you know what they say: Your eyes are the windows to the soul, so why not dress ‘em up, shall we? Sunglasses can be such a fun way to spruce up your look, but with an overwhelming number of styles to select from and things to consider, such as the silhouette (rectangle, oval, cat eye, etc.) color, material and lens, choosing a new pair can feel like a *lot*. But it doesn’t have to, now that I’ve broken down the four sunglasses trends that’ll shape (and shade) the eyewear category in 2025—plus, one trend that we should probably set aside for the time being.
The Only 4 Sunglasses Trends You Need to Know in 2025
Plus, one to pass on for now
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1. Wire Frames
Metal frames are popping up everywhere I look, and in a wide range of styles, too. You can, of course, always lean on your old faithful wire aviators, but there are funkier, more modern options to choose from this summer. Oval or octagonal lenses, Bayonetta styles, oversize circular frames—all these and more totally fit the bill, so long as they come with a streamlined, minimalist wire frame.
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2. Colorful Lenses
Colorful lenses are going to be one of the most popular ways to add a bit of vibrancy to your fits. Hues of every sort, from green and yellow to blue and rose, are dominating street style looks, and the majority of these lenses boast a transparency that’s fashionable, functional and flattering. Tinted, sheer lenses can even protect your eyes from UV damage if you choose ones with UV-blocking or anti-reflection technology. Unlike the aforementioned oversize frames, I love that this trend doesn’t hide your face.
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3. ‘60s Glam
Giant Jackie O-style frames are back, baby! But it’s not just the oversize round frames making a return to the runways, it’s all manner of retro, ‘60s-inspired designs. Think white cat-eye sunnies, yellow-tinted aviators and all kinds of thick rounded frames. The most flattering on all face shapes, however, would likely be the larger-than-life sunnies preferred by Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren and the like. Best of all? They’re great for hiding dark circles, under-eye bags and hangovers. Plus, they create an air of mystery if you go for dark lenses.
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4. Sporty Wrap-Around Frames
Who could’ve guessed the very same glasses preferred by world-record sprinters and Olympic volleyball players would also be popular with the high-fashion crowd? Sporty shades have been on the rise for months, and I believe this summer we may reach the peak of the athletic vibes. There are two main styles to choose from here: either streamlined wrap-around shades akin to those worn by high-level athletes, or thicker, rounder frames that give an almost bug-eye effect. Either way, these styles are meant to be bold, so don’t shy away from bright colors or patterns on the lenses or frames (or both).
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One Trend We’re Storing for Now: Matrix Revival
Tons of ‘90s and early aughts trends have been making the rounds the past few years, but not all have proven to have real sticking power. This is one of those fads I believe to be more of a flash in the pan. Elements of Neo’s and Trinity’s iconic looks from The Matrix may indeed be back en vogue, but tiny blackout sunglasses aren’t the one to invest in. I say skip these mini frames and instead try a ‘60s cat eye or sporty wrap-around frame instead.
