Now Playing
Who What Wear
Subscribe to Newsletter
Who What Wear TV
Shop the Closet
About Who What Wear
Ask a Stylist
Monthly Archive
What Was She Wearing
Go Buy Now:

Go Buy Now: Round Sunglasses

Though it’s still early in the season, we already have a wish list in the works. Unsurprisingly, said document is comprised of all the ridiculously insane accessories we’re fawning over from afar. Though we’ll surely dream about Gucci’s Iman Ankle Strap Sandalsicon ($1275) and Yves Saint Laurent Leather’s Cage Belticon ($495) for months to come, in the meantime, there is another wardrobe necessity that’s more accessible, affordable, and amazing to boot. All we can say is, Wayfarers, watch out! There’s a new style on the block—round sunglasses—and we have a feeling it’s the next big trend.



Certainly we’re not the first to fall for this look: circular sunnies have captivated everyone from John Lennon to Dwayne Wayne. Though these frames have been dormant for a few seasons (or decades), as of late, we’ve noticed them popping up on a few fringe members of the tastemaking community. The most notable devotee—Mary-Kate Olsen—has a few pairs she favors, including styles by Marni, similar to the Gray Glasses ($385), and Chanel, similar to the Small Round Shape ($340) and Round Retro Style ($535). It appears the fashion community agrees with her sunglass preferences, as we spied scads of round frames on the Spirng 09 runways!

Amongst the many standout examples this season, the versions at Proenza Schouler, Ralph Lauren Collection, and Dries Van Noten particularly impressed us. Regarding the former, Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough styled their show with several super-striking, brushed metal pairs, but this finish wasn’t produced for retail, sadly. There is good news though! The Proenza Schouler designers did create a few updated versions of their Round Sunglasses ($310, 212.226.8276), all of which will be available at Ilori in Soho. The circular frames are silver at the temples and come in three different colors: black, dark tortoiseshell, and light tortoiseshell.

Additionally, we’re also fans of the simple styles shown at Dries Van Noten ($340, see LindaFarrowVintage.com for stockists) and Ralph Lauren Collection’s Round Sunglasses with Chain ($240). If you’re looking for their lovely orange runway version, like in the image above, just ring the Ralph Lauren Eyewear store and tell them you’d like style # RL97615003 ($325, 212.988.4620).

Of course, you can find lots of round sunglasses off the runways as well. We spotted an excellent budget-friendly option at ASOS recently; try their Thin Frame Round Sunglasses ($17) for a quick trend fix. We highly recommend checking out the awesome selection at Nasty Gal Vintage. The Annie Glasses ($40) in red, as seen above, are also available in tortoise, black, and purple. There are also some additional styles, like the Circle Sunnies ($45) in pink or black, that are definitely worth perusing!

Go Buy Now , Mary Kate Olsen , Pixie Geldof , Chanel , Proenza Schouler , Ralph Lauren
DISCUSS/34 post(s)


When even Anja Rubik looks like a Nazi doctor in these glasses, you know this is a terrible terrible shape that should never be worn.

        Posted by: Caves of Altami  |  2009-02-18 22:01:29

I think that they're awesome, but on an actual person..eh... More props to ya if you can pull it off. I'm definitely gonna give em a try.

        Posted by: Michelle  |  2009-02-07 19:05:48

I think this trend is a bit "different". In other words, not many people can pull it off. And in less you want to get strange glares as you are walking down the street, I would stay away from this trend. That is just my opinion. Not the most flattering style of sunglasses. This trend is not one of my favorites.

        Posted by: Lauren  |  2009-02-07 10:58:23

check out these karen walker round sunnies at my site, so cute! http://www.maximillia.com/products.asp?id=160

        Posted by: maximillia  |  2009-02-05 02:04:45

love 'em.

        Posted by: nicole  |  2009-02-04 17:29:53

fashion isn't always flattering! obviously this look will work best with someone that has a distinct point of view in their style. try the look for yourselves and make your own decisions, at least WWW did its job by telling you what's out there trend-wise

        Posted by: r  |  2009-02-04 02:49:42

marykate can pull off anythinggg

        Posted by: alisha  |  2009-02-04 00:46:41

I love them. I actually bought a pair last summer. FashionBananas.com

        Posted by: Maya  |  2009-02-04 00:39:25

there're an absolute no-go!!(except the ones from van Noten perhaps)sunnies are supposed to make you look cool and not weired! http://natitata.blogspot.com

        Posted by: nati  |  2009-02-04 00:24:05

i agree! mary kate & ashley did this a year ago & their very unflattering unless you have a pointy shape nose :) lol. I think this look can only be pulled off by true trendsetters like m.k who doesnt care what people think. its pretty obvious she understands theres a very thin line between tacky & individuality.. she pulls off every look(trend) w/ a twist of her own

        Posted by: Vikk-E  |  2009-02-04 00:23:53

These don't flattering on anyone! http://www.jennywashere.com/

        Posted by: Christy  |  2009-02-03 18:58:08

I totally thought "Natural Born Killers" too! These could look quirky and cool on a woman with delicate features.

        Posted by: najeema  |  2009-02-03 18:51:38

The P.S. model looks like Johnny Depp when he was in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory... But I think they look cute on M.K. Olsen. But the Olsen twins have worn these glasses already, like a year ago actually. Those cool circle glasses w/only half of the glasses shaded...the ones made by Chanel

        Posted by: Lori  |  2009-02-03 17:28:56

Ok, mean comment people..chill out! You don't like these, how about don't buy them! Problem solved. I thought they were cute and I found a cute purple pair with quilted embossing on the sides at Forever21, and for 5 bucks I will definitely rock the willy wonka shades.

        Posted by: brie  |  2009-02-03 14:32:41

WHY?!?! NOBODY looks good in them, who cares that they're hip, then? So again: WHY?!?!?!

        Posted by: Zoe  |  2009-02-03 14:20:19

i think they're cute. i like them.

        Posted by: geri  |  2009-02-03 12:41:26

frugalicious- stop using WWW's comment section to promote your own, second-rate fashion site.

        Posted by: LovesGemma  |  2009-02-03 12:36:32

Cute! I don't think it will flatter my face but adorable !

        Posted by: Amber  |  2009-02-03 12:27:33

These round frames are so fun...Nicole Richie started wearing those cute Chanel glasses last year. the search begins! CitygirlLV.com

        Posted by: CityGirl  |  2009-02-03 11:34:34

Woah, love it! http://kimbero.blogspot.com/

        Posted by: Kim  |  2009-02-03 11:32:51

How fun!I'm not giving up my Wayfarers but this is going to be such a fun option for spring!

        Posted by: Olivia  |  2009-02-03 11:26:06

Hey Frugalicious -- I just checked out your blog and it's FABULOUS -- I added you to my bookmarks! But I do think a fashion trend is fair game for all & sundry and you guys didn't both feature the same sunnies. Fantastic job -- you are ON TREND, honey!!

        Posted by: isabella  |  2009-02-03 10:18:52

seriously. these look awful on mk and she can pull off anything. why would anyone want to look like Leon the Professional?

        Posted by: ar  |  2009-02-03 10:13:37

Wow WWW - really disappointed. If you're going to rip off my blog posts you could at least give me credit for them! I did this exact post over 2 weeks ago. And this isn't the first time. www.thefrugaliciousfashionista.com

        Posted by: thefrugalicious  |  2009-02-03 09:57:15

You read my mind! I have been fixated on the ones from the Marni runway show and was wondering where to find other versions of the same style! They're like 1930s Lady Explorer chic. Like anything, the size and fit makes the difference -- that said, if your face is big and round, no, you can't wear them.

        Posted by: isabella  |  2009-02-03 09:46:29

Very Willy Wonka.

        Posted by: cara  |  2009-02-03 09:44:18

Vanessa, I was thinking the same thing...

        Posted by: Nikki  |  2009-02-03 09:01:59

Ugly and nearly impossible to pull off.

        Posted by: Llew  |  2009-02-03 08:29:20

Goofy.

        Posted by: ames  |  2009-02-03 08:17:09

I have a feeling these will look terrible on me, and most others.

        Posted by: SheShe  |  2009-02-03 08:14:15

The fact is that very few people could pull it off without looking like a "Natural Born Killer"...

        Posted by: vanessa  |  2009-02-03 06:40:14

NO. I refuse to "go buy now". they're unflattering and make everyone look like a tool.

        Posted by: Morgan  |  2009-02-03 04:49:26

hot pink round frames?! yes please!

        Posted by: NASTY GAL  |  2009-02-03 02:26:59

OMG! thank you, thank you, thank you! I have been searching endlessly for a cheaper version of his style without true success, until now!

        Posted by: bambierae  |  2009-02-03 02:24:34

POST A COMMENT

****You must be a subscriber to post a comment. If you are not a subscriber and would like to post a comment please click here. *****

Name:

Email:

Comments: