Every picture I am saving on Instagram recently seems to have one thing in common—a pair of vibrant square-frame sunglasses. This might be a side effect of recently finishing the '70s series The Serpent, or maybe it's because, like many Brits, I have been desperately craving some sunshine. I typically tend to be very boring when it comes to sunglasses, only wearing a Wayfarer or similarly classic shape. This year, however, I'm drawn towards retro shades in vibrant hues.
I'm more than ready to have some fun with my outfits again, and wearing a pair of OTT bright-green sunglasses just might satisfy this urge. Unsurprisingly, Gucci (a moniker for maximalist nowadays) is leading this trend with its angular rainbow shades. Another label which has sparked this revival of angular, colourful sunnies is Loewe, which, as part of its Paula's Ibiza collection, looked at vintage styles from the '70s and '80s to create graphic, glossy square sunglasses with rounded lenses inside the frame. They instantly became as Instagrammable as a Puzzle bag and sold out as fast as you can say "cult buy."
When it comes to sunnies, my philosophy is "more is more" this year. If you also want to branch out from tortoiseshell, below, I've found lots of amazing sunglasses in mint, petrol, orange and pink.
Style Notes: This soft-mustard hue will go with almost any outfit, and I love the lighter tint on the lenses. When you've not seen friends in months, it'll be nice to still be able to see their whole face.
Style Notes: Green and glossy—this is what I want my sunnies to be in 2021.
Style Notes: Green is trending for eyewear this year, and I love this acidic shade.
Style Notes: Go all-out retro with white frames like Lotte's pair.
Style Notes: Neon-green rectangular sunglasses? Why not!
Style Notes: Nana matches her sunglasses to her dress, and it looks absolutely fabulous.
Style Notes: We love everything about this retro holiday look, from the rectangular sunnies to the oversized T-shirt to the '80s-printed swimsuit.
Shop Square-Frame Sunglasses
There is something 3D-esque about these glasses—in a good way.
The blue frames and tinted lenses are a dream pairing.
This soft green is ever so pretty.
These have a more '90s feel.
These come in several colours.
Boxy and beautiful.
Okay, I added a bit of tortoiseshell to this edit.
This orange shade is so good.
Yes, Gucci.
These are a personal favourite.
I told you ASOS was perfecting this trend.
More orange.
More Gucci goodness.
These are so '90s.
Next up, see our guide to the key trends for spring/summer 2021.
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