Micro Sunglasses Are Dying Out—Instead, Try One of These 6 Trends

There are few accessories that have the power to bring an old outfit bang up to date quite like a pair of sunglasses. An integral part of any fashion aficionado's uniform, they've become a firm sartorial fixture for many (think industry legends Karl Lagerfeld and Anna Wintour, as well as influencers like Blair Eadie), so it's little wonder sunglasses trends always catch on the quickest.

Whilst 2018 was dominated by '90s-inspired slim shades, it seems that they're being overtaken by far larger counterparts. Well, they were hard to pull off anyway—and not as classic and longlasting as the ones we're interested in below. Just as well I didn't make that purchase on a whim… so instead, there are six new sunglasses that are set to take over on the summer accessory front. Keep scrolling to see and shop our edit of 2019's top sunglasses trends.

'70s
Eyewear & Sunglasses Trends 2019: Monikh Dale in a pair of oversized '70s sunglasses

Photo:

@monikh

Style Notes: Just like the pair your Grandad used to wear, thick-framed eyewear was all the rage on the Boss, Stella McCartney and Burberry catwalks, and now they've caught the impeccable eye of our resident columnist Monikh. Wear them with sleek hair and high necklines.

CAT-EYE
Eyewear & Sunglasses Trends 2019: Marissa Cox in a pair of cat-eye sunglasses

Photo:

@ruerodier

Style Notes: Cat-eye sunglasses are a perennial fashion favourite, and that's not set to change in 2019. Black and tortoiseshell colourways will always look expensive, but for a modern take, try a translucent pair. 

RECTANGULAR
Eyewear & Sunglasses Trends 2019: Emili Sindlev in a pair of rectangular sunglasses

Photo:

@emilisindlev

Style Notes: Nineties-inspired micro rectangular glasses made a major comeback last year, but now they're far easier to pull off in bigger silhouettes. Instead of metal frames, look for chunky plastic iterations like Emili's pair. 

AVIATOR
Eyewear & Sunglasses Trends 2019: Ada Oguntodu in a pair of aviator sunglasses

Photo:

@ada_oguntodu

Style Notes: Ray-Ban's Wayfarer sunglasses command a lot of attention but its Aviator shape is arguably just as iconic. In 2019, the retro eyewear is set to make a return—look for exceptionally-thin frames and tinted lenses to nail the Top Gun vibe. 

WHITE FRAMES
Eyewear & Sunglasses Trends 2019: Megan Ellaby in a pair of white-frame sunglasses

Photo:

@meganellaby

Style Notes: Make a real style statement by investing in a pair of white-frame sunglasses. With roots in the '60s, naturally, there are round styles to choose from. Otherwise, take the glamorous approach with a flicked pair. 

HEARTS
Eyewear & Sunglasses Trends 2019: ASOS' Lotte in a pair of heart-shaped sunglasses

Photo:

@asos_lotte

Style Notes: Easily the most extra sunglasses in our round-up, heart-shaped styles quickly becoming a noteworthy summer accessory. Make like Chloé and ditch the frames for a subtle nod to the trend.