Shield Sunglasses Are One of the Hottest Accessories of the Season—These Pairs Come Editor-Approved
The Lyst Index just dropped, and Chanel's shield sunglasses have claimed a covetable spot. Read on to discover the trend here.
If there was any doubt that shield sunglasses were the season's most important accessory, the latest Lyst Index put it to rest. Landing a coveted spot among the hottest products of the quarter, Chanel's oversized shield sunglasses are officially recognised as one of summer 2026's most significant buys. Now, whilst the French fashion house's tinted, wraparound style has become a favourite among some of the industry's best-dressed, it's far from the only shielding silhouette fashion people are backing right now.
Marking a clear departure from the '90s-inspired micro sunglasses that dominated for so long, this season's oversized, statement-making frames have been gaining momentum within all the chicest circles.
Alexa Demie wears the Chanel Shield Sunglasses (£680).
Striking, but still wearable, shield sunglasses make classic jeans-and-T-shirts feel all the more considered. Meanwhile, they add a high-fashion energy to your wardrobe's dressier items.
Whilst some styles take cues from classic aviator frames, exaggerating the silhouette with oversized tinted lenses, others lean into a sportier aesthetic with sleek, wraparound shapes that sit close to the face. Whether you gravitate towards one or the other, they bring a distinctly 2026 energy to an outfit.
Chanel's pair may have helped propel the trend into the spotlight, but this Y2K-inspired accessory is becoming a much broader movement. If you're ready to embrace the season's most important sunglasses trend, keep scrolling to shop the shield sunglasses I recommend below.
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Natalie Munro is Who What Wear UK’s news writer and has worked in the fashion industry since she graduated with a degree in Journalism from the University of the Arts London. Natalie’s experience in the industry spans journalistic and styling roles that have seen her work for publications including British Vogue, Conde Nast Traveller, Vogue Ukraine, AnOther Magazine and Elle UK.
With an interest in uncovering the latest fashion trends, Natalie takes a leading role in identifying news for Who What Wear UK. Reporting on a daily basis, Natalie focuses on trends on and off the runway, as well as street style and celebrity fashion. Natalie also creates content for Who What Wear’s social channels including TikTok and Instagram on a weekly basis.