Image courtesy of instyle.com
Next to choosing a new swimsuit, the second most important style decision to make every summer is, “What new sunglasses should I get to update my look?” This summer, while putting together our annual summer sunglass trends report, Fashion Reverie pulled out all the stops to identify the most on-point sunglasses. We talked trends with boutique owners, influencers, and added some old-fashioned research by walking around the shops in Washington DC, Chicago’s Miracle Mile (shopping mecca) and spending time poolside during the 2025 heat wave checking out styles people were wearing.
Fashion Reverie is aware that it’s great to know what the latest trends are, that’s only half of the equation of getting your perfect pair. Once you’ve identified some pairs that excite you, the next challenge is to go home with the ones that suit you best and are the most flattering to your face shape.
This is when we turned to Italian Accessories designer, Remo Tulliani, who has been making what we can with good conscience, term “bespoke” sunglasses that are flattering, timeless, and sustainable. We tapped him to act as a proxy just in case your stylish bestie isn’t available to provide guidance and moral support when you’re shopping for your next pair of sunglasses.
Thanks to Remo, we’ve put together an easy style guide to simplify your decision-making process. “Most faces fall into three general categories: round, square, and narrow. In the end, it’s all about the math, explained Remo Tulliani.
If math and sunglasses sound unsexy, think again. After reading through his tips, Fashion Reverie was able to easily edit down the 6 pair we were agonizing over down to the two we had to have. This was much less time consuming than years before and very reassuring, as we were now secure in the knowledge that we had made the very best decision this time.
Images courtesy of sunglasses.ie.com
Face Type #1: The Round face: What to Consider, in this case, the width and length are about the same. You’re working with soft features and full cheeks, so structured styles work best.
Winning Styles for Round Faces: That square or rectangular frames that add definition, and Cat-eyes and D-frames that also help elongate the face.
PRO-Tip: Skip round styles, as they only tend to highlight the roundness.
Face Type #2: The Square face: This face has a strong jawline and broad forehead, making the goal is to soften the angles.
Winning Styles for Square Faces: Round or oval frames offer a nice contrast, and styles like aviators or butterfly shapes can work well.
PRO-Tip: Say “No” to boxy frames, as they can exaggerate sharp features.
Face Type #3: The Narrow or long face: Here’s a situation in which it’s all about adding width and balance.
Winning Styles for Narrow and Long Faces: Think oversized! Large frames are great for creating proportion. Look for styles with height, whether round or square, like shields, that can look sporty or futuristic, to help fill out the face. Avoid frames that are too small or slim, as they can make the face look even longer.
PRO-Tip: Look for bold arms or detailing at the sides to break up the length.
Norma Kamali
The Round Face Edits: Square, Rectangle, Cat-Eye, D-Frames
Norma Kamali is the queen of the classically edgy square cat eye sunglass shape and is frequently seen around Manhattan wearing a pair. Her iconic Cat Eye is updated in a plastic square shape with green tinted lenses. It’s a fresh update on the classic black or brown tortoise cat eye styles that have been winners since the 1960s, when Audrey Hepburn so famously wore them with her Little Black Dress in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” ($98).
Studio 24e Boutique co-owner, Greg Elliott, has years of working the sunglass counter at Nordstrom Annapolis under his belt. Like Norma Kamali, he is also a fan of the Cat Eye model. “Versace went retro with the Biggie collection which continues and includes bold styles with the Medusa Biggie logo and in bright neon colors in keeping with the brand’s more rather than less Very Versace aesthetic. The candy colors give a fresh pop to the cat eye,” explained Greg Elliot. (10% of the sale of each eye-popping frames shown goes to the Elton John X Versace AIDS Foundation.) ($415)
Anne Klein
Anne Klein has a square frame in a rich blonde horn pattern that elevate clean summer linen dressing. ($97.30)
Chanel
Chanel has a fun take on the square frame in red acetate with light red lenses, a nice choice for the summer month. ($650)
Anne Klein
Also, at Anne Klein is a gradient uplifting rectangular pair in blush pink crystal horn with two-tone blush painted temples ending in dramatic pink crystal acetate temple tips. ($62.30)
Joseph Abboud
The Square Face Edit: Round, oval, aviator, butterfly
The round frames Fashion Reverie discovered at Joseph Abboud are not as tiny as the barely there Oliver People’s sunglasses so popular in the 90s that were more about achieving a look rather than any kind of sun protection. Abboud struck the right chord with a classic, round black frame with satin gun temples that add an interesting tonal element. These made our list as they look just as good paired with a tux or with shorts and a tee shirt. ($40).
Clash de Cartier
“The King of Latin Trap”, Bad Bunny, sported a pair of Cartier ‘Clash de Cartier’ round frames at this year’s MET Gala. The French Maison describes the edgy Clash de Cartier collection as, “a study in duality that embraces the clash of opposing elements.”. So, if you’re looking for an edgy pair of shades, the Clash de Cartier collection may be just the thing. (Approximately $2,195)
Oval frames seemed to be the most popular choice overall for sunglass picks, and options are plentiful at all price points. Our top choice is an adorable Barbie pink small oval pair from Chanel with an inner gold rim, rose colored lenses. The delicate gold arms have a super discreet logo. ($910)
Anthropologie
Anthropologie carries oval frames from Fifth & Taya in three colors. One to go with every swim suit. ($55)
Caddis Eyewear
Caddis Eyewear: Jen Polt, DC based over-50 style and beauty influencer cites Caddis Eyewear as her go-to for the perfect aviator with that sexy 70s nostalgia that never goes out of style.
“My all-time favorite frame that I recommend for everyone is the Hooper from Caddice Eye Appliances. It has that aviator vibe, but with a more squared off shape that I feel is more universally wearable on all face shapes. I’ve always loved an aviator, but for some reason, it flattens out my face! But the Hooper? Chef’s kiss.” ($140)
Remi Tulliani
Remo Tulliani’s Trust Aviators have a nostalgic 60s vibe, but thanks to using the finest materials available and handmade glass lenses, they seamlessly combine the past and the present.
Oakley. All images courtesy of the respective brands
The Narrow and Long Face Edit: Shields
Shields have been a long-time favorite for the sporty minded and Oakley is without a doubt the King of the Mountain in this category. The Sphaera™ Slash is the result of decades of research and collaboration with athletes and fashioned for ultimate performance no matter what sport you’re engaging in. It features a lightweight O Matter™ frame and an innovative lens design that minimizes cheek crash while optimizing sport performance through a wide field of view. The front vent on the frame provides enhanced airflow, while Unobtainium® nosepads and molded-in earsocks deliver a no-slip grip for effortless wear with hats and helmets.
In honor of its affiliation with the Giro d’Italia, Oakley released a new version of the Sphaera™ Slash, the Sphaera™ Slash Girooie d’Italia model features a distinctive pink jersey-inspired pattern that pays tribute to the coveted Maglia Rosa winner’s circle jersey. ($318).
Now that you have Fashion Reverie’s guide, we’d love to know what sunglasses you’re taking home!
Vivian Kelly
Speak Your Mind