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.

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'70s
(Image credit: @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.

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CAT-EYE
(Image credit: @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. 

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RECTANGULAR
(Image credit: @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. 

Related: Without a Doubt, These Are the 11 It Dresses of Summer 2019

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AVIATOR
(Image credit: @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. 

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WHITE FRAMES
(Image credit: @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. 

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HEARTS
(Image credit: @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. 

Opening Image: @monikh

Get clued up on all of summer 2019's fashion trends with our new-season directory.

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over twelve years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories, and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, works closely with influencer talent on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media. Previously, Maxine appeared on TV in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o. 


Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship, she was offered a position on the Look magazine fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. She went on to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine works remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh.