Shield Sunglasses May Be Polarizing, but the Shades Are Officially on This Season’s It List

Like 90s band Deep Blue Something and almost everyone else on the planet, we like Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The opening scene of Holly Golightly eating her breakfast in front of a Tiffany & Co. window is iconic since she’s decked to the nines in a striking black dress, matching opera gloves, several strands of pearls and black shades. She’s obviously had a long night, making those sunglasses very necessary. While said shades make a statement due to their oversize nature, nowadays it takes a little more to stand out since plenty of us own the exact same pair. Which is why shield sunglasses are coming into view.

The proof of the eye-catching frames renaissance is the fact that big-name fashion houses are busy manufacturing their own takes. Alaïa, Loewe, Tom Ford, Valentino Garavani, Miu Miu, Celine, Gucci, Chloe, Burberry, Prada, Christian Dior… OK, we have to stop since we’re getting a hand cramp. Thankfully, everyone’s got their own spin on the silhouette. There are your classic wraparound styles, rimless interpretations, ones with logo-clad lenses and pairs that feature unique nose-bridge accents.

While the majority of selections worth flaunting this summer come courtesy of designers, we were able to track down a few bargains. Urban Outfitters’ Toni Shield Sunglasses are clearly winners with that sleek shape. The $15 price tag is appealing, too. Free People’s Cooper Oversized Shield Sunglasses clock in at only $30 and those deep blue lenses really pop.

Ready to embrace the trend? Then scroll down to discover the best shield sunglasses.