It’s no secret that the right pair of chic sunglasses can totally complete an outfit, and elevate your overall look. Having a couple of pairs of go-to shades to wear with various ensembles is a must in terms of accessorizing! And no – we don’t believe sunglasses should just be reserved for summer either. Not only do they serve to protect your eyes from the harsh rays, but they also effortlessly add an element of chic and mystery to your look. 

Protect your eyes and elevate your style with these chic sunglasses!

All products featured in this article were independently selected by our team. By shopping through our links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. 

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Just in time for summer, Reformation has teamed up with iconic French eyewear brand Jimmy Fairly to launch a limited-edition sunglasses collection to help you avoid the sun and/or eye contact, in style. 

Together, Reformation and Jimmy Fairly created five vintage-inspired frame styles, designed and made in France, to complement all your spring and summer OOTDs!

Photo: Reformation

“Since 2009, Reformation has been on a mission to bring sustainable fashion to everyone. And these chic new sunglasses help do that. By 2025, Reformation will have a net positive carbon impact on the planet and our signature vintage-inspired apparel and accessories will only be made with recycled, regenerative, or renewable materials…” – Reformation.

All of the sunglasses in the collection are sustainably made with 100% bio-acetate frames and bio-nylon lenses. Unlike most sunglasses made with conventional plastic, “so your environmental impact can go incognito, too.”

Photo: Reformation

“Created to revolutionize the eyewear industry, Jimmy Fairly was founded in 2011 with a clear mission: high-quality glasses at fair prices with a positive social and ecological impact.” – Jimmy Fairly

You can officially shop the brand new Reformation X Jimmy Fairly sunglasses collection online at reformation.com and jimmyfairly.com as well as select in-store locations.

These sunglasses are so chic!

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Specsavers is adding an exclusive adidas eyewear collection this month! And trust us, you’re going to want to get your hands on a pair (or two) from this partnership. 

Launching March 2023, the adidas collection of 13 optical frames and 3 pairs of sunglasses will be available only at Specsavers

The collection features an intersection of sport and street style, perfectly encapsulating the casual fashion and heritage values of adidas Originals.

You can expect to see frames featuring Originals blue and Stan Smith green, which adds a perfect pop of colour alongside Specsavers handcrafted crystal bio-acetate frames. Other details within the eyewear collection include striking gold foil logos on classic black frames, and laser-engraved two-tone temple detailing.

Drawing on the collective expertise of adidas designers and Specsavers frame developers, the collection was created using innovative manufacturing techniques and high-quality materials, creating a lightweight and comfortable range of active eyewear. 

All adidas Originals glasses are priced at $249.00 CAD including lenses and come with a coveted adidas-branded case.

Developed for everyday activities, each style easily adapts to different personalities, resulting in a collection with logos, colours, and shapes that authentically represent adidas’ DNA.

The range is produced by Marcolin, a worldwide leader in the eyewear industry. Alessandro Beccarini Style & Product Development Director at Marcolin said, “This partnership is a big showcase for the adidas Originals Eyewear collection, and we look forward to spreading the street culture and DNA of the Brand, sharing values of creativity and authenticity. This collection respects the core values of the brand, as it is dynamic, playful, and innovative.”

Some key design features include signature double-injected rubber temples, in-mold temple tips for added grip, durability, and comfort, lightweight hinges, and integrated springs – ensuring the frames are made to last. 

To shop the adidas Originals collection visit your local Specsavers location. 

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The Australian eyewear company, Oscar Wylee, has become known for providing high-quality, trendsetting, and affordable optical glasses and sunglasses. The brand just recently expanded into Canada with locations in Alberta, Nova Scotia, and Ontario. It offers a ton of designs—we’re talking over 300 SKUs—to choose from, plus new collections get released every month. Between the customizable options ranging from blue light, prescription, sunglasses, and more, there’s something for everyone!

Now’s your chance to win your very own frames from the Oscar Wylee Giveaway. One individual will win two pairs of either sunglasses or glasses that can be chosen from the site, as well as choose the customization of the lenses with blue light or UV protection. Due to Ontario regulations for eyewear, the glasses have to be non-prescription.

All Canadians (excluding those in Quebec) are welcome to enter for a chance to win. The giveaway begins Tuesday, June 7, 2022, at 8 a.m. EST on our Instagram. Find the contest dates and details below. Good luck!

Check out how you could win two pairs of glasses from the Oscar Wylee Giveaway!

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If you’re into trendy sunglasses, then you need to check out these brands that have totally taken over our Instagram feed this year—just in time for summer, I might add. Expand your online shopping trip and discover brands that may even become your new forever faves.

Here are sunglasses brands that are taking over Instagram this year.

Westward Leaning

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Founded in 2012, Westward Leaning has become one of the world’s leading independent sunglasses brands. All of its products are designed to be unisex, and in doing so, the company strives to make sunglasses as flattering as possible for everyone. The pairs feature universal-fit nose pads and highly adjustable temples to ensure every customer gets that perfect fit.

Sunday Somewhere

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A post shared by SUNDAY SOMEWHERE (@sundaysomewhere)

If you love to make a statement, then check out Sunday Somewhere. This chic sunglasses brand can be found all over Instagram, showcasing dramatic cat-eye designs or even oversized clear frames. These are so perfect to add to your outfit to take a stylish pic!

Le Specs

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A post shared by Le Specs (@lespecs)

Since 1979, Le Specs has become renowned globally for its iconic and innovative sunglass collections at an affordable price. With its beautiful frames, Le Specs has grown into a major brand and has grown a cult-like following. Even celebs like Beyonce, Rihanna, Gigi and Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner, and Justin Bieber, have been all caught wearing the brand.

AHLEM

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AHLEM was launched in 2014 by Parisian-born, Los Angeles-based designer, Ahlem Manai-Platt. The brand creates very artsy eyewear that’ll add major glam to your look. AHLEM is on the pricier side, but for the quality and cool designs, it can’t be beat.

Poppy Lissiman

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A post shared by Poppy Lissiman (@poppylissiman)

Poppy Lissiman is an Australian born designer that first created her label in 2008 and launched her first sunglasses collection in 2015. The quirky brand ensures all products are handmade, high quality, and eye-catching, plus cruelty-free too!

Crap Eyewear

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A post shared by Crap Eyewear (@crapeyewear)

Based in California, Crap Eyewear is definitely a brand to keep your eye on. You’ve for sure seen your fave celebs and influencers rocking these shades all over IG. The brand makes some of the best-priced premium quality sunglasses on the market. The eyewear is handcrafted with optical-grade materials to ensure maximum durability, comfort, and 100% protection from harmful UV rays.

VEHLA

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If you’re looking to stay up to date on modern and simplistic fashion trends, you have to have VEHLA on your shopping list. It has all of the brown, nude, black, gold, and white frames that you could imagine.

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Although we all undoubtedly have a few (see: dozens) slightly more important things to worry about right now, I just wanted to interrupt the worry and chaos to remind everyone that it is officially sunglasses season. While we’re still allowed outside for walks in Toronto (as long as we stay in our 6-foot bubble of personal space, that is), it’s important to remember that this will all end one day. And when that day comes – when we can freely feel the sun on our faces without worry of coming too close to a cougher – a fresh pair of sunglasses can’t hurt.

Here are 10 pairs of easy-on-the eyes sunglasses you can buy online for less than $200.

For Her:

For Him:

Unisex:

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Accessories are often a last thought, but I think they should be considered an integral part of any wardrobe. After all, we’ve all seen how the wrong accessories can seriously break an outfit, right? During the summer, we tend to see lots of minimal accessories because when it’s so hot and humid outside, the last thing you want is a whole tangle of necklaces sticking to you. With fall here, it’s time to open yourself up to what’s new and fresh, and that starts with shopping the hottest fall accessory trends.

Keep reading for 7 fall accessory trends that you should be shopping right now!

Silk Scarves

fall accessory trends
Instagram/@taraleydon

It’s crazy how something so simple like tying a silk scarf in your hair, or around your neck, can upgrade a simple outfit. Put on your fave jeans and tee, throw in a leather jacket, and wrap a cute scarf around your neck, and you’re good to go. You can find gorgeous vintage options in secondhand stores, designer consignment shops, and even mall staple stores like Zara and H&M. I love the look of using a silk scarf as a ponytail holder — practical and adorable!

Chain Necklaces

fall accessory trends
Instagram/@_jennybird

Not only are chain necklaces incredibly versatile, but they’re great to add to an outfit that’s in need of that extra something something. Available in chunky or delicate versions, there’s truly something for everyone with this trend. What’s cool about chain jewellery is that it’s got that cool ’90s vibe when it’s supersized. To really feel your true ’90s fantasy, I suggest getting a voluminous and bouncy blowout and rocking square sunglasses.

Lucite Earrings

fall accessory trends
Instagram/@baublebar

Love wearing earrings but hate how heavy they can get? Well you’re in luck because lucite earrings are back. This super cute and trendy material will give your lobes a much needed break as it’s super lightweight. Your options are truly endless when it comes to lucite because you can cop tinted versions in trendy pastel shades, tortoise print, or classic clear.

Chunky Gold Rings

fall accessory trends
Instagram/@jessimechler

If you know me, you know I love rings as I wear 8 everyday. Knowing this, you can probably imaging my excitement when I heard that chunky rings are back in style after what feels like an eternity of delicate rings being all the rage. While you have my full permission to wear any chunky rings you want, in particular, it’s gold that’s having a serious moment this time around.

Beige-Tinted Sunglasses

fall accessory trends
Instagram/@framedgang.eyewear

While a bright and colourful outfit is great, there’s something about rocking a beige monochromatic look that just looks so chic, especially in the fall. Don’t throw off your #ootd by wearing mis-matching sunglasses, grab a pair of beige-tinted sunnies that will work cohesively with your ensemble. While these sunglasses might not be the most practical on the sunniest of days, they will be perfect to wear on gloomier fall days when you’re looking to hide tired eyes or dark circles.

Square-Toed Shoes

fall accessory trends
Instagram/@mercedescastillo

Here’s a trend I thought would never find its way back. Believe it or not folks, but square-toed shoes are back and better yet, they’re surprisingly chic. All during Fashion Month, I’ve seen countless influencers, bloggers, and editors all wearing square-toed sandals, boots, and pumps, and to tell you the truth, I’m kind of digging it. My only suggestion is to make sure your outfit isn’t too crazy, as the shoes will only add to the madness. Keep your look simple and let your footwear do the talking.

Barrettes

fall accessory trends
Instagram/@theoutlier__

One of the hottest trends right now is barrettes. This classic ’90s accessory is back but better than ever because todays barrettes are dripping in gems like pearls, rhinestones, and even beads. Even folks who don’t need their hair pulled back are adding barrettes into their accessory rotation and I don’t blame them — they’re super cute!

They might be a small accessory, but a great pair of sunglasses can make a major statement and completely revamp your outfit. Not only are sunnies an essential part of your summer wardrobe, but you can always find a pair that will ooze style points without breaking the bank. And we get it, sometimes sunglasses can be a last-minute addition to what you’re wearing, but after you see what sunglasses are on trend this summer and our curated picks of what styles to shop now, you’ll find that your sunnies are the first accessory you grab before heading out the door this summer. 

Keep reading for 7 sunglasses trends that we can’t get enough of for summer!

’70s Inspired

7 Sunglasses Trends That Are in For Summer

Instagram/@sunglasshut

Picture Studio 54 and Elton John-approved shades, that’s right, ’70s-inspired shades are making a major comeback this year. With this style, bigger is definitely always better, and you’re not going to want to shy away from making a major statement. Look for oversized structured shapes with bold frames, like this feminine take from Coach that also incorporates the popular translucent frames trend. 

Shield Shades

sunglasses trend summer

Instagram/@elzthewitch

A trend that you’ve definitely seen the Kardashian crew, Hadid sisters, and the hippest fashion stars rocking are sporty, shield shades. In fact, Kim K. is such a fan that she actually designed her own iteration of the style. This summer, sporty shades are back and more futuristic than ever, and they’re definitely a must-have for every trend-obsessed girl. But luckily, more affordable brands like ASOS have also released their own versions of the hot style, so you don’t have to break the bank to join the shield shades club.

Rectangular Frames

sunglasses trend summer

Instagram/@crapeyewear

With ’90s fashion still having a major moment, small rectangular shades are popping up everywhere this season. Think sleek and minimalist designs, in neutral colours like brown, black, and white. The best part is this years renditions come in more wearable designs in chunky plastic rather than tiny metal frames. Check out Los Angeles-based, Crap Eyewear for major style inspo. 

Retro-Inspired Aviators

sunglasses trend summer

Instagram/@poppylissiman

A trend that (thankfully) never went out of style is the aviator. This summer, the popular style has received a bit of a modern update and can now be found in oversized styles with lenses in warm tones like amber, orange, and yellow. We’re currently swooning over this star-embellished pair from Poppy Lissiman

Modern Cat-Eye

sunglasses trend summer

Instagram/@illesteva

Cat-eye sunglasses have been a fashionable favourite for decades and thankfully, they aren’t going out of style any time soon. This season, you’ll be able to find more modern takes on the retro favourite with styles coming in more playful designs with translucent frames, exaggerated wing-shaped frames, and bold lense colours. We’ve got our eye on a pair of these funky translucent pairs from Illesteva.

Coloured Lenses

sunglasses trend summer

Instagram/@callulaco

There’s no better way to rock the playful coloured trend than with a pair of attention grabbing sunnies that come equipped with the same shade on the frames and on the lenses. We’re adding this chic millennial pink pair of sunnies from Toronto-based Callula Co. to our shopping cart.

White Frames

 

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You’ll make a real statement this summer, like Bella Hadid, in a pair of fierce white frames. Giving a nod to the ’60s, you’ll be able to find this funky trend in a wide variety of styles like oversized and round, rectangular, and even cat-eye. We’re currently loving this pair from Roberi & Fraud, a brand that’s well loved by some of the fashion world’s biggest celebs like Kendall Jenner, Beyonce, and even Rhianna. The best is, you won’t have to feel guilty about treating yourself to more than one pair, as the prices are dangerously easy to shop. 

Featured Image: Instagram/@callulaco

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Anyone who has purchased prescription glasses knows that living a less blurry life doesn’t come cheap. Lenses and frames can make a major dent in your credit card – something that often comes as a surprise to new wearers.

And prices have only increased in recent years.

What may also come as a surprise is that a single (massive) company controls the majority of the world’s eyeglass industry.

Luxottica is the leading name in the eyeglass business of recent decades, especially when it comes to designer frames. Brands owned and licensed under the Luxottica name include names from Armani, Brooks Brothers, and Chanel to  Coach, Oakley, and Versace. Yes, pretty much every brand we all know and love.

eyewear industry styledemocracy

Instagram/@vogueeyewear

Essentially, Luxottica grew by buying its competition, one big purchase at a time.

The company also owns LensCrafters, Pearle Vision, Sears Optical, Sunglass Hut, and Target Optical. Most recently, Luxottica teamed up with Duty Free Americas to launch their second standalone store at Panama’s Tocumen International Airport.

They also run the insurer EyeMed Vision Care. In its biggest move to date, last year, Luxottica merged with Essilor, the global leader in prescription eyewear and contact lenses, to form EssilorLuxottica.

As David Lazarus highlights in a recent Los Angeles Times article, there is now virtually no competition in the eyewear industry, leaving the Italian company free to set any prices it chooses.

The result is markups for lenses and frames of up to 1000 per cent. According to Lazarus’ interviews with longtime industry insiders, the prices consumers pay for eyewear are much higher than the actual cost of making the actual frames and lenses. The latter, apparently, only costs $5-$15 to produce.

eyewear industry styledemocracy

Instagram/@sunglasshut

Luxottica’s journey into its monopoly into the eyeglass world – not surprisingly – wasn’t without its share of headline-making drama.

Once in control of massive retail outlets, Luxottica favoured stocking shelves with its own frames rather than those of former longtime suppliers. As Lazarus highlights, Oakley refused to lower wholesale prices at Sunglass Hut once Luxottica purchased the brand in 2001.

Luxottica took the bully approach, boycotting it from its retailers and diminishing its market value in the process so that Luxottica was able to purchase it for a lot less than it was valued a few years prior.

With control over everything from the supply chain to insurers, massive retail outlets have afforded Luxottica the ability to raise prices as its dollar-driven heart desires.

eyewear industry styledemocracy copy

Instagram/@nwahh

While this may be good for the bank accounts of the company executives, it isn’t exactly peachy for the average consumer, especially since glasses are considered a necessity for many people to function in life.

In our growing gig-based culture, fewer young professionals have benefit packages that’ll cover of the pricey eyewear tab too.

Those who take issue with Luxottica may be slightly satisfied to know that things aren’t exactly going as well post-merger.

Last month, shares in EssilorLuxottica slumped 22 per cent since the two brands merged. Luxottica founder, 83-year-old Leonardo Del Vecchio, accused the Essilor leaders of violating their agreement on corporate governance.

In response, Essilor execs quickly accused Del Vecchio of mounting a “de facto attempt to take control of the new group,” stating that he made untrue accusations regarding the company’s governance and management.

Despite any internal conflict, one thing remains pretty stable: the cost of a new pair of designer eyeglasses or sunglasses will continue to set you back a pretty penny (or a few hundred) for the foreseeable future.

Featured Image: Pixabay

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Oliver Peoples makes some of the most coveted eyewear on the planet. Wildly known by major fashion consumers, the brand as yet to make a major impact in Canada. That is all set to change as the luxury eyewear brand -headquartered in California has announced their first ever boutique in Canada.

The new boutique is set to be opened in Toronto’s Yorkdale Centre this week on September 28th, 2018. The new shop is petite taking up on 743 square feet and will debut an exclusive collection for Canadians inspired by our country’s lush-wild landscape.

“The Oliver Peoples Toronto boutique combines our iconic Mid-Century California aesthetic with local influences. Toronto is a major metropolitan city, but at the same time, it’s surrounded by vast greenery. When designing the boutique, I wanted to represent this fusing of environments by incorporating accent walls of suede sage, 60’s ribbed walnut wood, and Verde Alpi marble. Traditional to our brand, I also integrated European design elements such as the contrasting brass detailing, Terrazzo marble flooring, Zanuso armchairs, and vintage Stilnovo lighting fixtures. “- Giampiero Tagliaferri, Creative Director of Oliver Peoples.

The new Toronto boutique will carry a wide array of sunglasses and optical for men and women.  In celebration of the Yorkdale opening, the boutique will exclusively offer a limited edition OP-40 30th in tortoise acetate with vibrant green lenses-inspired by the boutiques interior design. To complete the product offering, modern interpretations of two of the brand’s most iconic sunglasses, “Aero” and “Victory” are relaunched with American fashion house The Row.

“We’re thrilled to be entering the Canadian market and to announce our newest retail boutiques in Toronto and Vancouver. Strategically within one month of each other, we plan to offer the highest level of luxury eyewear and customer service to both the East and Western portions of Canada. Oliver Peoples is proud to join the exclusive network of the world’s top fashion retailers that reside in the centre and be a part of the premier shopping experience they’ve created.”-Rocco Basilico CEO of Oliver Peoples.