5 Sunglasses Trends that Tell People You’re In the Know in 2026

At Who What Wear UK, you can always rely on our thorough and accurate reporting on the next major runway trends. We were one of the first to proclaim spring florals to be truly revolutionary, and if you’ve started wearing funnel neck jackets this season, you may have seen it here first. But we checked out all the prints, colors, shoes, and bags that will dominate this season. Now it’s time to take a closer look. With warmer days getting closer and closer, there’s no better time than now to take a look at one of the most underrated, yet most functional accessories. Sunglasses trends you need to know about in 2026.

As with ready-to-wear, designers offered a variety of styles, shapes and colors for Spring/Summer 2026. Some are charmingly nostalgic, others are the next big thing, but it’s safe to say that cat-eye, rectangle, circle, and oversized pairs all have something to suit every personality.

(Image credit: Launchmetrics, Zomer)

As it turns out, the most important sunglasses trends of 2026 can be categorized not only by shape, but also by the wearer. If you prefer the pared-back, ultra-clean Jil Sander-esque minimalist brand that was popular in the ’90s, you might want to consider classic or oval sunglasses. However, if you love clashing prints and haphazard layering, and have ever been called “fussy,” then Loewe’s Aviator 2.0 should be on your radar.

Want to know which sunglasses trends will suit your style? Keep scrolling to see and shop the styles we think you’ll see everywhere this year. Your outfit isn’t complete without these.

The biggest sunglasses trends of 2026

1. Classicist

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style notes: Eternally chic classicists don’t favor temporary trends, they’re looking for of Sunglasses that go with everything they have. I’m not interested in anything “trendy” because I’m ready to invest in a style that will last a lifetime. Instead, they prefer to focus on sophisticated styles in their favorite colors (i.e. black). Become this season’s soft cat-eye and ‘squoval’ as seen on the runways of Celine Triomphe, Coperni, Magda Butrim, Courrèges and Givenchy.

Buy black sunglasses:

2. Alternative Insider

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style notes: The future is bright, and really bright, according to Alternative Insider. Never one to blend in with the crowd, this experimental dresser will most likely be sporting 2026’s most divisive sunglasses trend: oversized, face-hugging Colourpop aviators. As someone who always has multiple pairs of sunglasses in rotation for different looks and moods, insiders will appreciate Loewe’s rich color palette and sculptural shapes. Miu Miu and Pierre Cardin are a fun way to introduce a little (extra) drama into their looks.

Buy aviator sunglasses:

3. Free spirit

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style notes: With the return of With bohemian chic making a splash when Chemena Kamali made her Chloé debut, it was only a matter of time before one of the trend’s key accessories made a comeback. It’s not a disc belt, it’s a big 70’s style bug eye sunnies. Free spirits and romantics will love the ethereal rose-tinted lenses (literally like those seen on Zimmerman and Chloe). Vintage fans will also be happy to see larger-than-life square and round frames back on the agenda this year. All you need to complete this look is a billowy blouse, flared jeans, and a great platform.

Buy oversized sunglasses:

4. 90s minimalism

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style notes: The ’90s are here and oval sunglasses are back, and if you consider yourself a minimalist, you already know that. If your wardrobe is full of slip dresses, white tank tops, knee-length skirts, and court shoes, oval sunnies (just kidding) will also slip into your roster with all of your outfits. Ralph Lauren is separated. The past few months have given us a newfound obsession with ladylike dressing, kitten heels, and all things CBK, but the rest of the year’s weather is predicted to be “polished to perfection,” and oval sunglasses, whether wire-rimmed or acetate, will be the perfect finishing touch.

Buy oval sunglasses:

5. Y2K believers

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style notes: The technology boom of the early 1990s directly influenced the ultra-sleek, shiny, and glamorous styles of the 2000s. The new age of gadgets, metallics, glitter and shine, excess is all about logomania, and dare I say it.”It sparkled“And those who have caught the millennium bug again are leaning toward a more-is-more approach to fashion. Y2K believers expect to be the first on the dance floor and the last off the dance floor (and they wear the title of 24/7 Party Girl like a badge of honor). They might not have much else in their little handbag, but they’ll probably have a pair of statement sunglasses in there, and it’ll probably be cyber-inspired. A metallic or decadent designer pair is perfect for a bleary-eyed morning after. Take cues from Casablanca, Valentino and Jean Paul Gaultier and look for silver frames, quirky shapes and heavy branding to define your look.

Shop designer sunglasses: