When it comes to the world of fashion, bigger isn’t always better. This summer, we’ve seen mini-skirts get way more mini, purses shrining to tiny proportions, and naked sandals entering the territory of a nearly nonexistent shoe. But one key summer accessory that’s going big this time around is sunglasses. After many seasons of teeny frames and narrow cat-eye styles, oversize, wraparound, and shield-like shades are making a comeback—just in time for the 2024 Olympics, where the sporty silhouette is right at home. Maybe it’s a play at some extra sun protection (or an attempt at extra privacy), but lately all of our favorite celebs—from Rosalía to Ashley Olsen—have been spotted wearing shield sunglasses. The look has been all over the runways, too: Loewe, Bottega Veneta, and Balenciaga, among many others, have been pushing shield shapes. While shield sunglasses certainly make a statement, they’re great for going incognito. Depending on how you wear them, the shape lets you chose between star of the show or stylish stranger. Shop our edit of the chicest shield sunglasses (plus some celeb inspo to get your wheels turning) below.
Rihanna’s aviator-esque glasses can definitely be classified as shield, due to their elongated bridge. The yellow tint of the lenses gives the distinct feeling of BluBlockers.
We love the smooth edges of Ashley Olsen’s wrap-around shield sunnies. Even in her off-duty look of simple leather flip-flops, navy sweats, and a loose pull-over, her sunglasses pull together the entire outfit.
Kylie Jenner was early on the shield sunglasses trend, rocking this black-and-white pair to Acne Studios’s spring 2024 show at Paris Fashion Week.
An evening dinner at Giorgio Baldi didn’t stop Lady Gaga from donning a sleek, sporty style of shield sunglasses.
Rosalía hit the Dior fall 2024 fashion show in Paris in a pair of the brand’s angular glasses.
Of course, the roots of this accessory date back to the early 2000s, when pioneers like Victoria Beckham, shown here, rocked clear versions of the shield sunny.
The same goes for Paris Hilton, pictured here in 2003.
At a screening of Tyler Perr’s Mea Culpa at the Paris Theater in New York City back in February, Beyoncé protected herself from the paparazzi flashes with this all-black pair of skinny shields.
When you’re going for a shield sunglass with drama, look no further than to Kim Kardashian for inspiration.
