Every summer, without fail, a new celebrity-approved sunglasses style emerges. Who knew that protecting your eyes from the sun could be such a trendy quest? Last summer was all about kitschy gas station sunglasses, as sported by stars like Kim Kardashian and Dua Lipa; and back in 2017, A-listers such as Bella Hadid, Rihanna, and Kendall Jenner were all wearing micro shades—styles so itty-bitty they barely covered the pupils. The summer of 2024, however, is all about balance: Celebrities are rocking small (but not tiny) sunglasses reminiscent of looks in the 1990s and 2000s.
There is an art to wearing this latest crop of subtly chic shades. The freshest styles are discreet, neutral-toned, and just big enough to cover your eyes. (Giant shield shades, these are not.) The demure (and very mindful) silhouette—a callback to the turn of the millennium, when minimalism was all the rage—lends a sense of sophistication to any look without actually drawing the eye away from the outfit. Back at the fall 2024 Miu Miu show, Sydney Sweeney wore a refined oval-shaped pair from the brand that lent a retro-cool feel to her blazer and briefs.
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Other stars who have embraced the small-but-not-too-small accessory? Model Kendall Jenner, who paired a black square-framed pair with her emerald Margaux bag by The Row; and Zoe Kravitz, who chose a rounded pair in a similar size, styling it with a black lace camisole top and skirt from Saint Laurent. The trend has also made its way to more casual settings: Both Katie Holmes and Kaia Gerber have worn similarly nondescript sunglasses while out running errands in New York City. Given that fashion is currently leaning into an understated elegance—call it a palette cleanser after the roaring Y2K trend of last year—it only makes sense that sunglasses would be getting more subdued, too.
Summer isn’t over just yet, so do yourself a favor and get a pared-back style for yourself. They should keep you at least until next summer, when we’re sure some unexpected new eyewear trend will come calling. Perhaps sleazy-chic aviators next?
Below, shop more small (but not itty-bitty) shades that are right on-trend.