10-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Malaysian Reserve
The best women's sunglasses of summer 2025
As in all things, it's important not to sacrifice function to form
by KATHY LEE
NOTHING makes you feel quite as if summer has arrived like a new pair of sunglasses. In theory, finding the perfect pair shouldn't be too difficult. In reality, choosing frames that complement your features and reflect a bit of personality can be a frustrating task.
In honour of National Sunglasses Day, which marks the Vision Council's effort to encourage people to protect their eyes from the sun's ultraviolet light, we've prepared a cheat sheet of this season's biggest trends. But in this, as in all things, it's important not to sacrifice function to form. So, choose a width and shape that flatters your face and feels effortless. A quick rule of thumb: Anyone with round and soft features should look for strong, angular frames; those with a square- or heart-shaped face should seek a softer, rounder shape. And if you're prone to headaches after a few hours of wear, make sure you choose a pair with nose pads. — Bloomberg
Quay's Aura Points Sunglasses (Source: Quay)
Saint Laurent's SL 737 Mica Thin Sunglasses (Source: Saint Laurent)
Rose-coloured Frames
While pink sunglasses might sound a little 'out there,' the muted tone and translucent material of frames such as Quay's Aura Points (US$75) is surprisingly flattering to almost all skin tones. Some skew more sepia, in fact, which can pass as neutral, like Saint Laurent's SL 737 Mica Thin (€270/RM1,338, or US$316/RM1,331).
Bottega Veneta Turn cat-eye sunglasses (Source: Bottega Veneta)
Chimi X17 sunglasses (Source: Chimi)
The Updated Cat-eye
This angular shape makes a comeback every few years, and this time around it's interpreted in unusual ways, either with exaggerated frames or unexpected colours and materials. Bottega Veneta's gold-toned wire-framed pair (US$600) are anything but retro. For those who find this silhouette too bold, look for the style that's a hybrid with the classic Wayfarer, like this Chimi style (US$180).
Miu Miu Regard sunglasses (Source: Miu Miu)
Johann Wolff Gatsby sunglasses (Source: Johann Wolff)
A Bookish Upgrade
Perhaps inspired by BookTok and the rise of celebrity book clubs, looking a little bookish is definitely a thing these days. If this is your vibe, look for frames that have tortoiseshell details or round lenses. Miu Miu's sweet rectangles (US$505) have a '90s feel to them, while this round Johann Wolff style is, appropriately enough, called the Gatsby (US$230).
Phoebe Philo Bombé oversize frame sunglasses (Source: Phoebe Philo)
A Daily Shield
We all have those moments when we fantasise about shutting out the world, even if in practice we have to trudge on. Arm yourself with a shield-like pair of shades, such as these from Phoebe Philo (US$750) or the Akila pair (US$160), to buffer harsh lights and harsher realities — and look fabulous doing it.
Warby Parker Rachel sunglasses (Source: Warby Parker)
Tom Ford Jerry sunglasses (Source: Tom Ford)
Bohemian Flair
Channel the easy, breezy spirit of summer with oversize translucent sunglasses paired with a flowy dress (these are the Warby Parker Rachel sunglasses, US$95). If your summer days have you hitting the pavement rather than sandy beaches, try stronger black frames for your commute to the office, such as these Tom Ford Jerry sunglasses (US$505).
This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition