From bug-eye to wraparound, here are the oddest sunglasses trends for 2023
It’s official: 2023 is the year of offbeat, “weird” sunglasses. High street and high fashion brands alike are leaning into oversized and inflated frames, and even exploring organic shapes. The main trends of the moment? A modern, streetwear-inspired take on the bug-eye spectacles of the 1960s, the uber-popular wraparound sporty sunglasses, and even a combination of both.
Here’s how cool people everywhere are styling their odd eyewear this summer.
The new bug-eyes
Bug-eye sunglasses, also known as goggle-eye, first started gaining popularity during the 60s and 70s, and variations on the original have been reemerging every decade as part of youth culture in fashion-forward spaces. They are characterised by large, round, and curved lenses that completely cover the wearer’s eyes.
Popularised by musicians like Kurt Cobain and Iggy Pop during the 90s, the bug-eyes are still going strong in 2023. This year, brands like Acne Studios, Balenciaga, AMBUSH, and Off-white are all about oversized, face-hiding frames.
But bug-eyes aren’t just fashion, they’re also practicality and comfort. Their oversized silhouette offers maximum protection to the wearer, making them the raver’s accessory of choice.
Whether your summer plans include raving or just living the city, here are our favourite ways to style bug-eye sunglasses.
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AMBUSH
Kurt oval-frame sunglasses - women - Acetate - 53 - Neutrals
$220.00
FARFETCH
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-35%
Balenciaga
Skin XXL cat-eye sunglasses - unisex - Acetate - One Size - Pink
$311.00
$479.00
FARFETCH
Moy Atelier
Naked Heart Yellow
$373.00
SEEZONA
Loewe
Inflated Cat-Eye Acetate Sunglasses - Red - OS - Moda Operandi
$360.00
Moda Operandi
Sporty wraparounds
Wraparound sunglasses have been a somewhat “underground” eyewear trend for a few years, but since last year their popularity is skyrocketing. Blame the influence of the ubiquitous sportswear trend or Kim Kardashian’s chokehold on the fashion scene, but the wraparounds are here to stay.
Just like bug-eyes, sports sunglasses have an undeniable practical appeal to them: as the term “wraparound” suggests, they wrap around the wearer’s face offering 360° degrees protection. So, where our dads see the perfect accessory for their cycling trips, us cool kids see gorpcore-meets-minimalism-meets-futuristic-vibes.
Sleek, practical, and ready to party, here’s how the cool kids are styling their wraparounds.
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-26%
Saint Laurent
Sl 750 Sunglasses-Uomo
$401.00
$543.00
Wanan Luxury
Burberry
Tortoiseshell Marlowe Sunglasses
$350.00
Ssense
Bonnie Clyde
Blue Angel Sunglasses
$170.00
Ssense
Givenchy
Black 3D Giv Cut Sunglasses
$600.00
Ssense
Bonnie Clyde
Silver Angel Sunglasses
$170.00
Ssense
...and everything in between!
Surprisingly enough, bug-eyes and wraparounds aren’t the oddest sunglasses on the market right now: Loewe champions inflated frames of every shape and size—from mask to square and cateye specs—; Off-white offers frames with missing chunks; Gentle Monster collaborates with Maison Margiela to create the perfect bug + wraparound lovechild; and even the high street brand Weekday has recently unveiled spiky, mineral-like Stellactite sunglasses.
Here are the strange sunglasses we love the most.
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Prada
mask-frame sunglasses - men - Acetate - One Size - Black
$459.00
FARFETCH
Simons
Womens Athena square sunglasses Black
$29.00
Simons
-19%
Carhartt Work in Progress
Carhartt Wip Sweatshirts Grey
$118.00
$146.00
Balardi
-39%
Saint Laurent
Dual-material temples square sunglasses Green
$399.95
$660.00
Simons
-20%
Saint Laurent
Sl M140 Sunglasses Black
$527.00
$657.00
Balardi
-34%
Saint Laurent
Dual-material square sunglasses Brown
$399.95
$610.00
Simons
-26%
Castaner
Chiarita Espadrilles Black
$159.00
$214.00
Balardi
Simons
Womens Elianna oversized sunglasses Grey
$19.00
Simons
In conclusion, no matter how weird your taste in spectacles is, the perfect pair for you is out there!
