Oversized Sunglasses

Oversized sunglasses have had plenty of moments on the fashion scene, which may make some people question if the accessory is still in style while wearing the protective eyewear. Fortunately, oversized frames continue to be a must-have for anyone who wants to stand out in a crowd and look chic while spending time outdoors. When you’re ready to rock the style and embrace this classic trend, it’s important to know a bit about its history and the different ways that you can sport it.

The History of Oversized Sunglasses

Oversized frames nod to past decades and continue to be a fixture on the runway. They continue to increase in popularity over time, which has allowed them to become a universal look that is favored by both men and women. In the 1960s, Audrey Hepburn stood out in Tinseltown for her oversized sunglasses, which became an iconic look that influenced her image and made her a fashion icon. She paired her large tortoiseshell glasses with a little black dress, pearls, and a sleek updo, which instantly made the sunglasses a luxury item to own among women. The cat-eye style of frames that she wore ultimately started the trend, which became a fixture in the ‘60s and has caused them to have several more moments where they became popular again in the fashion industry. Marilyn Monroe also wore the style of sunglasses for her everyday look while getting photographed by the paparazzi, which contributed to her image as a sex symbol due to the feminine and flirty style of the frames.

Jackie O was even known to wear oversized sunglasses, but her frames were round and had a more minimal design that was less edgy and bold, although still plenty chic. The frames allowed her to execute a look that embodied both sophistication and glamour in the ‘60s. Although the accessory became a staple in her wardrobe, many people assume that she first began wearing the sunglasses for added privacy from the paparazzi while she was the First Lady and even after her time ended in The White House.

Why Large Sunglasses Continue to Remain Popular

One of the main reasons that oversized sunglasses remain a fashion statement over the past several decades is due to their versatility. The shape of the frames complements all face types and sizes. Those who want to avoid creating a bug-eyed look should select oversized sunglasses that don’t cover the eyebrows and also don’t sit on the cheeks, which means they’re too large. Individuals with long hair should avoid wearing oversized sunnies that push their hair out on the sides, which means the frames don’t fit well. Those with heart-shaped faces can also opt for cat-eye sunglasses.

Oversized Aviators are also a popular trend that is edgy and classic for both men and women. They’re ideal to wear with semi-formal attire due to their sleek and clean design.

How to Select the Right Size of Oversized Sunglasses

Although all oversized sunglasses are easy to recognize due to their large shape, they prove to be versatile due to the different ways that they can be styled. One of the reasons they’re so popular is because they can be dressed up or down. Women can wear them to semi-formal events, which can work as the finishing touch to a dress or blouse. During the colder months of the year, they’re the perfect addition when wearing a scarf, turtleneck or a fall coat. Avoid wearing oversized frames with larger garments, which can appear less polished. The frames also look better without a hat, which can cause too much of your face to appear hidden.

It’s also important to check the arm positioning of the frames when making your selection. The ends of the arms should rest comfortably over your ears otherwise they’re too small. This is often a common issue among men who have naturally larger facial features. If the chosen pair is too large for your face shape, they can start to weigh on the bridge of your nose and behind the ears making your face sore with extended use.

Performing the smile test will also allow you to decide if they’re the right size for your face shape. While smiling, the glasses shouldn’t rise up the bridge of your nose but should stay put for a secure fit.

Advantages of Oversized Sunglasses

Although oversized sunglasses will likely always be a fashion trend at different times, there are still many practical advantages that they offer. Oversized sunglasses provide excellent protection from the sun, which can protect both the eyes and skin while spending time outdoors. Ultimately, this can reduce the risk of sun spots and wrinkles that can form due to exposure to harmful UV rays. They’re also ideal to wear on days when you have minimal makeup on or are dealing with breakouts due to their larger size.

An additional perk is that oversized sunglasses can diminish the size of the nose for those who have an arch and want to feel more confident. When they’re placed on the top of your head, they can also help to hold your hair back.

Those who have round faces can also benefit from the large frames because they’ll cause the shape of the face to appear more narrow and thin. Those with angular faces will notice that the oversized eyewear creates the illusion of a perfect oval with their face.

With the many different ways you can sport this iconic fashion statement it’s no wonder they have maintained their popularity and will continue to do so for decades to come.