The coolest sunglasses to elevate every outfit this summer (because the sun is finally here)

Nothing says summer quite like a new pair of sunglasses… But while summer itself may technically still be a few days off (get June 21st in your calendar), the weather has quite unexpectedly decided to play ball, and the heatwave that we were promised is well-and-truly here.

Sure, there’s no guarantee that it’ll stick around, but these longer, lighter, warmer evenings have already improved the mood of so many of us that we’re beginning to wonder whether humans may actually be semi-solar powered? 

Of course there’s a secondary perk to the arrival of the fairweather season, and that’s the wardrobe updates that it welcomes.

Boots have already been banished in favour of our favourite sandals and our knitwear has been switched for super strappy summer dresses. Now, it’s time to up our accessories game and add a pair of the best sunglasses to our handbag of ‘essentials’ – i.e. a face mask and fifteen lip balms – so that we’re prepared every time we leave the house.

Whether you have one trusty pair of sunnies that’s seen you through the last five summers or a drawer full of 20+ (guilty), it’s never a bad time to peruse alternative options.

But what sunglasses styles are going to be big this season? Classic round and aviator shapes aren’t going anywhere, while extreme, 70s-inspired frames and bright pops of colour have re-appeared on the fashion world’s radar.

For more from Glamour UK’s Fashion Editor Charlie Teather, follow her on Instagram @charlieteather.

We’ve rounded up the 26 best sunglasses to buy now and wear, regardless of your plans…