If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ve probably picked up on one of my biggest style habits: I rarely leave the house without a pair of sunglasses. They’ve become a kind of signature for me—whether I’m running out the door for coffee, heading to a meeting, or strolling through the chaos of Fashion Week. Sometimes my love for sunglasses is purely about fashion, but if I’m being totally honest, there’s also a touch of practicality involved. They’ve saved me on countless “no-makeup” mornings when eyeliner or foundation didn’t make the cut. With a great pair of shades, you can look polished in seconds, no mascara required.
And if there’s one place where sunglasses get their moment in the spotlight, it’s during Fashion Week. Each city becomes its own runway, not just for designers but for the streets themselves. It’s where you see the future of fashion, distilled into looks, details, and accessories. This season, Ace & Tate and I decided to capture some of the best “Faces with Sunglasses” during London Fashion Week—and let me tell you, the shades did not disappoint.
The All-Time Favorites
Of course, the classics continue to dominate. Oversized Céline frames are still very much alive and thriving, their bold silhouettes giving off that instant “editor-off-duty” vibe. Prada’s cat-eye variations add just the right amount of playful femininity without veering into costume territory. And then there are Wayfarers—the reliable, ever-chic option that feels as fresh today as it did decades ago. These staples are not going anywhere anytime soon, and honestly, they shouldn’t. There’s something about a timeless pair of sunglasses that anchors an outfit and makes it feel finished, even when everything else is in flux.
A Shift Toward Playfulness
But alongside the staples, something exciting is happening. This season, I noticed a clear shift toward playful, retro-inspired shades in lighter tones. Think translucent frames in soft pastels, tinted lenses that look like they’ve been pulled from a vintage photo album, and shapes that flirt with the nostalgia of the ’70s and ’90s all at once.
What I love most about this trend is the attitude behind it. These aren’t the sunglasses you wear to hide or blend in. They’re the kind you wear to be noticed—to add a touch of personality to even the simplest outfit. They say, “I don’t take fashion too seriously, but I definitely know what I’m doing.”
Ace & Tate’s Take
Naturally, Ace & Tate has been ahead of the curve here. Their A/W collection embraced these playful retro vibes early on, with frames that are both wearable and distinctive. What makes their designs particularly appealing is the balance: they’re trendy enough to feel current but not so over-the-top that you’ll feel like you can only wear them for one season. This is the sweet spot where fashion meets function, and I can’t get enough of it.
It’s also worth mentioning that sunglasses are one of those rare accessories that cross the line between luxury and accessibility. While designer frames will always have their allure, brands like Ace & Tate are proof that you don’t have to splurge to find something stylish and well-made. This democratization of design is what keeps fashion interesting—there’s room for everyone to play.
Sunglasses as Armor (and Expression)
On a more personal note, I’ve come to see sunglasses as more than just an accessory. They’re a form of armor, a subtle shield between you and the outside world. On days when I feel less put together, they give me confidence. On days when I feel ready to take risks, they amplify whatever look I’m going for.
But beyond protection and polish, they’re also a form of expression. Just like the cut of your coat or the heel of your shoe, the shape of your sunglasses tells a story. Oversized frames say drama. Cat-eyes say playful. Retro pastels say cool but approachable. And if you’re like me, cycling through different moods and styles, it means you can have fun reinventing yourself every time you put on a pair.
Why Fashion Week Matters
Watching how sunglasses were styled during Fashion Week reminded me of why this accessory holds such staying power. In a sea of couture and creativity, sunglasses are one of the few items that everyone—stylists, editors, models, and even us mere mortals—can relate to and wear daily. They bridge the gap between aspirational fashion and real-world wardrobes.
London especially was full of energy, with faces framed by everything from mirrored aviators to quirky oversized rounds. Each pair felt like a punctuation mark, completing the sentence of an outfit. And that’s the fun of it—no two looks were the same, even if the sunglasses trends overlapped.
Final Thoughts
Sunglasses may be small, but their impact is mighty. They protect, they transform, and they communicate something about us before we even say a word. Whether you stick to classics like Wayfarers, lean into oversized statement frames, or embrace this season’s wave of playful retro shades, the key is to make them your own.
Because at the end of the day, fashion isn’t about following rules—it’s about finding those little pieces that make you feel like the best version of yourself. And for me, more often than not, that starts with the right pair of sunglasses.
