The Best Sunglasses for Women of 2024, Inspired by Celebrities ArticlePure

If there’s one accessory that elevates an outfit to celebrity status, it’s sunglasses.

Whether you’re trying to go incognito or up your cool factor, a reliable pair of shades is a must for any wardrobe, regardless of the season — though they’re especially great with a cute swimsuit and comfy sandals.

We scoured the internet and tried a few A-list-inspired pairs ourselves to find the absolute best sunglasses to wear this year. We even gathered tips and tricks for buying a pair of flattering frames from celebrity stylist Micaela Erlanger, who regularly dresses stars like Amal Clooney and Blake Lively.

In the name of style and function, here are the 20 best sunglasses for women this year, as inspired by your favorite celebs.

Classic Types of Sunglasses

“We’ve seen a revival of classic-style sunglasses in 2024, including oversized frames, retro designs such as cat eye shapes, round frames, and aviators,” says Megan Gokey, Head of B2C Marketing and Brand Partnerships at Klarna.

Though new styles come and go, these dependable designs hold their place in Hollywood and among royalty alike. Kate Middleton, when etiquette permits, sports a selection of round and cat eye sunglasses during particularly sunny outings.

Safari Round Dark Tortoise Sunglasses

The plight of finding the perfect pair of sunglasses is a tedious one. We’re saving you the search by sharing the most flattering sunglasses we’ve encountered: the Safari Round sunglasses from Eyebuydirect. 

They look good on round faces. They look good on square faces. We’re sure they’d even look good on octagonal faces, if that were a real thing — they’re just that good. Round sunglasses with a slightly upturned corner creates a slight illusion of lifted cheekbones, and these frames master the fine balance between oversized and sleek.

With lightweight acetate frames and an anti-scratch lens coating, these sunglasses look and feel like they cost much more than they do. They’re lightweight yet still feed sturdy. Plus, you can even add your eye prescription to your frame color of choice to truly personalize these shades. 

Shape: Round | Polarized: No | Frame width: 127mm | Bridge width: 21 mm | Frame material: Acetate | Color options: Tortoise, dark tortoise, black, clear melon 

Ray-Ban Aviator Classic

The Ray-Ban aviators have cemented their status as the go-to aviator for their quality and timeless style. They were launched in 1937 to protect pilots from the sun (Top Gun vibes), but you don’t need to know how to fly an airplane to look fly. 

These shades have stood the test of time, remaining one of Ray-Ban’s top sellers due to their lightweight feel, protective lenses, and undeniable style. You can even choose to buy these glasses with polarized or non-polarized lenses. Check out our FAQs to find out if you should opt for one or the other.

Shape: Aviator | Polarized: Yes | Frame width: 137 mm | Frame material: Metal | Color options: Gold, gunmetal, black, green, gray 

Maui Jim Ilikea Cat Eye Sunglasses

PEOPLE associate shopping director Erin Johnson tested these sunglasses in Hawaii, and as it turns out, there’s no better way to see a tropical island than through the prescription lenses of Maui Jim shades. 

Though the cat eye shape of these frames are a fashionable draw (Johnson’s original pair were the discontinued Mehana style, but these are very similar), the polarized and prescription-fit lenses make scenery sharper and more vivid than ever before. Their prescription power range spans from +3.00 to -5.50, fitting the majority of far- and near-sighted wearers, though you can also choose to have them made with a Maui Jim retailer for a more customized fit.

Shape: Round cat eye | Polarized: Yes, premium PolarizedPlus2 lenses | Frame width: 128 mm | Bridge width: 16 mm | Frame material: Acetate | Color options: Black/grey, blue/grey, burgundy/rose, grey/grey 

Eyebuydirect Holiday Cat Eye Sunglasses

A classic pair of cat eye sunglasses should be a staple in any stylish person’s accessory collection — just take it from Meghan Markle, who’s a known fan of the oversized cat eye silhouette. 

This timeless style features large, dark lenses within tortoise acetate frames that angle up to a point. The lifted corners create the illusion of high cheekbones, and the three frame color options (black, tortoise, and brown tortoise) feel especially wearable. You can even grab this pair with prescription lenses for a better wearing experience.

Shape: Cat eye | Polarized: No | Frame width: 131 mm | Bridge width: 17 mm | Frame material: Acetate | Color options: 3

Ray-Ban Erika Sunglasses

Made with a lightweight frame and polarized gradient lenses, these classic sunnies from Ray-Ban are as comfortable as they are stylish. The rounded cat eye shape is flattering on all face shapes and comes in a bevy of frame finishes and hues, including matte, tortoise, and translucent options. Plus, the slightly oversized silhouette covers more of the delicate eye area with 100-percent UV protection. 

These are some of the most lightweight sunglasses we’ve tried, and with the option of polarized lenses, these shades would make a great choice for outdoor activities where you might be exposed to more glare, like by the ocean or on the ski slopes.

Shape: Rounded cat eye | Polarized: Yes, optional | Frame width: 130 mm | Bridge width: 18 mm | Frame material: Nylon | Color options: 19 

Smith Pursuit Sunglasses

These oversized goggles might be meant for the slopes, but our editors wear them year-round. The ChromaPop lenses adapt to light changes, and the goggle-like size combined with the magnetic side shields protect the eyes from all angles.

They come in a few snazzy, mirrored colorways that look sporty and cool no matter how you style them. Wear them with a leather jacket and a slicked-back ponytail for a sleek weekend ‘fit, or throw them on with your cycling kit and hit the road knowing you’ll be protected from all angles. 

Shape: Large goggle | Polarized: Yes, ChromaPop™ Glacier Photochromic lens | Frame width: 148 mm | Frame material: Evolve™ bio-based frame | Color options: 6

Vintage-Inspired Sunglasses

While the classics are here to stay, Gokey forecasts a wave of dated designs coming to the forefront of eyewear trends. “Looking ahead, we anticipate classic and vintage designs continuing to evolve,” she says.

The idea that everything old is new again rings true when we see celebrities like Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber, and Emily Ratajkowski donning shades that feel reminiscent of the decades they grew up in. However, you don’t need to overspend to get a celebrity-approved retro look. Keep scrolling for vintage-inspired sunnies that start at just $15.

Crap Eyewear The Heavy Tropix 

For small faces, oversized or chunky sunglasses might feel overwhelming, but these frames from Crap Eyewear are the flattering exception. The light olive acetate frame feels modern yet classic, reimagining the popular oversized (and colorful!) shades of the ’70s in a very modern way. Plus, they felt super lightweight and comfortable on our writer’s face.

Crap Eyewear is an indie sunglass brand born from frustration with the lack of affordable, funky sunglasses available on the market. Since its founding, Crap has become a known brand among celebrities, with fans like Olivia Rodrigo and its own collaboration with Emma Chamberlain.

Shape: Square | Polarized: Yes, 100% UVA/UVB protection | Frame width: 145 mm | Bridge width: 22 mm | Frame material: Bioacetate | Color options: 7

Sojos Y2K Rectangle Sunglasses

Though it doesn’t seem all that long ago that the early aughts were alive and well, the sunglasses from that era are having an encore in 2024 with a number of styles — namely, the thin rectangle sunglasses that Bella Hadid is often spotted in. 

This thinly framed style at Amazon has dainty black lenses and wire arms to match, making this an easy pair to throw on with a baseball hat. Though they aren’t polarized, the lenses are protected against UVA and UVB light to keep your eyes safe all day long — and you can also pick up this style in a bounty of colors, from pink to light brown and blue. 

Shape: Rectangle | Polarized: No | Frame width: 137 mm | Bridge width: 19 mm | Frame material: Metal | Color options: 13

Poppy Lissiman La Cerva Torti Sunglasses

Poppy Lissiman sunglasses have been popular among celebs for years, including Paris Hilton, Justin and Hailey Bieber, and Kylie Jenner, to name a few. So when one of our editors tried this ’00s-inspired pair of sunglasses, she knew this would be a go-to year-round accessory. 

Inspired by Adriana La Cerva from The Sopranos, this style is edgy thanks to its thin, rectangular frames and golden lenses. However, these sunglasses also come in all-black or pale yellow for a variety of options. The darker lenses are CAT2 UV-protected, which means they’re safe for overcast or particularly sunny days, whereas the lighter lenses are CAT1  UV-protected and are better for overcast days (or for use as day-readers).

Shape: Rectangular | Polarized: No | Frame width: 140 mm | Frame material: Acetate | Color options: 3

Veda Tinda Rectangle Sunglasses

‘90s style really is all that, and while certain stylized pieces might fall out of fashion as easily as they came back in (looking at you, lace chokers), rectangular sunglasses are undoubtedly here to stay.

The shape is super flattering on almost every face shape, especially those with rounder features. We snagged this pair from Amazon — and at around $14, you won’t lose sleep about losing them at the beach. 

Shape: Rectangle | Polarized: No | Frame width: 142 mm | Bridge width: 20 mm | Frame material: Acetate | Color options: 7

Quay Felt Cute Sunglasses

Emily Ratajkowski is a repeat wearer of Quay sunglasses, but one of her most recent sightings in the brand was when she stepped out in October in New York City wearing the “Felt Cute” shades: a thin, round style that flatters a variety of face shapes. Her black style is out of stock right now, but you can nab a similar style from Amazon. 

Shape: Round | Polarized: No | Frame width: 143 mm | Bridge width: 20 mm | Frame material: Unlisted | Color options: 2

Goodr Amelia Earhart Ghosted Me Sunglasses

Aviators are a classic, but let’s not forget that this style was a hallmark of the ’70s (and is still going strong today). These polarized sunglasses are made to fit your head comfortably yet snugly with the help of silicone inserts to ensure a no-bounce, no-slip wearing experience — no matter what. 

And not only are these shades cute, but the lenses are non-reflective, which prevents the need to squint while you’re out in the sun. This pair is also designed to fit those with larger heads, as sunglasses can often be made too narrowly for this demographic. Best of all, they’re only $35. 

Shape: Aviator | Polarized: Yes | Frame width: 127 mm | Bridge width: 11 mm | Frame material: Unspecified | Color options: 1

Muzzy Custom Sun Readers 

Reading outdoors when the weather is sunny might just be one of life’s greatest pleasures, but choosing between reading glasses or sunglasses is an aggravating and unnecessary concession. These tinted readers from Caddis allow you to customize your own lens power and tint. Plus, they come in a handful of cute colors to match every outfit. 

Shape: Wayfair | Polarized: No, glare-cutting technology | Frame width: 144 mm | Bridge width: 20 mm | | Frame material: Bio-based acetate | Color options: 4

Trendy Sunglasses

While some might see classic sunglasses as the best investment, we beg to differ. A pair of shades is one of the easiest ways to change your look, so why not try something different? 

Gokey predicts sunnies with “vibrant colors and patterns” to be the trend taking over the sunglass scene in 2024: This can apply to any frame, shape, or style, so long as it’s fun. Even Beyoncé swapped traditional black shades during her Renaissance tour for a pair of encrusted, extreme cat eye shades — a trend-setting look, if we’ve ever seen one. 

Eyebuydirect Edie Cat Eye Crystal Pink Sunglasses

Fun accessories can jazz up any outfit — and these sparkling pink shades are the ultimate pop of color with a flattering cat eye shape. PEOPLE shopping writer Cai Cramer says she reaches for the Edie glasses in crystal pink to add a subtle flair to her look for parties, and she even donned them for New York Fashion Week. 

We love that the Edie sunnies feel light yet sturdy, with arms that grip the sides of your face to ensure that they stay on. They also have an anti-scratch lens coating, so you don’t have to worry about scrapes when tossing them into your bag. But while these sunglasses are undeniably adorable, we found that they don’t provide much (if any) glare protection, though all of Eyebuydirect’s sunglasses have a protective coating, so they might be better suited as fashion shades than as practical sun blockers.

Shape: Cat eye | Polarized: No | Frame width: 130 mm | Bridge width: 17 mm | Frame material: Acetate | Color options: 2

Feisedy Classic Thick Square Sun Glasses

Square-shaped sunglasses are flattering on round faces, and this pair from Amazon comes in various fun and practical colors. With an oversized, thick square frame and a beveled edge, these sunnies have a luxe feel without the corresponding price tag; in fact, they’re only $16. The frames are coated to provide UV protection, and because they are oversized, they help protect larger swaths of your face from the sun, which is great for relaxing poolside. 

Shape: Square | Polarized: No | Frame width: 145 mm | Bridge width: 19 mm | Frame material: Acetate | Color options: 12

Dollger Rectangle Sunglasses

If anyone knows how to set a trend, it’s Beyoncé — so when she posted a gallery of stylish Instagram photos wearing white OscarXFranks sunnies, we knew we must incorporate a pair into our wardrobes. 

While the Cowboy Carter singer’s exact pair is sold out, this discounted $10 pair from Amazon is strikingly similar, featuring thick, rectangular white frames and a thinner lens silhouette. All you need to complete the look is a plaid skirt-and-blazer set and a white corset top.

Shape: Rectangle | Polarized: No | Frame width: 146.2 mm | Frame material: Plastic | Color options: 17 single, 14 sets

Prada Sunglasses

If you’re looking to treat yourself to a pair of stylish luxury frames, you can’t go wrong with these classic, geometric Prada sunglasses. The design feels both effortlessly modern and romantically timeless, and they’re gorgeous to look at. On top of that, they’re totally functional, offering 100-percent UVA/UVB protection. 

While the Prada shades are undoubtedly cool, you can find similar pairs that look just as luxurious without the steep price tag, but you’ll have to concede on the coveted label, which adds resale value.

Shape: Geometric | Polarized: No | Frame width: 126 mm | Bridge width: 20 mm | Frame material: Acetate | Color options: Black, black marble, honey tortoise, blue, powder, dark tortoise, white 

Diff Eyewear Margot Sunglasses 

Sticking with the geometric theme are the Margot sunnies from Diff Eyewear, a recent go-to in another editor’s closet. The angular, sleek design of these frames elevate your standard black shades while staying wearable for even the most minimalist of dressers. 

What really stands out about these sunglasses is not only the style, but the stellar polarization as well. These lenses block the sun’s glare well, making it easy to navigate your way on the beach or drive on a sunny day. While you can’t add prescription lenses to this pair online, you have the option to take them to your local optician for a tailor-made experience.

Shape: Cat eye | Polarized: Yes | Frame width: 140 mm | Bridge width: 22 mm | Frame material: Acetate | Color options: 5

Otra Zoe Sunglasses

Boasting a handful of A-listers wearing their shades, from Jennifer Lopez to the Biebers, Otra Eyewear is a brand that’s quite celebrity-approved — and our team personally loves the Zoe shades. Complete with a thick, exaggerated cat eye and a CAT3 lens level (completely sun-blocking), these sunglasses are great for all kinds of sunny outings, from pool days to city strolls.

Shape: Cat eye | Polarized: No | Frame width: 149 mm | Frame material: Unlisted | Color options: 2

Dweebzilla Slim Oval Medallion Sunglasses 

Sunglass trends come and go, so spending big on a pair of in-style designer shades isn’t always worth your money. Luckily, these Amazon shades exist to keep your shade game on-trend for a microscopic fraction of designer costs.

Gold-embossed lion’s heads decorate the side of these geometric shades that suit round and oval face shapes, emulating the look of designer shades and their signature crests. This pair’s frame size, shape, and thickness is quite flattering, and we appreciate that these sunnies come in a few frame and lens colors. For just $11, why not grab one in every color?

Shape: Geometric | Polarized: No | Frame width: 125 mm | Bridge width: 23 mm | Frame material: Plastic and metal | Color options: 12

What to Know About Sunglasses

Face Shape

When it comes to choosing your new favorite pair of sunglasses, perhaps the most important factor is the shape — and the best way to figure out which frame shapes will best suit you is by determining your face shape.

Start by taking a photo of your face straight-on with your hair pulled back. Then, draw four lines: one vertical line from the top of your forehead down to your chin and three horizontal lines from cheekbone to cheekbone, jaw to jaw, and one side of your forehead to the other. It should look something like this:

Frame Shape

Erlanger says that “cat eyes are universally flattering,” but if you’re looking for another type of frame, her general rule is that “opposites attract.” According to Erlanger, those with square or rectangle shaped-faces tend to look most balanced with round or ovular frames, and if you have a rounder or more ovular face, you might want to opt for square-edged frames.

Color

Whether you stick to neutrals or opt for a bright pop of color in your sunglass frames is totally up to your preference and style. While neutrals like brown tortoise shells and black tend to match with anything, opting for a fun-colored pair of sunglasses can liven up your look.

“A tinted frame is a fun way to add color to any outfit,” says Erlanger. “Think of glasses almost like a piece of jewelry you wear on your face.” Erlanger suggests that those looking for an eye-catching pair of sunglasses experiment with hues: “A frame can be flattering if it is a subtle contrast with your skin tones, or it can be a statement piece if it is a bold color choice.”

Polarization

If you’ve been hunting for sunglasses, chances are you’ve come across the word “polarized.” This basically means that the glasses are treated to reduce glare, which can help increase visibility. This is particularly helpful when doing things like driving, surfing, fishing, or any other activity that requires clear vision to stay safe. Maui Jim sunglasses have great polarization.

But not everyone needs polarized lenses in their sunglasses, which tend to be more expensive than non-polarized ones. As long as your sunglasses have UV protection (not the same as polarization), they’ll help to protect your eyes from the sun’s potentially harmful rays. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy sunglasses online? 

There are plenty of retailers that sell sunglasses online, with some that specialize in boutique and unique frames, and other more general retail markets that sell a variety of sunglass brands, shapes, and prices, like eyebuydirect.com and sunglasshut.com. If you’re looking for a less expensive pair of sunglasses that you won’t feel guilty about dropping or losing, then amazon.com is a great place to find cheap yet stylish shades.

What are polarized sunglasses? 

Polarized sunglasses are designed to mitigate glare, specifically the blinding light that bounces off of horizontal surfaces like the road, sidewalks, or large bodies of water. Polarized lenses are treated with a special chemical that filters out horizontally reflected light, which can help to keep you safe while doing activities such as driving, surfing, or sailing.

Some people prefer polarized sunglasses because they can help reduce eye strain, but polarization is not the same as UV protection, and there are lots of sunglass options that provide UV protection without polarization. Those tend to be cheaper, too!

How do you clean sunglasses? 

Most manufacturers recommend wiping down your sunglass lenses with a soft microfiber cloth. If your sunglasses have stuck-on smudges or you feel like they could use a really good clean, you can usually use warm water with a little bit of dish soap to rinse them off — but it’s best to double-check with the manufacturer before doing so because there’s a risk that you’ll rub off a protective lens coating.

Why Trust PEOPLE?

Cai Cramer is a staff shopping writer at PEOPLE, with a focus on health, beauty, and style. For this story, Cai extensively researched the most popular sunglasses on the market, scouring through specs and reviews and grilling PEOPLE editors to find the best sunglasses for every style and face shape. To give this story a 2024 facelift, staff shopping writer Alyssa Brascia looked to the stars to find shapes, styles, and trends that celebrities are loving this year to find their exact styles (or cheaper lookalikes). She also spoke to style and trend experts for a better understanding of where the sunglass industry is headed in 2024.