The Best Sunglasses at All Price Points

17 Pairs Worth Buying Today (Because You Can Never Have Too Many)
Filed Under > Having a Moment

17 Best Sungalsses at Every Price Point, Including these Celine Sunglasses

We had a taste of spring this past weekend and it was THE BEST THING EVER.  On Sunday, we picked up a bouquet from Amelia’s Flower Truck and ate some amazing vegan, dairy-free ice cream in East Nashville.  I had such a great time exploring neighborhoods I usually don’t frequent, while soaking up some Vitamin D and trading my heavy coat for a light military jacket.  The weather was great; we even turned around a few minutes after we left home to get sunglasses (never complaining about needing those!). 

I have my tried-and-true shades that I’ve had for years; a pair of classic Aviators, a pair of black frames and a pair of tortoise frames.  They’re all dependable, classic and universally flattering.  I’ve learned to take care of them, and I usually have at least one pair in my hand bag for when I’m on the go.  But I’ve got to admit, every time spring rolls around, I can’t help but want a few new pairs of shades…there are just so many good ones!  I have my eyes on a Celine pair that I consider to be a “forever pair”…I’d have to take extra care of them if I fork over $250+.  But I also found a few trendier styles (like these and these) that have price tags low enough to tempt me to take a few risks and have a fun pair or two in my bag for patio season happy hours

Check out my list of top sunglasses at every price point below, and then tell me, have you invested in a “forever pair”?  Or do you stick to the ones you won’t feel bad about losing?!  I’d love to hear it in the comments below.  Happy almost-spring!  Cheers, Kat

P.S. Aside from them completing an #OOTD, sunglasses play a super important role in protecting your eyes from sun damage; they filter light and they protect your eyes from the damaging UV rays. This will help decrease the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration and skin cancer someday…so put the shades on! xo 

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'Super Duper Strength' 55mm Retro Sunglasses

Karen Walker, $280

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Behold, your basic (but completely essential) black sunglasses.  There’s a reason so many people have ’em…they’re THAT good.  The price tag may make you wince, but if you’ve been eyeing the pair for a few years now, then it’s totally a sign that you’ll love and cherish them. 

Kandy Gramm Sunglasses

Quay, $65

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If you’re looking for a fun, doesn’t-take-itself-too-seriously pair of sunglasses, here you go.  Quay has a ton of great designs like this one that are very on-trend, yet won’t set you too far back if you want more than one pair this season. Bonus: they look just as cool as ones triple the price. 

The Prince Sunglasses

Le Specs, $89

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Le Specs gives us an ultra cool pair of aviators with a modern spin (and affordable price).  These sunnies look like you paid at least double than what you did.  The flattering frames with their flat lenses offer just the right amount of edge. 

Round-frame Acetate Sunglasses

Celine, $382.72

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This pair gives a nod to sun-soaked vacations of the past; the vintage-inspired frames with nose bridge and top bar are a little retro in the coolest way.  The price tag is hefty, but if you’re looking for a top quality brand and Instagram-worthy shades, these are for you. 

Charlie Metal Round Frame Sunglasses

Urban Outfitters, $16

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You can’t beat these $16 round sunglasses if you’re looking for a retro-inspired pair, but aren’t entirely committed to spending $150+ on the look. 

Milan III Sunglasses

Illesteva, $300

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Illesteva took us all by storm two years ago with their fun and funky tortoiseshell sunglasses.  Fast forward to this year, and we’ve got a lot of other brands that offer similar styles, but we’re reminding just how cool Illesteva is when we see a pair like this one

Cat-eye Acetate Sunglasses

Celine, $282.72

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Leave it to Celine to craft the most chic, oversized tortoiseshell sunglasses.  These subtle cat-eye frames offer a gradient brown-tinted lens, making them a timeless pair you’ll wear year-round. 

Emma Sunglasses

Urban Outfitters, $16

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Urban Outfitters sells a great oversized pair of sunglasses that looks remarkably like those made by Karen Walker (at a FRACTION of the price).  This is a great pair for those of you who are looking for a fun statement pair that doesn’t break the bank (and doesn’t sting too bad in case you misplace them). 

Celine 41093 Sunglasses

Celine, $184.96

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MKR has this stunning pair, and I fell in love with them at first sight. These definitely channel a bit of Jackie O, with their oversized, thick black frames and subtle cat-eye shape.  This is your pair if you’re looking for those timeless black sunglasses that you can always, always feel good in. 

Adventure Round Frame Sunglasses

Urban Outfitters, $16

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Urban Outfitters has a slam dunk with these sunglasses.  They’re such a great option for spring/summer shades and their super low price tempts you to pick up a pair or two to spare. 

50mm Round Sunglasses

Ray-Ban, $150

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If you know you’re feeling the round sunglasses, this is the classic, dependable pair to buy.  There’s a reason why so many people have Ray-Bans; they’re timeless and good quality. 

Thick Frame Sunglasses

Prada, $385

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These are next on my list personally; MKR has them and I tried them on and fell. in. love.  They’re perfectly lightweight, have a subtle tortoise color (they’re practically solid…just how I like it), and they have a great oversized shape for larger, round faces.  I personally have thick eyebrows at a unique arch, so I have a hard time finding sunglasses that don’t look funky up top. This pair is the solution! Since the price tag is high, I’ll be snagging these on sale (like right now during the Shopbop sale!). 

'Reflected' 52mm Sunglasses

Dior, $475

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The object of many girls’ envy…Dior’s signature geometric frames that hit the scene a year or two ago.  These aren’t for the faint of heart, but they’re utterly amazing if you can fork over the $475 for them.  

A Dead Coffin Club Sunglasses

Valley Eyewear, $300

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MKR can’t stop raving about this pair of sunglasses, in fact, she’s still heartbroken they fell off in the water last summer. The round frames are substantial and won’t run the risk as much as others to be stretched out or broken. The “snow leopard tortoise” color is unique and eye-catching, ensuring that you’ll be the coolest girl in the pack. 

Mryte 61mm Sunglasses

Chloe, $310

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When did Chloe ever do anything subtle?!  These oversized sunglasses (61mm!) completely nail the eclectic-retro-boho-babe vibe.  They’re not cheap, so I’d say go this route if you’ve worn your similar $16 Urban Outfitters pair into the festival ground. 

Air Heart Sunglasses

Le Specs, $69

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Here’s a great classic black-frame pair that won’t set you back more than $69! Le Specs offers great everyday shades that are made well, and can play with their expensive counterparts. 

Original Aviator 58mm Sunglasses

Ray-Ban, $175

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Lastly, nobody does the aviator like Ray-Ban. This original 58mm pair is a wardrobe staple because of the fact that they’re flattering on practically every single face size and shape. Stick to this pair if you want solid shades without the flair; they’ll transcend season after season if you take care of them. 

ADDITIONAL CREDITS:

Featured image, Kathryn McCrary for Waiting on Martha

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  • Brian Neunaber / 03.13.2017

    Kat, you and your Team do a GREAT job. Great summry on shades. I prefer Persol sunglasses. great quality. great lens clarity. great polarized lenses – better than Ray Ban.

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