The Most Iconic Sunglasses and Glasses of All Time

Through the Decades: Sunglasses & Glasses Trends That Shaped Fashion

Sunglasses aren’t just about blocking the sun—they’re about making a statement. From timeless elegance to bold, playful experiments, the right pair of frames can define an era. Sunglasses aren’t just about blocking the sun—they’re about making a statement. Discover and explore the iconic sunglasses and glasses of each decade, and click the links to shop modern versions of these classic styles so you can bring a piece of history into your own wardrobe.

The 1950s Glamour

The 1950s were all about polished sophistication. Sunglasses took a feminine, elegant turn with the rise of the cat-eye shape, featuring subtle curves and pointed edges that framed the face beautifully. 

Picture Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, with oversized black cat-eye frames that became timeless symbols of Hollywood glamour. Grace Kelly also embraced this sleek style, proving that sunglasses could be a key accessory to complete a refined, elegant look. The 50s made it clear: a woman’s glasses could be as chic as her outfit.

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Dolce & Gabbana Eyewear

Ray Ban Oval Sunglasses

Velvet Eyewear Cateye Sunglasses

The 1960s Playful Mood Era

The swinging 60s brought a playful, experimental edge to eyewear. Geometric shapes, round frames, and tinted lenses became all the rage, reflecting the mod fashion of the time. 

Icons like Twiggy and Jackie Kennedy embraced these bold, colorful choices, turning their glasses into statements of individuality. Sunglasses were no longer just functional—they were fun, expressive, and a key piece of a modern, youthful wardrobe.

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Chloe Sunglasses

Gucci Eyewear

Round Black Sunglasses

The 1970s Drama and Disco

The 70s were all about drama, disco, and making bold statements. Aviators became synonymous with cool, while oversized square frames took center stage for those craving extra flair. Warm, earthy tones like amber and gold dominated lenses and frames alike, matching perfectly with flared pants, flowing hair, and disco vibes. 

Celebrities such as Farrah Fawcett and Bianca Jagger wore their sunglasses like a badge of confidence. In the 70s, your shades weren’t just functional—they were the crown jewel of your outfit.

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Miu Miu Square Sunglasses

TOM FORD Eyewear Tinted Pilot-Frame Sunglasses

Chloe Eyewear Pilot-Frame Sunglasses

Marc Jacobs Square-Frame Sunglasses

Gucci Eyewear Pilot-Frame Sunglasses

The 1980s Bold and Unapologetic

The 80s didn’t do subtle. Neon frames, mirrored aviators, and angular shapes screamed personality and energy. 

Sunglasses became an extension of the decade’s loud, playful fashion, with pop stars like Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Cyndi Lauper rocking statement eyewear as part of their signature looks. If your sunglasses weren’t bright, bold, or reflective, you weren’t truly living the 80s vibe. This was the decade where eyewear became pure self-expression.

                Shop the Look:

Isabel Marant Geometric Sunglasses

Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Sunglasses

Saint Laurent Wayfarer Frame Sunglasses

TOM FORD Kaya Tortoise Shell Oversized Sunglasses

The 1990s Minimalist Cool

In contrast, the 90s dialed it back with a minimalist, sleek aesthetic. Small oval lenses, slim rectangular frames, and understated wireframes dominated the scene. 

Stars like Mariah Carey, Johnny Depp, and Gwen Stefani popularized this sleek, effortless look, showing that less could indeed be more. Sunglasses in the 90s whispered sophistication—they complemented the outfit without overpowering it, perfectly matching the era’s cool, laid-back style.

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Saint Laurent Oval Sunglasses

Gucci Oval Frame Sunglasses

Saint Laurent Oval Frame Sunglasses

Miu Miu Glimpse Oval-Frame Sunglasses

The 2000s Futuristic Pop

The early 2000s embraced a futuristic, playful approach to sunglasses. Tiny colored lenses, oversized plastic frames, and rhinestone-embellished shades were all the rage, fueled by pop culture icons like Britney Spears & Paris Hilton. Sunglasses became an accessory that could turn any outfit into a statement. Whether paired with low-rise jeans, cropped tops, or Y2K-inspirée ensembles, these frames were bold, fun, and unapologetically eye-catching.

Shop the Look:

Dita Eyewear Omsoana Oversized-Frame Sunglasses

Miu Miu Runway Square Frame Sunglasses

Rick Owens Larry Shield Sunglasses

Moncler Rimless Shield Eyewear

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Why Sunglasses and Glasses Matter

From Audrey Hepburn’s refined cat-eyes to Britney Spears’ glittering Y2K frames, sunglasses and glasses have done more than protect our eyes—they’ve defined our style. Each decade brought personality, innovation, and cultural flair, proving that your frames aren’t just accessories—they’re a statement of identity. Whether you’re drawn to retro elegance, funky 80s boldness, or minimalist 90s chic, there’s a pair of sunglasses or glasses that fits every outfit, every mood, and every fashion lover.