Retro Sunglasses: How to Choose and Style Them
This guide covers the retro shapes worth knowing, how to match them to your face, how to style them, and how to finish the look with a belt. For a wider look at frame types, see sunglasses styles and eye protection.
- Words by
- Julio Arco
- Published
- Reading
- 4 min
Pick the frame shape that contrasts with your face: angular frames for a round face, curved frames for a square one. Then match the era of the frame to the outfit. Cat-eyes suit tailored pieces, round frames suit flowy ones, and aviators go with nearly everything.
What counts as retro sunglasses?
Retro frames borrow from the 1950s through the 1990s. Each decade left a recognizable shape:
- 1950s: cat-eye frames, often with rhinestones or metal trim.
- 1960s: oversized round frames, sometimes in bold colors.
- 1970s: aviators, earthy tones and gradient lenses.
- 1980s: angular frames, bright colors and mirrored lenses.
- 1990s: slim rectangular and small oval frames.
Their appeal is simple: a strong shape changes the whole face of an outfit with one piece.
How do you choose retro sunglasses for your face shape?
The usual rule is contrast. A frame that repeats your strongest line tends to exaggerate it, while an opposite shape balances it. Treat this as a starting point, not a law. If a pair feels right on you, it is right.
Oval face
Almost anything works. Try bold cat-eyes or oversized rounds.
Round face
Rectangular or square frames add angles. Very round frames can echo the face and soften it further.
Square face
Round or oval frames soften a strong jaw. Cat-eyes also work, since the upswept corners lift the look.
Heart-shaped face
Aviators and cat-eyes suit a broad forehead and narrower chin. Frames that are a little wider at the bottom also help.
Diamond face
Oval or rimless frames follow the cheekbones without competing with them. Soft round frames can also flatter.
How do you style each retro shape?
Cat-eye frames
Pair them with high-waisted trousers and a tucked blouse for a 1950s feel. For something current, wear them with a blazer and straight-leg jeans. Add a polka-dot midi dress if you want the full vintage picture; our vintage-inspired dresses are a good place to start.
Round frames
Oversized rounds suit flowy maxi dresses, fringe and wide-leg pants. A floppy hat makes it a 1960s look. Through the lens of evidence-based design, I'd pick tortoiseshell over solid black for warm, casual outfits, because the mottled surface reads softer next to linen and cotton.
Aviators
Aviators work with denim shorts and a graphic tee, or with a leather jacket for a sharper edge. They are the safest pick if you only want one pair.
Angular frames
Rectangular frames fit 1980s and 1990s outfits: cropped tops, baggy jeans and chunky sneakers. They also pair well with flared jeans if you want to cross decades.
How do belts and sunglasses work together?
Think of both as finishing pieces: one frames the face, the other defines the waist. They work best when only one of them is the loud element.
With statement belts and oversized sunglasses, pick a lead. A wide belt or a rhinestone stretch belt over a dress calls for simple, dark frames. Big cat-eyes or bold colored frames work better with a plain leather belt.
What kind of belt goes with everything?
A plain leather belt in black or brown, about 1 to 1.5 inches wide, with a simple metal buckle. Match the buckle metal to your sunglasses hardware, such as gold aviators with a gold buckle, and the look feels planned.
Are belts still in style?
Yes. Belts are used both to hold up trousers and to cinch the waist on dresses, shirts and long cardigans. I can't forecast trends, but a good leather belt has stayed useful for years.
What should you check before buying?
- UV protection. Look for a label that states UV protection on the lenses. Dark tint alone does not tell you what is blocked.
- Proportion. If you're petite, oversized frames can overwhelm a small face. Medium sizes balance better.
- Build. Check hinges, lens finish and frame thickness before paying more.
- Storage. A case prevents most scratches.
UV matters beyond the beach. Dermatologist Elizabeth K. Hale, MD, says: "You are getting hit, though, with ultraviolet A rays (also called UVA), which are longer wavelengths that penetrate through windows and clouds year-round. Those are the ones that contribute to tanning, hyperpigmentation, skin aging and also to skin cancer." That is a good reason to wear sunglasses in cloudy weather too.
Which retro styles are popular now?
Geometric frames such as hexagons and squares update vintage shapes. Lightly tinted lenses in pink, yellow or blue recall the 1970s. Colored frames work best with neutral outfits. Classic picks stay easy: aviators, tortoiseshell and black cat-eyes.
Sunglasses are not just for summer. Worn with coats, scarves and boots, they carry into fall and winter. If you're building a trip wardrobe, the retro vacation style guide shows how to pack them.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of belt goes with everything?
A slim to medium leather belt in black or brown with a simple buckle. Match the buckle metal to your jewelry or sunglasses hardware.
Are belts still in style?
Yes, belts remain a common way to define the waist on dresses, jackets and trousers. A plain leather belt is the most dependable option.
Can retro sunglasses work with modern outfits?
Yes. Cat-eyes look current with a sleek blazer and straight-leg jeans, and aviators go with almost any casual outfit.
Are colorful retro sunglasses hard to style?
Not usually. Wear them with neutral clothes so the frames are the one color accent.
Filed under Accessory Trends
