Top 5 Hottest Sunglasses Trends of Summer 2008
Summer weather is finally here, and you know what that means -it’s time to slather on the SPF 30, pull on a hat, and invest in some trendy shades to shield your eyes from the sun.
Sunglasses are so much more than just sun-protection for your eyes – they make a fashion statement all on their own. From disguising tired eyes after a long night out to complimenting a fabulous outfit, sunglasses serve many purposes other than helping you see.
If you’re looking for a new pair of sunnies, or are just wondering what the hottest styles of the moment are, I’m going to break down the most popular sunglasses trends for summer 2008.
All five are super-hot, celebrity approved, and mostly inexpensive! For each trend, I’ve found expensive versions, and identical knockoffs for those of us on budgets. Cute sunglasses are just a click away, so keep reading to find your perfect pair!
1. Neon Wayfarer Sunglasses
The hottest trend in sunglasses right now is a throwback to Tom Cruise in the 1980’s. That’s right, the wayfarer is back. While basic black Risky Business sunglasses are really popular, brightly colored wayfarers are the hottest trend for summer.
Celebs such as Mary Kate Olsen, Amy Winehouse, and Sienna Miller started wearing their neon 80’s shades last year, but the trend has just caught on in the mainstream market. They’re such a fun addition to any basic outfit, and I own about 4 pairs of them myself.
While real Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses cost about $140, I’m loving GoJane’s $5.00 version in a big way! At that price, I recommend picking up a pair in every color, to go with any outfit. Leg warmers and srunchie not included.
2. Tom Ford “Whitney” Sunglasses
Tom Ford’s “Whitney” sunglasses have been spotted on practically everyone in Hollywood. Stars like Angelina Jolie and Christina Aguilera love the classy and cute shades, and now the trend has caught on here in the real world.
The original Tom Ford Whitney Sunglasses cost $340, but since this trend is so popular, there are tons of knockoffs out there for less than half price.
If you can’t afford the real deal, it’s GoJane to the rescue once again! These Open Temple Sunglasses ($4.99) are pretty much exact replicas of the Tom Fords, for less than 1/10th the price. I own a pair of the knockoffs myself, and they really do look fabulous, and can almost pass for the real thing.
3. Shutter Shades, or “Kanye Glasses”
Okay, I admit that Kanye Glasses aren’t exactly practical for everyday wear, but they are really fun to wear, and a huge trend for summer. Shutter shades are ridiculous in an awesome way, and they’re even better if you love Kanye West like I do.
I recommend picking up a pair of these for parties, 80’s nights, or just to get a few extra looks when you walk down the street. Don’t wear ‘em out in the bright sun, though, because they offer basically zero sun-protection.
Channel Kanye on any budget with another amazing GoJane find – Neon Shutter Shade Sunglasses for $5!
4. Lolita Sunglasses
Nicole Richie’s favorite sunglasses of the moment are heart-shaped “Lolita” sunglasses, and they’re one of the hottest trends for summer. This trend is bordering on the ridiculous, but with the right confidence and the right outfit, you can rock Lolita sunglasses and look completely fabulous!
In case you were wondering, Lolita shades are a throwback to the 1962 Stanley Kubrick film (based on the book by Vladimir Nabokov). They’re basically just heart-shaped sunglasses, and are usually red or pink.
If you want to pick up a pair of your own, these Heart Sunglasses from Fred Flare are only $10!
5. Aviator Sunglasses
Aviators are so classic, but they are also a red-hot trend in sunglasses. Investing in a great pair of aviators is a smart idea – they aren’t going anywere anytime soon!
Celebrities such as Victoria Beckham and Lindsay Lohan love aviators because they flatter almost every face shape, and look downright badass.
A pair of authentic Ray-Ban Aviators will run you $129, but if you don’t want to pay that much, or can’t be trusted not to break them, there are cheap aviator sunglasses everywhere! I love these aviator sunglasses, $5.80 from Forever 21.
Your Thoughts?
What do you think of the sunglasses I talked about here? Are you in love with the 80’s throwbacks like I am, or are you waiting for the next big trend in eyewear? Let me know which styles are your favorites, or which ones you’d rather not wear by leaving a comment!
Posted on on July 15, 2008 / Filed Under: Trends / Tags: Accessories, Celebs, Nicole Richie, Rachel Bilson, Summer 2008, Sunglasses, Trends
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M
Sunglasses look strange on my face. Maybe I’m just not used to the look? Anyway, if I were to try one of these looks, I’d go for the wayfarers.
Always In Style
Just give me those Prada butterfly shades, those are all i need!
PavRav
I loved the sunglasses mostly the whitneys but what I really loved was the GoJane website! I had never heard of it before and I was stunned at how fashionable the clothes and accessories were at those prices. Great Catch!
lauren
My ex bought me a super expensive and cute pair of juicy couture sunglasses next year, but i learned my lesson. i lost them after less than a year so its cheap-o sunglasses for me from now on!
im personally a huge fan of aviators. sometimes I even buy the guys’ versions because they’re often times even bigger & bolder
xoxo
Zephyr
M – I think you probably just need to find the right pair. Depending on the shape, sunglasses can look bad on everyone. You just need to try pairs on until you find the right ones.
Always in Style – I know! I need to find a good knockoff version of those..
PavRav – Yes, GoJane is great for sunglasses. I don’t love their clothes, but you can’t beat their knockoff shoes and sunnies.
Lauren – Haha,seriously! I can’t be trusted with expensive sunglasses either. I once lost a cheap pair off the side of a boat, and decided that there was no way I was buying any expensive ones after that!
Wearit.com
I love the heartshaped shades Nicole is sporting. But would I look too much like a Lolita wearing them in public?
Mandi
My girlfriends and I just got some of the aviators from Forever 21 a few weeks ago…we all LOVE them
Breeze
I have a problem. Seriously I have a problem with buying expensive sun glasses. I lose them without fail. I don’t whether I have a mental block or my mother is sending a message not to pay so much for sunglasses. Cheap sunglasses, I can’t throw away as they seem to appear on my dresser. I am just not sure I am going to invest in them anymore because like I said, I have a problem!
Megan Buchheit
I just bought a pair of (knockoff) Wayfarers the other day. I love them! They make me feel so 80’s…but in the best possible way.
Zephyr
Wearit – It really all depends on your overall outfit. If you keep things non-sexy and just wear the glasses as a fun accent then I think you’d be fine. Keep it casual like Nicole does.
Mandi – I know! Those aviators are really fabulous. Glad you love ‘em too!
Breeze – Yup, I hear you! I’m always losing mine too, even the cheap ones. I think we’re just cursed.
Megan – haha, I couldn’t agree more. I’m loving the 80’s lately, and the neon wayfarers are so much fun.
Shop Network
Personally, I would only wear Polarized sunglasses. Have you compared and contrasted polarized lenses with regular lenses? The difference is night and day! Polarized lenses offer a better viewing experience. They’re worth the additional cost.
Clothes' Friend
Very informative article, I’m leaving for Spain so I will need new sunglasses
Personlig Styling
nice post, thanks for sharing the pictures