Prada, Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent: the 5 must-have sunglasses of summer 2026
Sunglasses are far more than a simple protective accessory. Over time, they have established themselves as genuine fashion pieces, on a par with the blazer or the jean. This season, the spring-summer 2026 runways have delivered their verdict, and the trends span everything from the most classic silhouettes to the most futuristic.
The retro comeback on the spring-summer 2026 runways
Retro is far from finished. Shield sunglasses, inherited from the 2000s and the world of cycling, are making a major comeback this season. They were spotted at Saint Laurent and Emporio Armani, and wearing them in black only adds to the mystery.
Instantly recognisable, these pairs stand out for their single lens and graphic lines. They sit somewhere between cycling sportswear and the exuberance of the early 2000s, and they never fail to turn heads.
On the more understated end, retro aviators also bring a cool edge to any look. According to Dolce & Gabbana, the winning formula lies in wider frames in muted tones. Aviator sunglasses have, in fact, never truly fallen out of eyewear trends since their rise to fame, tied to the release of Top Gun in 1986.
Top Gun: Maverick reignites the aviator
The sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, released in 2022, sent demand for this iconic frame soaring once again. The retro aviator is firmly back as a safe yet stylish choice for summer.
« Des montures plus larges aux teintes sobres » : telle est la formule retenue par Dolce & Gabbana pour réinterpréter l’aviateur rétro au printemps-été 2026.
These two retro trends show that eyewear fashion is more than happy to draw from its own past. Other houses, however, have opted for a more minimalist direction this season.
Minimalism and Quiet Luxury: timeless styles take centre stage
Driven by the Quiet Luxury aesthetic, timeless and minimalist frames are also having a major moment this season. Rectangular styles, as showcased by Prada, perfectly embody this trend. They tap into the Librarian Core vein, instantly lending an air of sexy intellectual cool.
The Prada and Montblanc shows put the spotlight on wider, bolder versions of these frames. These retro pairs sit at the crossroads of 1990s minimalism and the Y2K spirit of the early decade. As a result, they appeal equally to lovers of restraint and those looking for a nostalgic nod.
- Wraparound shield sunglasses, spotted at Saint Laurent and Emporio Armani, lean into the single lens and graphic lines.
- Dolce & Gabbana’s retro aviators favour wide frames in muted tones.
- Prada and Montblanc’s rectangular styles sit squarely within Librarian Core and Quiet Luxury.
- Slim metal frames, seen at Louis Vuitton and Brunello Cucinelli, elevate both a tailored suit and a casual outfit.
- Coloured lenses, worn at Paul Smith, instantly energise any look with shades of yellow, orange and blue.
The slim metal frame: a Quiet Luxury essential
Those who aren’t drawn to oversized styles will find their match in slim metal frames. They slot effortlessly into the understated elegance of Quiet Luxury. They were seen elevating a pared-back suit on the Louis Vuitton spring-summer 2026 runway, as well as at Brunello Cucinelli.
These pairs work just as well at the office as they do at important events, offering a rare versatility that makes them a smart fashion investment for the season.
Coloured lenses to elevate any outfit
For an instant outfit upgrade, coloured lenses are the go-to option. This trend has the power to breathe life into even the simplest looks. The Paul Smith show leaned into pop shades of yellow, orange and blue.
Dolce & Gabbana, meanwhile, offered more neutral tints, proving there is something for every taste. Coloured-lens sunglasses adapt to every personality and every style, making them one of the most accessible trends of the season.
From graphic shield frames to vitamin-bright tinted lenses, spring-summer 2026 delivers a rich and varied eyewear landscape. Each trend speaks to a different lifestyle, and that is precisely what makes this season’s sunglasses offering so exciting.
