Life is great in 2010. The economy is gradually recovering and summer is on the way. Time to get the dust of your sunglasses or even better: find excuses to buy new ones. In the next paragraphs I’ll provide you with three valid excuses to convince your lover you really, really need to replace that expensive pair you bought only last year and is still in mint condition. Good luck!

Vintage frames

There is something about the 50’s and 60’s icons I absolutely adore. Every time I see pictures of Jacky Kennedy, Grace Kelly or Audrey Hepburn I feel like I am walking around like a bum most of the time. They looked pretty and classy all the time, without exception. Ravishing beauties from outer space. Needless to say they had excellent taste for sunglasses too. This season, the retro look is hotter than ever. Think Wayfarers, Aviators, squared-off  frames and oversized round frames.

Colored frames

In addition to ever-present black, silver and brown, sunglasses in 2010 can have any color, as long as it is bright and fun. For inspiration, check out our article about this year’s spring-summer color trends. My all time favorite brand Ray-Ban launched an amazing collection with updated versions of the classic Wayfarer and Aviator models. They come in pink, red, white, turquoise, yellow,… you name it! Next to vibrant colors, patterns are really in and this is reflected in some sunglasses collections too. Animal prints, stripes, squares, polka dots, anything is possible. Ray-Ban’s ‘Rare Print’ series responds to this trend by offering its iconic models Wayfarer and Clubmaster in new printed patterns.

Colored lenses

Apart from retro  and colored frames, there is also a trend for lenses. Unlike in last year’s collections, we now see color in tinted lenses too. Violet, green or yellow gradient lenses are an excellent way to complement your look. Not only do they look great with a matching dress and accessories, but they also intensify that summer feeling when you see the world through rose-colored glasses.

As a final thought, I would like to remind you that protection should always come first. I skip so many beautiful looking sunglasses because of their poor quality lenses. To protect your eyes from UV damage, make sure you buy the originals and not some cheap replicas.

Which are your favorite sunglasses for 2010? Are you in for the colored frames and/or lenses or will you stick with a more sober black or brownish pair?

Alyssa

(image credit: Charlotte Morrall)