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Your Guide to the Most Popular Sunglasses for Summer 2024

Discover the must-have sunglasses styles of the season.

From retro vibes to sporty frames: our favourite shades for summer (and beyond)

Few feelings are better than putting together an outfit during the warm summer days. If you're taking full advantage of the sunny weather after months of being cooped up inside, perhaps the most crucial accessory is a chic pair of shades. Not only do they protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and other environmental factors, but they also make a statement that underlines your personality.

Each year, different fashion trends emerge in the world of sunglasses. This season, designers are drawing inspiration from retro classics to create great eyewear looks for everyone. Oversized sunglasses are taking center stage again; unique details and coloured lenses are huge, and and if a sporty style is your thing, Gorpcore-inspired sunglasses keep it cool. Explore our picks for the most popular sunglasses looks that not only last for summer 2024 but become your go-to pieces all year round.

Iconic sunglasses - rediscovering the 90s

Black 90s-inspired sunglasses with a rippling water background.
Black ELLE sunglasses with a 90s-inspired design are set against a backdrop of rippling water. Decorative gold accents on the frame temples add elegance to the classic look.

The 90s were a decade defined by supermodels, grunge, and strong pop culture influences. We think of iconic movies such as Men in Black and The Matrix, where narrow black sunglasses took center stage. The nostalgia for vintage-inspired eyewear from this era is dominating the 2024 fashion scene once again. Retro cat-eye and oval frame shapes are back, adding a touch of cool glam to any look.

Choose a classic yet inspiring style: the black ELLE sunglasses (EL14950-BK) match every outfit and complement golden jewelry with their decorated temples. They are also available in a transparent blue-purple pattern.

Or be inspired by the soft and slim rectangular model Jacqueline (EL31570). This style is part of the ELLE Made in France collection and comes in transparent colours, adding extra lightness to the design. Influenced by aviation pioneer Jacqueline Dubut, these sunglasses express a sophisticated sun look.

 

Three pairs of ELLE sunglasses in rose gold, blue, and transparent blue frames against a poolside backdrop with rippling water
Three pairs of ELLE sunglasses with 90s-inspired designs. From left to right: EL31570-RO (rose gold frame, tinted lenses), EL14950-BL (transparent blue patterned frame, blue lenses), and EL31570-BL (transparent blue frame, gray lenses) set against a poolside backdrop with rippling water and palm leaf shadows.

Pilot-inspired sunglasses defining urban sophistication

Staying true to the retro theme, aviator-/ pilot-style shades are a yearly classic. Pilot-shaped sunglasses are characterised by their thin wire frame, double bridge, and large teardrop-shaped lenses, originally designed in the 1930s for U.S. military pilots to protect their eyes while flying. These sunglasses became a fashion icon due to their distinctive style and functional design.

The Esprit model ET40101 radiates urban sophistication. Standout features include a double bridge, Windsor rim and colourful temple accents. Alternatively, the Esprit frame ET40121-584 adds edge to your look thanks to green lenses and gold metal accents. It also has a filigree pattern on the nose bridge. Dramatic yet understated, you won’t go unnoticed wearing these sunglasses.

Three images showing Esprit aviator-inspired sunglasses against a poolside backdrop with sandy beach.
Three pairs of Esprit sunglasses with aviator-/pilot-inspired designs. From left to right: ET40121-584 (gold frame, green tinted lenses), ET40101-505 (gray frame, gray lenses), and ET40101-531 (gray frame, blue lenses) set against a relaxed beach backdrop.
Black oversized sunglasses with an ocean backdrop at sunset.
Black oversized ELLE sunglasses (model EL14950 BK) set against a serene ocean backdrop. The geometric frame has solid grey lenses, and the brand name is subtly embossed on the temple, adding a luxurious touch.

Bold and beautiful oversized sunglasses

While oversized sunglasses first gained prominence in the 1960s and 1970s, the look came back in the 2000s when It Girls and celebrities were wearing extra huge sunglasses like a protective shield from the paparazzi. With their generous size and larger-than-life presence, oversized frames add glamour and sophistication to every look.

The soft square shape in purple and pattern on the temples (Jane, EL31568-PU) is named after the famous singer and actress Jane Birkin. If you prefer a more geometric look, try the EL14952 model. The two-coloured transparent front perfectly matches the Cloisonné-inspired design element on the sides. Cloisonné is an ancient decorative art technique that involves creating intricate designs with metal wires and filling them with enamel. It also inspired the design element on the temples of the square sunglasses (EL14953) in latte brown.

The ELLE Colette model (EL31569) creates the ultimate statement with a chunky acetate silhouette and geometric rims.

Three pairs of ELLE sunglasses in purple, brown, and beige against a poolside backdrop with rippling water.
Three pairs of oversized ELLE sunglasses. From left to right: EL31568-PU (purple frame with matching gradient lenses), EL14952-BR (brown geometric frame with brown gradient lenses), and EL14953-BE (beige frame with brown gradient lenses), set against a dreamy backdrop of an ocean wave at sunset.

The world in colour – alluring coloured lenses

Wine-coloured sunglasses with a background showing a female model wearing the glasses.
A female model lying relaxed on a pool springboard, wearing wine-coloured ELLE sunglasses with red gradient lenses and gold details on the temples (EL31571-WI).

Try out a pop of colour to a linen suit or bold outfit with print for a cool alternative to classic black this year. Vibrant hues like fiery red add personality to any outfit. The ELLE model EL31573 is a top choice for a touch of refinement. The acetate frame with a dark red gradient is a standout, inspired by French-British movie star Charlotte Gainsbourg.

Alternatively, go with the ELLE model Claudie (EL31571-WI), named after Claudie Haigneré, the first French astronaut to fly aboard the ISS. The interesting colour gradient on the front, transitioning from red to light orange, is playful and unique. The Esprit sunglasses ET40094 play with transparent acetate, layering the metal core of the temples. It's a fun design in pastel summer colours!

Three images showing ELLE and Esprit sunglasses with coloured lenses against a backdrop of a wave flowing into a sandy beach.
Three pairs of ELLE and Esprit sunglasses with coloured lenses set against a summery beach backdrop. From left to right: ET40068-533 (silver frame with purple tinted lenses), EL31573-RE (red frame with red tinted lenses), and ET40094-577 (transparent soft purple frame with matching lenses).

Gorpcore Sunglasses: Where Outdoor Aesthetics Meet Urban Style

Gorpcore is a fashion tendency that embraces the aesthetics of outdoor gear, such as hiking, biking, and skiing, blending functionality with style. In sunglasses, this trend is expressed through reflective, vivid frames that are both practical and fashionable. These sunglasses add an extra layer of coolness to your look with their aerodynamic designs. Esprit offers a variety of comfortable yet stylish sunglasses that embody the outdoorsy vibe. The ET19687-505 model features a half rim with stunning gold mirror lenses, while the bold ET19688-538 model boasts full rims and striking red mirror lenses that create a strong contrast with the black frame.

Three images showing Esprit sport sunglasses in front of a backdrop featuring a close-up of a Miami-style building and palm leaves.
Three pairs of Esprit sports sunglasses with Gorpcore-inspired designs are set against a bright backdrop featuring a Miami-style building. From left to right: ET19687-505 (transparent gray frame with gold mirrored lenses), ET19688-538 (black frame with red mirrored lenses), and ET19684P-557 (transparent frame with green polarised lenses).

Finding you signature summer shades

While the most popular eyewear looks compete for attention this summer, the wide range of sunglasses styles ensures everyone finds their perfect fit. Whether you prefer new trends or classic statements, sunglasses are a must-have for those who dare to stand out this season and beyond. Get inspired and discover your all-time favourite summer companions with ELLE and Esprit sunglasses here. Ask your optician about ELLE and Esprit eyewear. The brands are available in selected stores across Europe.

Woman lounging on a pool springboard wearing stylish red-tinted sunglasses.

The half-length photo features a female model with a short brown bob and fringe, lying casually on her back on a pool springboard with her right arm stretched upwards. She’s wearing chic ELLE sunglasses with red-tinted lenses, evoking a laid-back, summery vibe.

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