Rose Tinted Glasses

From menswear to haircuts, the 1970s are enjoying a style renaissance. And now that sunglasses are joining the fray, it’s time you saw the light

It wasn’t so long ago that the 1970s were universally derided as the decade where good taste went to die. But recent evidence points to a change in thinking: corduroy and velvet have made prodigal returns to the runway, trouser legs have grown wider – and now, macho, oversized eyewear is enjoying a second outing in the sun.

Scared of looking like a caricature? Don’t be. The classic aviator style may have peaked in the disco years, but it has since become a timeless classic – and with good reason. The shape and size of aviators make them incredibly easy to wear. “The frames are much lighter and more comfortable on the face than thick, acetate ones,” says Dane Butler, cofounder of Finlay & Co. In fact, their exaggerated form flatters the face, accentuating a masculine jawline and creating a slimming effect. And they don’t just look fly: “As aviators were originally designed to keep sunlight out of fighter pilots’ eyes, they are technically excellent as shades,” he says.

Coloured and gradated lenses – typical of the era and a highlight in many current collections, including Michael Kors, Emporio Armani and Jimmy Choo – boast social advantages, too. “Their relative transparency means that, unlike the more conventional dark lens, this style can be worn throughout the day in varying light levels,” says Seema Uddin, eyewear buyer at Harvey Nichols.

Looking backwards is too often seen as a negative trait. And it is true that the 1970s still have much to answer for. But, in this instance, we’re willing to make allowances for some shades of nostalgia.