Making eye contact
Cool, chic shades for the summer
Does anything epitomize summer more than a killer pair of shades? Although this particular summer might go down in history as being symbolized by a mask, that’s all the more reason why we need to pay extra attention getting the right shades. This means choosing sunglasses that complement not only our face shapes, but our masks as well.
Pick a pair that are too big and put them on top of a mask — and suddenly you’re whole face is covered up. Choose a pair of cat-eyes with a very steep inward slope, add a mask and you look downright menacing, even if you’re in one of your giddiest moods.
So let’s begin with that: You want something cool and chic. There are plenty that fit the bill:
J. Lo wasn’t messing around when she designed the very affordable and super cool Reina shades ($55 on quayaustralia.com). She and ARod partnered with Quay to design the cat-eye number that exudes a retro elegant (and pretty darn affordable) style. Even with their ability to steal the show, they’re lightweight enough not to push your mask down or take over your face.
Maybe big is exactly what you’re after. In that case, space age-y meets mod in Loewe’s Paula Ibiza 52mm Large Round Sunglasses ($340 on saksfifthavenue.com). They come in white-rimmed black, blackrimmed white and a yummy bubble gum pink.
While we’re looking at all things oversized and funky, Rag & Bone has cornered the faux tortoiseshell look with their gradient-lensed Cate shades ($168.75 on ragbone.com). Think Hermes headscarves and heels to complete and perfect the classic Hollywood look.
If you’re going to dive into the deep end of the designer ocean, take it old school with Gucci Cat Eye Acetate Glasses ($390 on neimanmarcus.com), complete with the design house’s signature green and red rimming on the sides, with interlocking Gs at the temple. They’re devastatingly smart-looking and unassailable with any outfit — especially in black. Equally designer-sassy are Fendi’s Square-Frame GoldTone and Acetate Mirrored Sunglasses ($390 on net-aporter.com) — a tech-lovers’ high-end dream, thanks to holographic lenses.
Not into labels? Go all in for style instead. Vehla’s
Florence in Black/Smoke ($170 on vehlaeyewear.com) sports graphic frames donned by cool chicks like Sophie Turner, and are flattering to all kinds of face shapes.
If you’re the kind who loses your shades constantly (we’ve all been there), then don’t spend your hardearned dough on something you won’t have long. Instead, plunk down less than a ten spot for the Rounder ($9.95 on sunglasswarehouse.com), and sport the classically circular shades without a care in the world. Equally appealing: the super cute Silver Colored Sunglasses ($10.99 on hm.com) that top off any look — and any mask — without being so big that they fog up.
Speaking of which, Bostonian Jennifer McMahon has created Your Social Mask ($30 for two on yoursocialmask.com), made here in Massachusetts. A mask with a Velcro opening (so you can eat on drink on the go without having to take it off), it also doesn’t fog up. Net profit of proceeds from every mask sold go to two food-related charities, Restaurant Strong and World Central Kitchen. And as much as any shades, helping out some folks who need it right now is possibly the best symbol of this summer we could have.