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Our Favourite Shades For Summer

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5 December 2022

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Sunglasses are our favourite accessory. They’re an outfit-altering, mood-boosting, character-adding accent all year round. But in summer, sunglasses really come out to play. 

Whether or not you agree, we can put aside the moody frames we’ve been wearing all winter and slide into fun, statement accessories that play on bright sunny colours and tonal summer shades. Whether you’re a serial sunglasses wearer, à la Anna Wintour, and looking for a new pair to completely change your look, or a complete novice in the shades department, there are only a few rules to abide by when it comes to selecting sunglasses.

1. Invest in a good pair that provides protection from the sun! We spend so much time outside, and in our sunglasses all summer, so it’s important to look for 100 percent UV protection when purchasing. 

2. Shop by shape. Not all shapes will work on every face, so it’s important to try on a range of sizes before settling in on a few that work for you. 

3. Take them outside. If you’re trying sunnies in a shop, or even at home, step outside. See how they feel in the glare of the sun before swiping your credit card. 

With long days of bright sunshine on the horizon, it’s time for an overhaul of your go-to summer shades, and play into a few seasonal trends. We’re eyeing up several styles for summer. This season’s favourites are a mix of good ol’ classics you’ll have forever, with injections of sun alternatives to jazz up your poolside vibes.


Under $100

You’d be surprised what sunglasses you can find under or around the $100 mark. New sunglass-makers like Banbee have popped up to compete with Les Specs, or clothing brands have made the move to introduce accessories. In this price category you can expect to get what you pay for, but don’t let that put you off. If you’re not as precious with your sunglasses, this is the price point for you. You’re able to get great styles, shapes and colours without worrying when they land in the sand.


Le Specs Outta Love Sunglasses

Banbee The Ambrosio

Luv Lou Leui Sunglasses




$250 & under

This price point is where you’d expect to find most brands that we wouldn’t consider “designer”. For $250 you can find some great shades with a step up in quality. Most notably Karen Walker, the queen of New Zealand eyewear, aims to sit at this price point but still delivers pairs that will last you forever. You’ll find the lenses move away from plastic, and you’ll get more innovation, from brands such as Jules Mila.


Jules Mila Jacci Sunglasses

Karen Walker Parlour Sunglasses

$500 & under

The sky’s the limit at $500+. Within the top tier you’ll find the higher-end designers, and luxury brands’ more unique shapes, who join sunglass only-brands such as Kuboraum. If you’re wanting to test out the quality of this higher price point, we recommended heading into a sunglass specific store, such as Sunglass Bar Auckland or Sunglass Style, be to get a closer look and what sets these apart from the rest.


Loewe Browline Sunglasses

Tom Ford Sunglasses

Tom Ford Sunglasses, $469

Gucci Rectangular-Frame Sunglasses





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