4 Outdated Sunglasses Trends To Ditch & 3 New Ones To Try For Summer 2026

Come summer, sunglasses are a must, especially if you spend a lot of time outside. And if you're someone who couldn't care less about the fashion trends to ditch in 2026, more power to you. However, if you fall on the opposite end of the spectrum and love a good closet purge, your eyewear collection may be one of the first areas to refresh. While it's important to choose the perfect sunglass silhouette for your face shape, you'll also want to consider current trends when making your next sunglass purchase.

Women spoke to fashion expert and celebrity stylist, Erin Noël of Erin Noël Creative, who has styled celebs like Lori Loughlin and Madison Beer, to get the inside scoop on just how much sunglass trends have shifted for summer 2026. Noël wants our readers to know that individual expression and personal style are being celebrated more and more, which has made 'room for a wider range of shapes and silhouettes, even as trend cycles still shift from season to season.'

Diving a bit deeper, our expert explains, "The move away from strict minimalism and toward more expressive, maximalist fashion has opened the door for more bohemian-inspired sunglass styles." That shift toward more bohemian and retro styles was prevalent during Paris Fashion Week for many Spring/Summer 2026 collections. Brands like Loewe and Chloé showcased that glamorous, vintage-inspired mood that's been heavily influencing everyday street style, too. Noël made it clear that this season is about embracing a definitive attitude.

Kicking off the sunglass trends we should retire for summer 2026, Erin Noël suggests that we put away the big wayfarer-shaped sunglasses, as the 'shape can feel a bit stale,' especially when the frames lack 'a more refined or intentional design point of view.' 

Then, on the opposite end, there are the micro sunglasses that gave "The Matrix" vibes and dominated the streets a few seasons back. Those super-tiny sci-fi movie-shaped sunglasses seem to have lost their edge with trendsetters. However, Noël points out that retro oval sunglasses from the '90s are a major exception and will remain 'classic and relevant.' 

Why? Our expert believes the obsession with Ryan Murphy's "American Love Story" and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy brought 'minimalist '90s elegance back into the conversation.' So you'll definitely want to keep those on hand, but the flat, futuristic shades that made you look like Neo can go. 

Unfortunately, according to our exclusive chat with style expert Erin Noël, the ditch list doesn't end there. In fact, one of the first styles she recommends dropping is mirrored lenses, stating, "Unless you're playing sports, there's really no reason to have an overly dramatic mirrored lens." It seems the days of the high-shine reflective look are over. 

Additionally, our expert emphasizes that it's time to put away flashy, attention-seeking, logo-heavy shades, explaining that fashion trends have pivoted away from loud branding and big emblems, and are moving toward more thoughtful shapes and silhouettes. Noël shares that the summer 2026 sunglass trends are 'less about a dramatic, attention-grabbing sunglass and more about the style and attitude of the frame itself.'

At this point, you may be thinking, "What CAN I wear?" as a trend-conscious shopper. Don't fret, our expert isn't just leaving you with an empty sunglasses drawer. While we might have moved on from ultra-mini sunglasses and flashy branding, the trendy sunglasses of summer 2026 feature shapes that offer meaningful elegance and effortless presence.

Our style expert, Erin Noël, says she is absolutely loving the whole oversized '70s mood right now. "I love, I'm really drawn to disc sunglasses and the oversized trend — especially in softer oval shapes rather than a hard square," she explains. Noël even lets us in on the perfect outfit formula for bringing the '70s look to life with oversized oval sunnies. 

She suggests, "Think capri pants with a boatneck top, or a summer caftan with an oversized oval frame." With very little effort, you can achieve a look that's equal parts relaxed vacation vibes and glamorous elegance. Top things off with a hair scarf or pull your hair in a sleek, low bun, and people will think you've mastered the quiet luxury and old money aesthetics.

According to Erin Noël, wrap sunglasses, also called wraparound sunglasses, definitely seem to be on every It-Girl's radar, especially those who love to throw on Alo athleisure sets or jeans and a basic tee for a chic off-duty street style look. Noël believes this isn't the easiest sunglass style to wear, but 'the women choosing this style usually know exactly how to wear them.' 

These sunnies offer a face-hugging profile that absolutely commands attention, but in a subtle way. Our expert says, "The key is to lean into the sportier styling: drawstring denim with a tank and Havianas, or sporty shorts with a simple tee." The ensemble is bound to exude major cool girl energy, but if you're not sure where to start or what to look for when it comes to wrap sunglasses, look for sleek, sculptural lines rather than anything too overly metallic or futuristic. You want to find something that feels intentional and super high-end. And most importantly, something you want to wear.

If you can't picture yourself rocking sporty wraparounds and just want to look trendy while dressing within your comfort zone, there's always the classic cat-eye shades. Luckily, our style expert, Erin Noël, is a firm believer that this style will always be in. She says, "It always looks polished, feminine, and sophisticated — which is why it's personally the shape I come back to again and again." 

We'd say cat-eye sunglasses suit most women's face shapes and personal styles perfectly, especially if you're the type of person who is always reaching for the most effortless capsule pieces. This isn't one of the trendy sunglass trends that demands a complicated outfit formula to work. Instead, these are one of the most classic shapes out there, and they welcome an easy, no-frills approach, as they'll look great with sundresses and even straight jeans and a T-shirt. In fact, our expert lays it all out, saying, "This is for the woman who lives in sundresses, or who loves a simple straight-leg jean with a classic tank and sandals." If that sounds like you, you may have found your next go-to pair of sunnies.