Character Sunglasses

Weird sunglasses that convey character. Otherwise known as, how to disappear or stand out with gloriously freaky sunglasses.

For quite some time, I’ve been addicted to sunglasses. As with almost anything else in my closet, I collect them, hoard them, research them and devoutly follow the ones I want.

Sunglasses are intoxicatingly transformational in a way that would draw anyone in. One moment, you’re eye to eye with someone who can so clearly read your expressions and see right through you. Next, you’re someone new. Someone impermeable. Or, maybe, someone you don’t even recognize yourself. A great pair of distinct sunglasses is a surefire way that less people speak to you on the street, especially in New York. Yet, at the same time they can convey anonymity and a strong sense of character at the same time. If the eyes are the window to the soul, sunglasses are the shield.

Prada spring 2019 sunglasses

One great thing about the entire genre of sunglasses? The best ones can often be found secondhand or deeply discounted, if you’re willing to wait long enough or search hard enough. I learned my lesson fast when I paid full price for my first pair of designer Miu Miu glasses years ago and only months later, found them for a fraction of the price at Saks Off Fifth. If you’re a longtime reader of this newsletter or my work in general, you already know I love a good deal. But sunglasses are one of the easiest entry points for savings. (Your favorite designer brands are currently selling things for literally 95% off retail price at private sample sales this summer, but that’s a story for another time!)

These are the character-inducing sunglasses I’ll never give up, sorted by brand and style:

2010s Miu Miu

My very first love. One of my first ever designer purchases was the aforementioned pair of Miu Miu sunglasses. Framed in bright gold metal and shaped with a directional 1950s style cat eye with lucite pink arms, they were the epitome of a statement piece. Here they are in white for $100. I was so in love with them, and I still own them. Since then, I’ve collected so many Miu Miu sunglasses secondhand. The ultra-round ones from the mid 2010s are the best, rimmed in chunky glitter or framed with fat ‘70s style square lenses. But you can also find incredible, unique styles like these retro inspired gold frames for around $70 or these butterfly glasses for about $80. I consider 2010s Miu Miu sunglasses a wearable weird statement—good for beginners!

Who remembers the Miu Miu 2008 Kirsten Dunst campaign with these glasses? I finally found them secondhand a few years ago but was sent the wrong ones. Still currently searching for these.