Ask Belle: Sunglasses Suggestions
Jan 12, 2015
Hi Belle,
I usually buy my sunglasses at Forever21, but I want to buy something nicer for my trip to Cabo next month. What do you think the best brands are? Is there a style that works for everyone? I need to spend around $150.
Good luck in law school! KJ
Some ladies like to splurge on sunglasses, buying multiple pairs from Fendi or Prada or Tom Ford. I’ve always been a fan of basic Ray-Ban sunglasses. They have classic shapes that are both casual and chic. My favorite styles are their basic aviators (also in a petite size for smaller faces) and their Wayfarers.
Looking for something a little more Audrey Hepburn and a little less Cape Cod? These Marc by Marc Jacobs sunnies are a great place to start. They’re also under-$100. In fact, the Marc Jacobs brand has a wide variety of styles at prices hovering around $100.
Warby Parker is also makes really great sunglasses for a great price. Plus they come polarized which you usually have to pay more for at other brands.
Definitely check out Nordstrom Rack, and if there’s one near you, Off 5th (the Saks outlet). They have a ton of designer glasses for way less than retail. I’ve often seen Marc Jacobs, Kate Spade, etc. My current ones are Marc by Marc Jacobs and they cost around $35 and included the legit case and lens cloth. I don’t think I’d ever pay full price for sunglasses considering how easy they are to lose and scratch, especially if you’re wearing them on vacation. Though my roommate has some pretty sweet Raybans that fold up into a tiny case. They might be worth breaking the rule 🙂
I wouldn’t recommend buying expensive glasses for Cabo, where there is a fair chance of them getting lost or damaged. I’d check out Nordstrom Rack per Anna’s suggestion above, but also there are tons of vendors selling inexpensive but good looking sunglasses in Cabo itself- it may be fun to pick up a pair of sunglasses there to remember the vacation.
I agree with the recommendation for Nordstrom Rack and would also add Fossil. I have gotten a couple pair of really stylish sunglasses in the past from them for around $60-75.
Check out Amazon–have gotten good prices on name brand sunglasses there, although sometimes you have to price watch a bit.
A tip on Wayfarers: I found the folding wayfarers to be a better fit for my more narrow face and they don’t lean in towards your face the way the classic ones do.
TOMS has some great, stylish sunglasses for around $100 and they donate a pair of glasses to a child in a developing country, similar to the deal with their shoes. I got mine at Nordstrom, but they have more choices online.
I’d second the Warby Parker suggestion — you also get to try on several pair without leaving home and see what works best for you (for free!)