Sunglasses Review: Affordable, Designer & 3 Tips for Finding the Best Pair

Sunglasses have become such a big part of my fashion vernacular that I consider them to be as important as the handbag I carry.  From cheap pairs to designer, I’ve learned a ton about different brands and styles over the years.

With summer right around the corner I thought it was the perfect time to break down my favorite pairs.  Read on for the affordable brands I love, which designer brands are worth it, and 3 tips for selecting the best frames for your face shape.

Affordable Brands I Love

Wearing Le Specs sunglasses

Without question, my two favorite affordable brands are Le Specs and Quay Australia.

Each brand averages about $50 a pair.  They both offer polarized lenses and polycarbonate frames.  What you get is durable, high-quality sunnies at a great price.

Another bonus is that they are constantly coming out with new styles.  You can find classic and trendy frames in a myriad of colors.

This is my all-time favorite pair of Le Specs.  It’s a perennial style and they offer a multitude of seasonal colors.

Quay Australia runs a little cheaper and a tad trendier.  They have a great selection of classic styles but tend to be more fashion-forward in the shapes and colors they offer.  They also offer blue light glasses, which I love.

Wearing Quay Australia blue light glasses

This is my all-time favorite pair of Quay Australia.  They look great on every face shape.

Designer Brands I Love

Wearing Celine sunglasses

If you’ve been reading In Spades for a while, you know I have a Celine sunnies addiction.

Every Nordstrom Note I earn goes towards Celine sunglasses.  I own these, these, and these.

What I adore about them is the style.  Their designs are incredible: uber chic, ultra flattering and so fashionable.  They are the sunglasses line that every other sunglasses brand copies.

Wearing Celine sunglasses

Here’s what you need to know about Celine sunnies – they bend.  The frames are made from a super pliable material which makes them comfortable and durable, but also prone to losing their shape.

I have to get mine adjusted about every six months. To be honest, having to readjust them is a pain.  BUT, their impeccable designs are worth it, IMO.  I will deal with the extra step because I love them THAT much.

3 Tips for Finding the Best Sunglasses for Your Face Shape

1. Opt for a gradient lens.  Do you know what makes sunglasses look expensive?  It’s not the frame, but the lens.  A gradient lens softens the look of the frames while also adding a dramatic edge.  This juxtaposition lends well to all face shapes.
2. When it doubt, opt for square frames with rounded edges. This frame shape will flatter oval, round, square and heart-shaped faces alike.  It’s a common misconception that an aviator frame looks good on everyone – it doesn’t.  The downward slope of the aviator frame elongates oval and heart-shaped faces too much.  A square frame with rounded edges like these, look amazing on everybody.
3. These nose pads are a lifesaver.  They come in clear and black and prevent sunglasses from slipping down your nose.  They can be cleaned and stuck on and off without damaging your frames.  If you have fit problems with sunglasses, GET THESE.