The 6 Most Elegant Sunglass Shapes – And Who They Flatter
Elegant, mysterious, and with a touch of retro glamour—these sunglass styles are a staple in hotspots like St. Tropez, Monaco, and Cannes, instantly adding a luxe edge to any outfit. In this guide, you'll find out which shape best suits your face and how to choose the perfect shade to complement your style.
Shade 1: Slim Oval Sunglasses for the Understated It-Girl Vibe
These frames exude understated luxury: a mix of Parisian coolness and effortless model-off-duty energy. You might recognize them from Tom Ford perfume campaigns or the faces of muses like Bella Hadid and Zoë Kravitz. They give off a "too chic to care" attitude, making them a must-have in the French Riviera fashion playbook.
Attributes
Slim oval sunglasses have elongated, narrow lenses that follow the natural curve of the face, creating a seamless, sculpted look. Unlike cat-eye or butterfly sunglasses, which flare out, slim ovals remain sleek and horizontal, offering a modern, streamlined aesthetic.
Who They Fit
Slim oval sunglasses work best for square, diamond, and heart-shaped faces as they soften angular features and elongate the face. If your face is more rounded, they can emphasize width rather than balance it.
Shade 2: Butterfly Sunglasses - The Graceful Showstopper
Butterfly sunglasses are for the woman who loves a bit of drama, elegance, and a perfectly curated life. They bring to mind the glamorous jet-setters of the 60s and 70s, effortlessly sipping champagne at a private villa overlooking the Mediterranean.
The Attributes
Butterfly sunglasses feature wide, sweeping frames that are slightly winged at the edges, resembling a butterfly in flight. They are larger than cat-eye frames, offering more sun protection.
Who They Fit
Butterfly sunglasses are perfect for round, oval, and heart-shaped faces. Their uplifting, winged structure balances softer features and adds a hint of structure to rounder faces.
Shade 3: Cat Eye Sunglasses à la Old Hollywood Glamour
Think Marilyn Monroe in a convertible on Rodeo Drive, or Brigitte Bardot walking the French Riviera in a fitted sundress. Cat-eye sunglasses represent a mix of vintage movie star glamour and Parisian chic. They bring to mind Dior campaigns from the 50s and 60s, where a single accessory could define an entire look.
Attributes
Unlike butterfly sunglasses, which have a softer curve, cat-eyes are more pointed and structured, giving a sharp, sculpting effect.
Who They Fit
Cat-eye sunglasses flatter almost every face shape, but they work especially well for round, oval, and square faces.
Shade 4: Oversized Square Sunglasses for a Look with Power Statement
Picture Jackie Kennedy stepping off a private jet in the 70s, or Victoria Beckham striding through Paris Fashion Week—oversized square sunglasses are all about confidence, mystery, and effortless luxury. They evoke the quiet power of a woman who never tries too hard but always commands attention.
Attributes
These sunglasses have large, square frames that offer maximum coverage while still maintaining a chic structure.
Who They Fit
This shape is ideal for round and oval faces, as the sharp, angular structure contrasts with softer facial features, creating a balanced, sculpted effect. If you have a more angular face, oversized square sunglasses can enhance your natural bone structure, making your features look even more defined.
Shade 5: The Bold Cat-Eye for a more Playful Riviera Glam
This is the cat-eye’s rebellious younger sister—a little bolder, a little more playful, but still dripping in elegance. This style is about retro glamour meets modern fun, perfect for sipping an apéritif in a beach club or driving a vintage convertible along the coast.
Attributes
Unlike classic cat-eye sunglasses, which are typically sleek and refined, bold cat-eyes have exaggerated, wider frames for a more playful, statement-making look. They often come in bright colors (like the red pair in the image), which enhances their vintage charm.
Who They Fit:
Like classic cat-eyes, these work well for round, oval, and heart-shaped faces.
Shade 6: Rectangular Sunglasses - The Cool Minimalist
Rectangular sunglasses give off a sleek, fashion-forward aesthetic, perfect for the woman who doesn’t need to try too hard to look put together. Imagine the clean-cut campaigns of Bottega Veneta or Céline, where quiet luxury speaks louder than any trend.
Attributes
Unlike slim oval sunglasses, which have a more organic curve, rectangular frames offer a sharper, more geometric look, creating a sleek, futuristic feel. They often come in thicker acetate frames in classic black, tortoiseshell, or muted neutral tones.
Who They Fit
Rectangular sunglasses work well for round and oval faces, as the straight lines contrast softer features. If you have a square or angular face, they can create an ultra-modern, editorial look.
How to Choose the Perfect Elegant Shade for Your Sunglasses
When it comes to elegant sunglasses, shape is only half the equation—shade matters just as much. Here are the most elegant options:
1. Classic Black
Black frames work for everyone, but they shine best on those with bold features or a monochrome-heavy wardrobe. They pair well with structured coats, power blazers, and high-fashion minimalism.
2. Tortoiseshell
These are best for those with warm undertones in their skin or soft, romantic features. Tortoiseshell works beautifully with earthy neutrals, linen fabrics, and classic vintage styling.
3. Gold & Metal Frames
Gold and thin metal frames have an understated opulence, perfect for an effortless, high-society aesthetic. They work beautifully on
fair and olive skin tones, as well as those with delicate bone structures.
4. White & Ivory
White sunglasses are bold, playful, and strikingly elegant. They add a touch of retro glam, making any outfit instantly more summery and polished. They are best for tanned or deeper skin tones, as the contrast creates a chic, statement look.
5. Nude & Transparent Hues
Inspired by Scandinavian fashion and sleek European style, nude and transparent sunglasses are for those who prefer subtle elegance over statement pieces. They are ideal for those with light to medium skin tones who want a natural, barely-there accessory.
Final Takeaway: Elegance is in the Details
The secret to choosing the perfect elegant sunglasses lies in understanding your proportions, considering your personal style, and selecting a shade that enhances your natural features. Whether you prefer butterfly frames for a Riviera aesthetic, cat-eyes for vintage glamour, or rectangular shapes for a modern edge, nothing says luxury quite like the right sunglasses!
Citron et Soleil
Citron et Soleil
Citron et Soleil