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  1. Home
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  3. Best Sunglasses for Summer Travel

Best Sunglasses for Summer Travel

By Jessie Bandy
July 02, 2012
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Credit: Charles Masters
You’ve packed your new swimsuit and tucked that SPF into your carry-on, but before you hit the road, double-check to be sure you’ve got summer’s most important travel accessory: sunglasses.

Whether you’re boarding the Jitney for a weekend in the Hamptons or a plane for an extended European getaway, sunglasses are one item you don’t want to forget. Working double-duty to shield harsh UV rays—and hide any trace of jet lag or a late-night out—sunglasses should be as fashionable as they are functional.

Enter Revo. Last year, the company introduced a new type of lens on its fashionable frames: the Crystal Water. It’s not only effective at deflecting the sun’s rays but is also highly scratch-resistant—perfect for anyone who accidently tosses their keys and sunglasses into the same pocket. And for those prone to water-based accidents, Revo’s Headway model even comes with a leash and floating buoy.

Another company thinking about what might happen to your sunglasses at the beach is Maui Jim: its Breakwall model features saltwater-safe lenses and frames. Bonus: the rimless glasses are also super-light.

But sometimes it’s all about the classics. The wayfarer frame—first introduced by Ray-Ban in 1953—is reported to be the best-selling sunglass style in history. These sunglasses have been spotted on John F. Kennedy, Bob Dylan, and Andy Warhol.

Today, Ray-Ban’s best seller is made with either a plastic or rubberized frame and offered in an array of colors and prints. It’s also been re-created by many brands. Warby Parker’s reimagining of the wayfarer, the Winston frame, features the straight-brimmed brow with a modern twist. It looks good and feels good to sport those Winston frames: with each purchase made, the company donates a pair of glasses to the needy.

Another vintage look that’s back this summer: the glamorously round shades sported by none other than jet-setter Jackie O. Her iconic look—Hermès scarves, multistrand pearls—wouldn’t have been complete without those oversize frames. You won’t have to search far for a pair of sunglasses that looks as if it’s been pulled straight from Jackie’s personal collection. Prada’s white oversize wire-bridged sunglasses are the perfect updated example and worthy of a splurge.

Read on to find the black or white frames that will complement your summer style.
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Straight-Brimmed Frames, $95, Warby Parker

Credit: Courtesy of Warby Parker

Buy a pair, give a pair through Warby Parker’s VisionSpring program. Like the Winston shown here, all are priced at $95.

warbyparker.com

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Headway, $209, Revo

Credit: Courtesy of Revo

A (detachable) leash and buoy mean that if you drop these crystal-clear, highly scratch-resistant lenses in the water, it’s a piece of cake to fish them out.

revo.com

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Breakwall, $159, Maui Jim

Credit: Courtesy of Maui Jim

Saltwater-safe lenses and frames make these super-light rimless sunglasses perfect for beach activities.

mauijim.com

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Cat-Eye Gradient Sunglasses, $69, Vogue

Credit: Courtesy of Vogue

These retro-chic shades are darker at the top of the lens for extra sun protection.

sunglasshut.com

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Two-Tone Acetate Frames, $70, Fossil

Credit: Courtesy of FOSSIL

These sleek shades will complement your most elegant days of summer for a fraction of the price.

fossil.com

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Mother-of-Pearl Frames, $138, Coach

Credit: Charles Masters

These pearly shades have an easy, breezy look that’s just right for the season.

sunglasshut.com

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Metal Detailed Aviator Frame, $99, MICHAEL Michael Kors

Credit: Courtesy of Michael Kors

A new take on an old style; you’ll put pilots to shame (available only in-store, Michael Kors, 866-709-5677).

7 of 16

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Mega-Oversize Frames, $20, Asos

Credit: Courtesy of ASOS

At only $20, these shades are a guilt-free way to mix up your summer routine.

us.asos.com.

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Gradient Lenses, $110, Guess by Marciano

Credit: Charles Masters

These Breanne sunglasses are sturdy—and classic—enough for many summers’ worth of getaways.

guessbymarciano.guess.com

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Cat-Eye Frames, $90, Kenneth Cole New York

Credit: Charles Masters

The ultimate retro shape will put you in the mood for poolside martinis.

kennethcole.com

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Rubberized Frames, $109, Ray-Ban

Credit: Charles Masters

These petite sunglasses sit pretty on just about anyone.

ray-ban.com

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Polarized Sunglasses, $295, David Yurman

Credit: Charles Masters

Having breakfast at Tiffany’s? These squarish shades are an instant way to channel vintage cool.

davidyurman.com

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Retro Shades, $150, D&G

Credit: Charles Masters

Here comes the sun, so keep covered with these glamorously sized, more contemporary sunglasses.

sunglasshut.com

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Wire-Bridge Sunglasses, $310, Prada

Credit: Charles Masters

A modern take on cat-eye glasses that pairs nicely with a colorful scarf and floppy hat.

saksfifthavenue.com

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Jet-Black Frames, $295, Sol Moscot

Credit: Courtesy of MOSCOT

Stand out from the beach crowds with these bold sunglasses; this square silhouette is flattering on most anyone.

moscot.com

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Trunk-Studded Sunglasses, $650, Louis Vuitton

Credit: Charles Masters

The round Anthea model has come full circle from 1950. It’s a style investment you’ll show off for summers to come.

louisvuitton.com

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1 of 16 Straight-Brimmed Frames, $95, Warby Parker
2 of 16 Headway, $209, Revo
3 of 16 Breakwall, $159, Maui Jim
4 of 16 Cat-Eye Gradient Sunglasses, $69, Vogue
5 of 16 Two-Tone Acetate Frames, $70, Fossil
6 of 16 Mother-of-Pearl Frames, $138, Coach
7 of 16 Metal Detailed Aviator Frame, $99, MICHAEL Michael Kors
8 of 16 Mega-Oversize Frames, $20, Asos
9 of 16 Gradient Lenses, $110, Guess by Marciano
10 of 16 Cat-Eye Frames, $90, Kenneth Cole New York
11 of 16 Rubberized Frames, $109, Ray-Ban
12 of 16 Polarized Sunglasses, $295, David Yurman
13 of 16 Retro Shades, $150, D&G
14 of 16 Wire-Bridge Sunglasses, $310, Prada
15 of 16 Jet-Black Frames, $295, Sol Moscot
16 of 16 Trunk-Studded Sunglasses, $650, Louis Vuitton

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Best Sunglasses for Summer Travel
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