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Often, I look to previous decades for fashion inspiration. There’s something incredible about discovering an item that looked just as cool 25 years ago as it does today. To me, it adds a certain stamp of approval, proving that it has stood the test of time, and no, you won’t look back and regret wearing it a few years down the road.
Most recently, I experienced this with sunglasses. I’d been looking back at ’90s fashion with some frequency and couldn’t help but notice that oval sunglasses—much like the ones fashion girls are wearing in 2018—were everywhere during the decade. They were the go-to choice for Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, among others, but it’s Bessette-Kennedy who really pushed me into trying them for myself. As someone who identifies with her cool, easy style, I didn’t think her sartorial leanings would steer me wrong.
So, I picked up a pair from Le Specs. I’ll admit that it did take my eye some time to adjust to the new shape. I tend to wear oversize square or rectangular sunglasses, so it was definitely a very new silhouette. But now that I’ve given myself a little time to get used to them, I couldn’t be happier to have them in my collection. Just goes to show that recycling some of fashion’s earlier trends is often a great idea. Ahead, shop my picks of the best oval sunglasses to try for yourself.
1 / 15
Selima Also ($385)
This is the exact pair Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy wore in the ’90s.
2 / 15
Selima Carolyn ($385)
Here is a similar version of Bessette-Kennedy’s pair, but with slightly larger proportions.
3 / 15
Le Specs Outta Love Oval-Frame Acetate Sunglasses ($70)
A cool modern version.
4 / 15
Ray-Ban Oval Sunglasses ($168)
These brown lenses are an interesting change from typical black.
5 / 15
Roberi & Fraud Black Betty ($175)
All black for a sense of mystery.
6 / 15
Crap Eyewear The Sweet Life ($85)
From L.A.-based brand Crap Eyewear.
7 / 15
Andy Wolf Armstrong Oval-Frame Sunglasses ($341)
If you’re into wire frames, give these a try.
8 / 15
ASOS Small Oval Sunglasses ($19)
Try this affordable pair.
9 / 15
Chimi Joel Ighe Oval-Frame Acetate Sunglasses ($150)
If you want to add some color, here’s the style for you.
10 / 15
The Row x Oliver Peoples Empire Suite Sunglasses ($425)
From a cool collaboration with The Row.
11 / 15
Elizabeth and James McKinley Oval-Frame Acetate Sunglasses ($185)
We love these white frames.
12 / 15
Dita Eyewear Siglo Sunglasses ($788)
An everyday staple.
13 / 15
Forever 21 Oval Sunglasses ($18)
We can’t resist this price tag.
14 / 15
Sun Buddies Round Shaped Sunglasses ($150)
Add these to your weekend outfit.
15 / 15
Vintage ’90s Scene Slim Oval Sunglasses ($22)
Here’s a vintage version to try out.
More on Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s ’90s style right this way.