Closet CheckList Spotlight: Eyes On Sunglasses
The weather is warming up, the sun is out, and everything is looking a little brighter!
With the quarantine still in effect, I’ve noticed people in my neighborhood are going out more for walks, enjoying the parks and getting some sun. We can’t be in restaurants and shops, so we’ve all turned to the glorious outdoors.
Which means this is perfect timing to talk about our next Closet CheckList Spotlight (and one of my personal faves)... sunnies (aka, sunglasses)!!
You may think sunglasses are utilitarian and you have your one pair that you rely on again and again. Or, perhaps you simply can’t step outside without putting a pair on. Or maybe you haven’t found a pair yet that’s felt like “you.”
I’m not a huge jewelry girl, so I like to use sunglasses as my ‘jewelry.’
Just like other aspects of your closet, like coats or boots…. I recommend having more than one pair of sunglasses and dividing them into two categories:
1.Your go-to signature ‘You’ styles
2.Your fun, flavorful, jazz up any outfit styles
For your “go-to” signature style sunnies, there are a few important factors to consider:
1. These will be your investment pair. Spend a bit more on them to get higher quality (though this doesn’t mean you can’t get them on sale!!). Higher quality sunglasses will have better ‘bones.’ For example, I’ve had one pair for over three years that I convinced myself were completely ruined. Then… I took them to Lenscrafters and they were able to add a screw and repair them quickly. Had they been a cheap pair, I don’t think that -- after a couple of years -- this would have been possible. However, this is not to say that every pricey sunglass is worth and every not-so-pricey sunglass lower quality.
2. This will help you to develop and curate your own style. Style is a very personal thing and you should develop a relationship with certain styles that will, shall we say, help you establish your own brand. Think of Anna Wintour, former editor in chief of Vogue (now Condé Nast global content adviser, how’s that for a title?). Shee has rocked the same cheekbones-framing bob haircut since she was 14 years old.
3. Be choosy! Your ‘investment pair’ of sunglasses wil probably not be the first pair you see. You may need to search for a while until you find the perfect pair.
4. Highlight your features! Know what styles of sunglasses work for your face. Oversized? Round? Aviator? Cat-Eye?
5. Complement your vibe. Sunglasses must be “on point” with your personality because they are one of the first things a person will see about you! Sunnies can have more vintage vibes, edgy vibes, feminine vibes, no-nonsense, or artistic aesthetic vibes. Pick the one that screams ‘You’ most consistently.
For the second fun and flavorful category, you have a lot more freedom of shopping choice:
1. What’s on trend? This is a great way to make a classic wardrobe feel current and up-to-date.
2. If you have a closet color palette full of neutrals, what color would you like to add? Be bold! How chic would a white, wide leg pant and white shirt be with maroon sunglasses?? Get creative, but be tasteful.
3. Don’t spend too much. You’ll want these to cost about one-third the price you’d pay for your investment pair. Because these are more flavorful and daring, you won’t be able to wear them as often and they may need to ‘take a break’ between seasons.
4. What degree of flair do you want to add to your personal look? Sunglasses are a great way to do it without breaking the bank. Perhaps you’ve been wanting more vintage styles, so try adding a slim cat’s eye frame (and it might suppress that urge to splurge on vintage-style clothes)!
Look! There you have it! Of course I wouldn’t leave you without recommending some fun styles to keep your eye on...
Happy shopping!!
Question: What is YOUR signature sunglass style???