Mirrored sunglasses: the latest summer trend

We've talked a lot lately about the latest trends in sunglasses for this season, like round glasses and vintage sunglasses. However, there is another style that is also making a big impact this summer: sunglasses with reflective lenses - ‘mirrored sunglasses’.

[caption This Aviator model has one of the most popular colours for mirrored lenses this summer - green.]

Mirrored sunglasses have a reflective optical coating (called a mirror coating or flash coating) on the outside of the lenses to make them appear like small mirrors. The trend for this summer sees the mirrors in all different colours, but particularly in red, blue, green or grey. Although it is easy to think that mirrored sunglasses are purely aesthetic, they do also have a practical purpose as the mirror coating decreases the amount of light passing through the tinted lens by a further 10–60%, making it especially useful for conditions of sand, water, snow, and higher altitudes. That is why during the 80s and early 90s they were a key accessory for all high performance athletes.

[caption Originally a a more masculine style, as can be seen here worn by Sylvester Stallone in the film Cobra]

Over the past year they have made a slow comeback, but now that designers such as Gucci are on board, they are firmly set to be the latest summer trend. What makes them particularly appealing is that mirrored sunglasses can be worn by anyone, as they come in all kinds of models; from the classic wayfarer and aviator models to other more eccentric styles. For example they are ideal for fashionistas who want to combine two trends, such as round glasses with mirrored lenses. The frames also range from the most striking fluorescent colors to more discrete frames.

[caption These red mirrored lenses are juxtaposed against the plain, grey frames.]

Although mirrored sunglasses were originally a fairly masculine style associated with sports, this summer the trend also sees them on girls, teamed with feminine outfits such as dresses and heels, to create a intriguing mix of styles.

[caption Sarah Jessica Parker looks cool and feminine in these mirrored glasses, teamed with a pretty necklace.]

So love them or hate them, mirrored sunglasses are this summer’s latest must-have sunglasses. They can be bought from a variety of shops and online stores, so just pick the style you like and enjoy watching people discreetly try and check out their hair in the mirrors while you are wearing them!