Something’s been bothering me recently. No matter how hard I try, I can’t shake my penchant for Y2K style, which, considering my late twenties are well underway, I probably should have outgrown by now.
No matter, my wardrobe remains saturated with diamanté-dotted tops thrifted in Goodwill, vintage Cavalli mesh and low-rise jeans. Yet, the magic of true Noughties style lies in the accessories - the monogrammed Coach bag, the heavily buckled Concho belts and, of course, the sunglasses.
Wraparound shades are a relic of the late 90s and early 2000s, when close-fitting, razor-thin silhouettes swept through the fashion set. Yet the appeal of the style endures today, with Hackney cool-girls and art school students snapping up vintage pairs while scouring the internet for preloved finds.
© @nicolaannepeltzbeckhamThe celebrities are big fans too. Stars such as Nicola Peltz Beckham and Emily Ratajkowski have adopted the styling hack, debuting several options on both social media and in public on several occasions.
For those who remain unsure about the fad, look away now because it's very much here to stay. At least according to the designers, who peppered the autumn/winter 2026 runways with wraparound shades across all four fashion capitals.
© Imaxtree
© Imaxtree
© Imaxtree
© Imaxtree
© Imaxtree
© Imaxtree
© Imaxtree
© ImaxtreeBalenciaga debuted blacked out, streamlined options that looked as if they’d be plucked from the set of The Matrix, while Kiko Kostadinov toyed with subversive printed iterations. Louis Vuitton presented XL, bug-eyed styles and Chloé conjured up its signature 70s nostalgia with curved blue-tined lenses. In fact, it was hard to find a collection that didn’t include wraparound shades - a testament to the style’s enduring allure.
Endlessly sleek and ever-cool, wraparound shades are here to stay. Shop our favourites below.
Best wraparound sunglasses to shop:
D-Frame Acetate Sunglasses
Gucci
Fresh from Demna's runway, Gucci's D-Frame Acetate Sunglasses are the ultimate Y2K accessory. A wraparound lense framed by Gucci's signature horsebit silver hardware makes for a worthwhile investment this summer.
The Luz Sunglasses
Jimmy Fairly
Available in four timeless colourways, Jimmy Fairly's XL The Luz shades are fitted with cellulose acetate lenses that offer 100 per cent UV protection. For the most stylish of sunny days.
Futura 03
Gentle Monster
Cool-girl wear Gentle Monster, fact. The brand's Futura 03 frames are a non-negotiable for effortless summer styling, fitted with brown lenses and a sleek gold metal finish.
Fog Rectangle-Frame Sunglasses
Rick Owens
Rick Owens' razor thin shades are a lesson in subversive style. Complete with a mocha-hued lens and a streamlined fix, these designer sunnies are reserved for bold luxury lovers.
Highland Sunglasses
Oakley
Designed for athletes, Oakley's eyewear offerings never disappoint. Featuring a Gen Z-approved peach lenses and a lightweight thermoplastic frame, these bad boys marry top-notch quality and Sporty Spice aesthetics.
Black Sunset Sunglasses
Balenciaga
When it comes to dazzling displays of disruptive style, one can always count on Balenciaga. The brand's uber-luxe shades, featuring the house's iconic logo detailing emblazoned on the side, are kryptonite for designer fiends.
DL3004 Unisex Cat Eye Sunglasses, Multi
Diesel
Leave it to Diesel to create the dream pair of Noughties-inspired shades to coo over. A coolly-cracked tortoiseshell exterior and metallic sheen culminate in a festival-ready accessory to snap up ASAP.
Oversized Racer Sunglasses
Weekday
For those on a budget this summer, look no further than Weekday. The brand's affordable specs are designed for the chicest of city strolls.
Wraparound Sunglasses
Prada
Hot tip - the best sunglasses in life are vintage. These preloved Pradas are an ode to true 90s style, finished with subtle logo detailing and a wide frame for added enigma.
Gem-Stud Knotted Sunglasses
Ottolinger
Dotted with rainbow-hued crystals and boasting an oversized silhouette, Ottolinger's cool-girl shades are not for the faint-hearted - which is exactly why we love them.
Active Rectangle Glasses
Lacoste
A heavy duty option for sports enthusiasts, Lacoste's unisex Active Rectangle Glasses feature a geometric cut and a subtle wrap effect, taking the wearer from race to rave with ease.
HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.
