While the world continues to battle COVID-19 and the fashion industry faces tragic losses due to the struggling economy, many of us have reevaluated our spending habits on fashion-related goods. While most of us aren’t buying brand new jawns due to the lack of places to wear it, there are other areas of our wardrobe that we can still invest in and enjoy - even while quarantined. While summertime always warrants a good sunglasses round-up, this year’s roster includes some of the best vintage-inspired shades on the market. With 70’s & 80’s references continuing to appear in many contemporary runway collections, the trend has also reached eyewear offerings. In the list below we have included some glasses that have appeared in our favorite movies set in the 70’s such as “Blow,” “Casino,” “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” and even “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.” A quarantined world in the middle of summer doesn’t always warrant getting the biggest fits off, but you can still rock some timeless shades in your daily walks outside.

Chimi Sayonara Aviator

Chimi has been on my radar for a while now due to their asounding quality and reasonable price points. This square frame aviator with yellow/brown gradient lenses is one of my absolute favorites from their current offering. Made in Japan of a soft gold steel, these frames are the perfect hybrid of Cliff Booth and Raoul Duke. Perfect for any occasion with any outfit.

Vintage Frames Co XXL Tortoise

Whether you are “Blinded by the Lights” or you are looking to channel your favorite 1970s Mob boss, the Vintage Frames Co. XXL Goliath is the frame for you. Made of a Tortoise Acetate, these frames have appeared in countless movies and are a harmonized balance of oversized shape with a timeless flair.

CELINE Aviators

It doesn’t get more classic than this. Hedi Slimane once said that “an outfit without sunglasses feels incomplete.” Featured heavily in the men’s and women’s shows for Celine, if Hedi Slimane sees this as a sunglass essential so should you.

Garrett Leight Harding Sun Aviators

I have always been a fan of black acetate sunglasses since my first pair of Rayban Wayfarers. This acetate aviator shape from Garrett Leight looks like they are straight of the movie “Blow” featuring Johnny Depp. Everything about these is so classic 70s but very wearable in a modern sense. We highly recommend adding these or something similar to your arsenal.

Oliver Peoples x The Row

Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen aren’t just talented at making cashmere overcoats for their ultra Luxe label, The Row but have an eye for crafting effortless sunglasses. Teaming up with Oliver Peoples, The Row has created a collaborative line with 12 shapes with this pair in particular being a vintage inspired round metal frame called the “Brownstone 2.” The gold/pink gradient colorway is by far the best.

Gucci Clear Blue Aviators

“Hey Siri, Play Watermelon Sugar by Harry Styles.” These clear blue acetate frames are a the perfect glasses for Summer. They are classic, fun, and Alessandro Michelle Gucci so you know they have primetime 70’s opulence. 10/10.

Thierry Lasry x Enfants Riches Deprimes

Enfants Riches Deprimes first collaborated with sunglasses aficionado, Thierry Lasry a few years back and have continued to create amazing frames through this partnership. This square framed thick acetate style from ERD furthers their punk-inspired subcultures look that they put out season to season. While there are plenty of great colorways in the collection, this clear frame pair with mineral green lenses are serious heaters.

The Quality Mending Co. The Causeway Glasses

Quality Mending Co. is one of my favorite curated vintage boutiques in NYC. They carry 50’s-80s apparel and accessories. I have bought two pairs of frames from them, this pair above included. The classic black acetate frame with yellow-tinted lenses is a very easy shape to wear with a fun transition lens that you can wear indoors & outdoors. Perfect for a quarantine fit pic.

Spitfire Rising With The Sun

One of the most affordable Sunglasses included on this list, Spitfire London has a vast array of shapes for very reasonable price points. THis oversized shape caught our attention due to its 70/80s inspired look. The grey acetate paired with the pink gradient lenses is perfect for Summer days and evenings.

Vintage Frames Co. Heart Shaped Sunglasses

To celebrate the Vintage Frames Co’s new store opening in Montreal, CA they released these exclusive Heart Shaped frames inspired by none other than Elton John. Elton is said to have over 250,000 pairs of unique sunglasses within his collection. While he has worn plenty of different shapes over the course of his career, there are none more signature than his heart frame sunnies. If you are looking for something a little more fun for your collection I highly recommend trying this shape.

Our Favorite Vintage-Inspired Sunglasses for Summer 2020