The Sunglasses I’m Wearing All Summer: Easy Accessories That Make Outfits Feel Elevated

Okay, if you have been around here for even five minutes, then you already know your girl loves sunglasses.

Honestly, putting on sunglasses feels like my Sasha Fierce moment. I instantly feel cooler, more confident, a little more mysterious, and suddenly like I know exactly who I am and what I’m doing with this thing called life.

And the best part? Most of my sunglasses are affordable finds. That’s kind of my thing. I love timeless clothes, easy basics, denim, neutrals, pieces I can keep reaching for. But accessories? That’s where I let myself have a little more fun. Sunglasses are one of the easiest ways to play with trends without feeling like you have to redo your entire closet.

Steffanie Monae wearing brown sunglasses with blueish purple tint, a denim vest, graphic tee, brown satin skirt, and sneakers for an elevated casual outfit

Why Sunglasses Change the Whole Outfit

A good pair of sunglasses can take an outfit from, “she got dressed,” to, “oh, she has style.” That is the power of accessories. They add personality. They make basics feel intentional. They give a simple outfit a point of view. You can be wearing denim, a graphic tee, a slip skirt, or a basic neutral outfit, and the right pair of sunglasses can make the whole look feel more styled without doing the most.

Especially going into summer, sunglasses are one of those easy fashion accessories that just make sense. They are practical, they photograph well, and if you are traveling or going on vacation, affordable sunglasses are perfect because you can try something fun without being stressed if they get tossed in a bag, scratched, lost, or left by the pool.

The Sunglasses Currently in Heavy Rotation

These are the three styles I keep reaching for lately because they all work with my wardrobe in different ways!

1. Oversized Amber Aviators

First, the oversized luxury-inspired aviators. Baby, these give rich auntie. Celebrity airport look. Please do not talk to me unless it is important energy. The amber tint is so good because it instantly warms up the face and makes even a simple outfit feel more expensive.

How I would style amber aviators

Pair them with wide-leg denim, a fitted tee, a blazer, a trench coat, or a simple summer dress. They are bold enough to make the outfit feel styled, yet neutral enough to pair with many different looks.

Check out How to Style a Statement Blazer Without Overthinking It for outfit inspiration.

2. Brown Neutral Aviators With a Soft Tint

Next, the brown neutral-toned aviators with the slight lavender/blue tint.

I have been wearing these nonstop lately because this season I have been leaning into more neutrals, ivories, creams, denim, and soft, earthy tones. These sunglasses pair so well with that kind of color palette.

The neutral style aviators make outfits feel soft, elevated, and pulled together without trying too hard. This is the pair I would grab when I want the outfit to feel stylish, but still calm and wearable.

How I would style neutral aviators

Try them with a denim, a denim jumpsuit or romper, yass! Or even a nice neutral color, linen set. They are one of those pairs that quietly finish the look.

3. Rectangle Frames With Personality

Last, my square-style rectangle frames. In the video, I called them square frames, but honestly, they are more rectangular, so we are just going to call them rectangle frames and keep it moving.

These are my personality glasses. I have them in different colors because they are such a quick way to make an outfit feel more fun. Sometimes the outfit itself is simple, and the sunglasses are what finish the story.

How I would style rectangle sunglasses

Use them when you want the outfit to feel more playful. These are cute with denim, graphic tees, colorful pants, summer sets, vacation looks, and casual outfits that need a little extra personality.

Affordable Sunglasses Are Perfect for Summer

This is why I love finding affordable sunglasses, especially for summer and vacation. You can try a trend, pack a few options, wear them to the pool, toss them in your tote, and not feel like your whole day is ruined if something happens to them.

That does not mean they have to look cheap, either. The right shape, color, and tint can still make an outfit feel elevated, even if the sunglasses were an affordable find. For me, that is the sweet spot: timeless clothes as the foundation, playful accessories as the personality.

Wear the Reminder

Shop the Blessed & Unbothered Tee

Shop the Sunglass Edit

I pulled together a few affordable sunglasses that feel fun, stylish, and easy to wear for summer, vacation, denim outfits, neutral outfits, and everyday looks.

More Style Inspiration

If you loved this post, you can also check out my other style posts for more elevated everyday outfit ideas.

How to Style Ballet Sneakers Without Looking Too Casual

Final Thoughts

Sometimes style really is in the small details.

A pair of sunglasses. A graphic tee. A color you normally would not try. A little accessory that makes you feel more like yourself. So yes, build the timeless wardrobe. Keep the staples. Wear the denim. Love the neutrals. But also leave room to play. Because the right accessories do not just finish the outfit; they remind you that you are allowed to show up with personality, confidence, softness, and a little bit of main-character energy.

XOXO,

Steffanie Monae’