On one hand, sunglasses can be a great investment. If you opt for a timeless pair, like classic thin-rim aviators, they can last you years. On the other hand, there are few things easier to lose or break than sunglasses. Plus, it’s fun to switch it up. Sunglasses are one of the easiest ways to dress up a bland outfit or, conversely, help you fly under the radar. That said, just because you’re looking to spend under $20 on cheap sunglasses doesn’t mean you can sacrifice function. Remember, sunglasses are more than just fashion pieces, they’re critical for protecting your eyes.
Here’s a look at some of the best luxe and cheap sunglasses picks, no matter your style or budget.
[ Next: Beauty Splurge vs. Steal: 9 Ways to Save Money on Your Products ]
Sunglasses Splurge vs. Steal: Ways to Save Money (or not!) on Your Products
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Round Splurge: Retrosuperfuture
Esther Pink, $351.77 at Retrosuperfuture
Round sunglasses are having a serious moment thanks to celebs like Rihanna and Bella Hadid. If you're looking for a bold take on the trend, this is it.
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Round Save: Beauty & the Beach
Blue Crush Sunnies, $42 at Beauty & the Beach
The blue-on-blue color scheme makes these bright shades exceedingly more wearable than they look.
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Heart Splurge: Saint Laurent
New Wave 181 Loulou Sunglasses, $420 at Saint Laurent
Lolita sunglasses will continue to be popular through this summer. If you've got the spare dough to splurge on what is sure to be a fleeting trend, opt for the brand responsible for the trend: Saint Laurent.
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Heart Save: Sunglass.LA
Oversize Extreme Heart Sunglasses, $12 at Sunglass.LA
For those looking for the Lolita trend on a budget, it doesn't get better than these cheap sunglasses.
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Cat Eye Splurge: Sonix
Kyoto, $120 at Sonix
A cat eye is as classic as a LBD and Sonix offers a few options so you can go more or less bold with the shape.
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Cat Eye Save: Quay Australia
Stray Cat, $29 at Quay Australia
Hey, if Quay Australia is good enough for Cara Delevingne, Gwen Stefani and Beyoncé...
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Rectangle Splurge: Billy Reid
William Acetate Sunglasses, $250 at Billy Reid
If you're looking for a unisex pair, go for rectangular like this one from Billy Reid.
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Rectangle Save: Look Optic
Sun Sullivan, $88 at Look Optic
The great thing about this unisex pair is that you can get them with prescription lenses.
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Bedazzled Splurge: Freda Banana
Lulu Embellished Round-Frame Acetate Mirrored Sunglasses, $335 at Net-a-Porter
You probably won't wear them every day, but how can you not smile with these sunglasses?
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Bedazzled Save: Italia Independent
Velvet Studs Nicole, $211.81 at Italia Independent
If you've looked for bedazzled shades, you've probably noticed that the cheap ones usually look...cheap, which is why the "save"here is a bit pricier than the others. This price, however, not only gets you studded bedazzling, but velvet frames.
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Shield Splurge: Sunday Somewhere
Iris in Rose Gold, $320 at Sunday Somewhere
Looking to rebel against the tiny sunglasses trend? Here's your chance. Added bonus: All of Sunday Somewhere's frames — worn by the likes of Beyoncé, Alessandra Ambrosio and the Hadid sisters — are made by hand.
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Shield Save: Forever 21
Rimless Shield Sunglasses, $9.90 at Forever 21
These cheap sunglasses are the ultimate streamlined budget statement piece.
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Aviator Splurge: Gucci
Aviator-Style Gold-Tone Sunglasses, $485 at Net-a-Porter
Like cat eye shades, aviators are forever classics.
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Aviator Save: Lane Bryant
Aviator Sunglasses, $16.95 at Lane Bryant
Colorful aviators are a fun upgrade to the timeless style.
