With the bright days of summer approaching, we all will need a little extra protection for our eyes—and a little bit of style. “This season is all about being bold and fun,” says Priscilla Priebe, an optician at Birch Lake Eye Clinic. And these trendy shades do double-duty: “Not only are they stylish,” says Dustin Crooks, an optician at White Bear Eye Clinic and Optical, “but they offer better protection from the sun and its damaging UV rays.”
Here are the top three trends to try out this summer:
Metals
Thick and chunky metals in black, dark brown and navy matte finishes are huge this season. Add some animal prints, laser cut metal details, and you’ve got yourself some stylish specs.
Try: “Lome” by Lafont ($363); Birch Lake Eye Clinic
Plastics
Plastics are still huge this season and arriving in bright colors, such as turquoise, mint and especially pink. Pink is always a lovely go-to color for summer, and in 2014 it is showing up in coral and peach tones. Classic tortoise shell sunglasses with transparent elements are also quite popular.
Try: “Coolidge Sun” by Seraphin ($237); Birch Lake Eye Clinic or “New Wayfarer” by Ray-Ban (prices vary, depending on polarized or non-polarized); White Bear Eye Clinic and Optical
Sports Frames
Sports frames like Costa Del Mar and Maui Jim are incredibly popular around these parts. Costa Del Mar is primarily known in the fishing community for great water sport frames, and also has some of the best polarized lenses on the market.
Try: “Jose” by Costa Del Mar ($259); White Bear Eye Clinic and Optical
White Bear Eye Clinic and Optical
4750 Washington Square, White Bear Lake; 651.429.3379
Birch Lake Eye Clinic
4720 White Bear Parkway, White Bear Lake; 651.426.2747
