Slim, '90s-Inspired Sunglasses Are The Most Outdated Eyewear Trend In 2024

Trends from the '90s have made their way into fashion and beauty in scores in recent years. From dark brown lipsticks to oversized jeans, it's felt like we've been reliving our "Girl, Interrupted" days. For instance, in 2017, Bella Hadid brought back a quintessential accessory from the era. Enter teeny-tiny sunglasses that barely cover the eyes. Worn in the past by icons Lisa Bonet and Kate Moss, millennial celebs like Selena Gomez and Kendall Jenner adopted the slim style a few years ago and wore them well into 2023.

For those who weren't into the fad, though, there's good news. According to our social feeds, the '90s sunglasses trend is going to fade into the distant past in 2024. So, what are we looking at in terms of newer styles then? Think oversized sunglasses with a futuristic twist, such as shield-like frames. Fashionistas will also don large cat-eye and aviator styles, as well as various shaped sunnies. Ultimately, it's time to ditch your mini shades this year, as 2024 is all about going bigger and brighter.

While we're putting away the small sunglasses of the '90s (at least for now), the bug-eyed style that was also popular during that time is back in full force. First made popular in the '60s and '70s, bug-eyed glasses came back around in the grunge era, and designers are taking inspiration from them once more in 2024. In fact, this style of sunglasses has been seen all over 2024 runways, including by beloved fashion staple Versace, who even had butterfly-inspired embellishments on them. Again, the more unique, the better.

A similar take on bug-eye sunglasses is the shield style. Think ski goggles in a lighter form but still big enough to take over a lot of your facial real estate. Victoria Beckham and Kim Kardashian have been seen wearing this style of sunglasses, and they've proven that these sunnies can easily lend an après ski aesthetic to your outfit. Our best tip? Look for ones with a thick frame and dark lenses for a mysterious feel, and you can pretend you're in a "James Bond" movie while looking fashion-forward.

If you're looking for a new pair of shades, look no further than geometric shapes, as they're all the rage in 2024. Moreover, some glasses-industry conventions can help you pick the best glasses for your face shape. Those with round faces often look amazing with rectangular or square frames, while triangle-shaped faces are typically complemented by rectangular frames. Finally, if you have an oval-shaped face, you can pretty much look great in any pair of sunglasses. 

Still, while these tips are meant to help you on your way, they're not hard-and-fast rules; you can ultimately rock any frames you want. We think the classic rectangle shape is classic and can never really go out of style, while square glasses can be a fun trend to hop on. But there's one more unique shape to look at: Cat-eye sunglasses are going to be a big hit this year, with this timeless look giving off a chic, retro vibe. Instead of the small, thin-framed style often associated with this sunnie style, opt for ones with a thicker silhouette, like Audrey Hepburn in "Breakfast at Tiffany's." Add a strand of pearls and an LBD to the mix, and you'll look chicer than ever.