Cat-Eye Sunglasses Are Trendy Again—How to Style Them

Cat-eye sunglasses are eternal for a reason. Their effortlessly elegant silhouette complements casual ensembles, retro-inspired statements, and bold, unexpected combos. I first gave these shades a try in the early 2010s, right at the dawn of a major cat-eye comeback—and they haven’t fully left my rotation ever since.

Throwing on some cat-eyes brings an instant touch of glamour to any look, transforming you into the main character in seconds. And while a classic pair is nice for whenever you want some old Hollywood elegance, there has also been plenty of modern innovation to bring the frames back to the forefront of current eyewear trends. Read on to learn all about cat-eye sunglasses’ fresh new era, including variations to look out for and simple yet creative ways to style them.

The History of Cat-Eye Sunglasses

The cat-eye silhouette was invented in the 1920s by American filmmaker and designer Altina Schinasi Miranda, who initially named it the Harlequin after the masks worn at ballroom dances. It was the first distinctively feminine eyewear style and took a while to catch on. Still, it eventually became popular in the 1930s, playing an instrumental role in turning optical glasses into a fashion accessory.

The cat-eye further rose in the decades to follow, both as part of Christian Dior’s New Look and on major movie stars and style icons like Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn. Oversized silhouettes became popular in the 1960s with a wide variety of embellishments and variations available, before square and circular designs took over the trends in the ’70s.

More recently, the cat-eye experienced a resurgence in the 2010s, amidst a wave of mid-century style nostalgia as well as fresh interpretations on the likes of the Kardashians and Rihanna. Cat-eye sunglasses with modern twists—like elongated frames, metallic details, and high-contrast hues—quickly returned to staple status among models and celebrities, and the silhouette has stayed in rotation ever since, evolving alongside surrounding sunglasses trends.

Cat-Eye Sunglasses in 2025

When you think of cat-eye sunglasses, there’s probably a classic pair that comes to mind: Chances are, it’s black, softly angular, and medium in size. While this silhouette never goes out of style, brands have sparked a new dawn for the feline frames by switching up some key details. Below are a few of the subtle changes that have made a world of difference:

• Size: Tiny, ’90s- and Y2K-inspired frames have been back for a while now, and more recently, the Olsen twins-approved oversized sunnies have returned with a vengeance. Both variations turn a staple pair of cat-eye shades into a statement, with the former feeling fit for a model off-duty and the latter having aloof Miranda Priestly energy.

• Color: A bold, of-the-moment hue can give any sunglasses a head-turning quality, especially in the form of tinted lenses. In trending shades like guava and baby blue, what was once a classic retro piece suddenly takes on a more whimsical feel.
• Shape: Many brands are offering takes on cat-eye sunglasses that are more angular, square, or rounded than the traditional silhouette. These variations blend a timeless flair with modern, trend-forward shapes.

• Finish: Mirrored, frosted, and translucent lenses are some of this summer’s top sunglasses trends, and you’ll find all of these in cat-eye form. Many of these offer a futuristic twist for the next time you want to wear sunglasses at the club or for a night out.

When you think about it, the cat-eye shape is like the winged liner of sunglasses, so it’s no wonder countless celebrities and fashion-oriented types have embraced it. From Hailey Bieber to Sabrina Carpenter to Beyoncé, the stars’ takes on the silhouette have leaned nostalgic, ultramodern, and everywhere in between, with all integrating an air of unapologetic glamour. Designers from Moschino to Alexander McQueen have also sent the shades down recent runways, with sharp angles and tinted lenses being common motifs.

How to Style

Cat-eye sunglasses are versatile staples, offering countless options for dressing them up or down and tapping into a wide range of aesthetics. If you’re investing in a bold, unexpected shape or hue, try letting your shades shine against an understated off-duty outfit, be it jeans and a white tee or an athleisure set. Alternatively, assert yourself as the main character on a night out by pairing some statement cat-eye sunnies with an LBD or—if you’re feeling bold—a bandage dress (yes, they’re back).

Classic cat-eyes have a retro-chic energy that really shines in tandem with a flouncy, Amalfi-approved sundress, while a futuristic metallic pair will look extra cool when you’re wearing a full leather ensemble. If your sunnies of choice feature a statement detail on the side, draw attention to it by opting for an updo hairstyle and/or coordinating accessories, like geometric gold jewelry or a beaded bag charm.

When it comes to beach and pool ensembles, cat-eye sunglasses have a way of instantly elevating even the simplest of swimsuits and cover-ups, so you can feel like you belong at a luxury resort. Wear yours with a caftan for ’60s-inspired Palm Beach vibes, or opt for a tankini or swim shorts for an unexpected, then-meets-now result.

The Best Modern Cat-Eye Sunglasses to Shop

The sky is truly the limit when it comes to of-the-moment cat-eye sunglasses, so lean into your favorite motifs and embrace how the silhouette can instantly elevate any look. The below selection offers a taste of the possibilities, from unexpected shapes and hues to slightly exaggerated takes on old standbys.