A subtle but profound shift has happened to sunglasses. Call it the rise—or the return—of tinted lenses. You still can’t go wrong with classic black shades. But if you’re feeling adventurous, consider rose-colored glasses, or pink, or yellow, or light blue. Anything you desire. Though you will want to proceed with caution.
Executed incorrectly, tinted shades can make you look like a guy who drives a panel van and spends his evenings making everyone uncomfortable at the local watering hole. So skip the wire frames (too skeezy) and wraparound shapes (too Y2K) and opt for chunky, acetate aviators inspired by the previous golden era of tinted sunglasses: the ’70s.
Look for thick frames, a subtle teardrop shape, and an abundance of swagger. A double bridge, like the one you see on the pair from Cutler and Gross here, adds a little something extra. Ditto that for signature ornamentation from Jacques Marie Mage and the extra-large temple bars on Tom Ford’s pair. Go big and bold with the sunglasses themselves.
Shop ’70s Sunglasses
Cutler and Gross 9782 Aviator Sunglasses
Tom Ford Bronson Sunglasses
Jacques Marie Mage Duende Sunglasses
However, the clothes with which you pair the shades should be quieter. You want to flirt with the throwback vibe—not dive all the way in. This is not the time to bust out a fat-lapelled suit and a printed shirt. A pastel knit polo, on the other hand, is a very good idea, as is a watch that takes its cues from the ’70s. (Check out the latest from Vacheron Constantin in steel for one stellar example.)
As for where to wear them? Everywhere. Even indoors. Even … at night.
Lead image: Sunglasses (from top) by Cutler and Gross ($660), Jacques Marie Mage ($1,050), and Tom Ford ($560); knit polo ($170) by Octobre Éditions.
Photograph by Ryan Slack
Styling: Alfonso Fernández Navas, Andrea Rios
Grooming: Devra Kinery
Model: Osman Ceesay for Marilyn NY
This story appears in the April/May 2025 issue of Esquire magazine
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