Trend Report: Aviator Glasses

With all the retro-inspired looks and color palettes popping up, there’s no wonder why aviator glasses are so in right now. They are the perfect complement to so many looks, and they’ve been updated enough so that if you are a fan already, you can stock up in a variety of different styles.

If you’re not familiar with aviators, here’s a little history for you: they were invented in 1936 by none other than Ray-Ban. Developed for pilots, they were the perfect anti-glare pair to wear. The shape—large teardrop-shaped lenses two to three times the size of the eye socket—cancel glare and cover the eyes completely.  Aviator sunglasses have remained remarkably unchanged over the years, and are still a military staple. With their wire frames and distinctive “bug-eye” lens shape, they are very popular.

Now aviator sunglasses aren’t just pilots’ favorite eyewear. They’ve got an association with rock music and heavy metal bands; they’ve been picked up by celebrities and style icons. With so many designer styles to choose from, it’s easy to understand how these sunglasses gained popularity and kept it.

New aviator glasses from Diesel this season have gotten a serious facelift with new graphics and bold details on the arms of the sunglasses frame. Their new collection fuses hip, thick-rimmed plastic frames and streamlined, sophisticated aviators with a wraparound effect. Bold colors like silver and sunshine yellow are just an accent when they are used on the slim traditional wire frame.

Gucci is known for its elegance and style, and it shows. Gucci’s aviator sunglasses are always great shape and give you the most modern updated look. This season’s sunglasses collection was particularly sleek, combining gradient lenses with hip plastic frames.

Sporty shades just don’t do these retro-inspired pieces any justice. Aviators are the choice for vintage  styles. On Gucci’s runways, we saw their newest aviator glasses paired with retro skinny suits, suede jackets, and low mod boots perfectly. The suede fringed boots and rusty orange palettes of Gucci’s most recent collection simply scream for retro-styled accessorization, and aviator glasses fit the bill.

Aviator sunglasses are also looking good in rimless styles this season, like those from Ralph Lauren. Ralph Lauren sunglasses were worn with spring suits and elegant separates based after on the jet-setting lifestyle of the mid-twentieth century. Style aside, rimless sunglasses are good because they give you an unobstructed view for driving and sport. Gucci also has extremely stylish pairs of rimless aviators this season.

No matter what you have seen on the runway that catches your eye, there are the different styles of aviators are innumerable. Besides the frame shape, your glasses’ lenses can lend different effects to your outfit. You can wear a pair of aviator glasses with colored lenses, like a deep red or maroon, or a pair with a new, updated shape—smaller and more compact. Aviators can also have polarized lenses, which means that strong glare from surfaces will not affect you. Gradient lenses—lenses that fade from dark to light—will be very hot in 2007. Try a pair of aviators with an amber or brown gradient effect.

Aviator glasses are a perfect match to your ’80s retro look, but they will complement a classic wardrobe, too. That’s one of the reasons why these sunglasses are so in right now—they have incredible versatility.