If you’re in search for this summer’s look du jour, we can guarantee you one thing:
It does not, and never will, involve squinty eyes.
Not a good look, my dude. You’re gonna need an able pair of shades in your arsenal. And we don’t mean any ol’ pair you find littered on a gas-station rack spinner.
The right pair of quality sunnies not only protects the eyes, but also bestows its wearer instant swagger. Over the past few years, a new class of makers, styles and options have flooded the market, such that when you look out into a crowd, you’re not looking into a madding sea of Ray-Bans (still love you, though, RB).
Below, 11 of our favorite frames to help you look sharp (and sharply) all season long.
The “If You Lose Em, Oh Wells”: Sunski Dipseas
Moderately priced. All kinds of different styles available. Use in case of festivals, roller coasters and especially ambitious quantities of beer.
The Clip-Ons: Garrett Leight x Want Les Essentiels
To clip or not to clip? With these leather-trimmed rounders, the answer is clear.
The Rough-and-Tumbles: Electric Stacker
For all your sporting needs, an ultra-tough pair that comes with a removable eye mask that’ll protect you from all the elements.
The Tropicals: Warby Parker Roland
They pair best with swim trunks and nothing else.
The Mavericks: John Varvatos Crosby
A circular frame with smoky details. Check the nose bridge — it’s a statement piece of a throwback ‘70s ilk.
Brought to you by FIAT®
Top Down, Shades On
FIAT is a registered trademark of FCA Group Marketing S.p.A., used under license by FCA US LLC.
You should always dress for the occasion. And no occasion pairs better with a new pair of shades than a top-down, two-seat roadster. Like: the all-new 2017 FIAT® 124 Spider, a redesigned but unmistakable homage to the classic Italian roadster that turned heads on both sides of the pond for nearly two decades before being discontinued in 1985. With an aggressive, low-to-the-ground stance and up to 165-hp 1.4L turbocharged engine, the new vehicle — which hits showrooms this summer — is as much fun as you’ll have behind the wheel this year.
The Roadsters: Autodromo Stelvio
Careful on the road: this pair will turn necks. An unmistakable driver’s silhouette with stainless steel detailing and lenses that’ll cut the glare.
The Aviators: Salt Goodwin
A modern facelift on the classic aviator featuring gradient lenses.
The Contemporary Cools: M.R.K.T. x Raen Remmy 49
A versatile pair of sunnies that asks for very little — the perfect nexus of vintage and modern appeal.
The “It Was a Late Nights”: Han Kjobenhavn Paul Senior
This chunky all-black pair is basically a “Do Not Disturb” sign for your face.
The Foldables: Persol 714
Also known as the Steve McQueen pair. For conveniently slipping into your breast pocket.
The Two-For-Ones: Retrosuperfuture 49er
They’re horn-rimmed. They’re aviators. They’re the best of two worlds in one pair.
This is but one installment of 37 Things a Man’s Gotta Do This Summer, our annual compendium of everything worth seeing, doing, eating, drinking and generally making time for in your neck of the woods between now and September
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