Sorry, Kanye, but it seems as though 'tiny little' '90s-style sunglasses have serious competition. According to the latest seasonal trends, as well as Instagram and celebrity paparazzi shots, the oversized frame is very much back in fashion.
But while they clearly work as a statement-making accessory - could they also work as an everyday staple? And how would introducing them as a part of my round-the-clock look make me feel?
To find out, I decided to channel my inner A-lister by wearing larger-than-life Dolce&Gabbana sunglasses from their Devotion eyewear collection (during a London winter, no less) in a haul of scenarios. Daytime, nighttime, indoors, outdoors. Yes, we're talking at my desk, with my S/O and on public transport.
Did I get asked if I'd recently had laser eye surgery? Yes. But did my selfie success rate go up tenfold? Also yes.
Feeling like Sophia Loren, I took the challenge in my stride. Wearing sunglasses instantly made me feel more confident, and it's no surprise. Firstly, shades give the illusion of perfect facial symmetry, so they make you appear more objectively attractive. (Thanks, science.) And because the dark lenses restricted my eye contact, they gave me an added air of mystery.
Here's how they fared during my trial scenarios...
I was apprehensive about this one. It's one thing to wear your sunglasses inside - but a whole other story to wear them underground. I received a few raised eyebrows, but it certainly wasn't the most unusual thing anyone had seen on public transport. Plus, they allowed for undetected people-watching, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Difficulty rating: 2/5
I can be socially awkward at the best of times, but adding in sunglasses gave me a nonchalant confidence that I didn't know I had in me. Never has queuing up at a central London café felt more relaxed. Plus, coffee makes for the perfect accessory for a street-style-esque shot.
Difficulty rating: 1/5
The first thing my work wife asked me when I sat down at my desk wearing the sunglasses was whether I was hungover, which definitely wasn't the professional reaction I was going for. But when I waltzed through reception in them, I noticed some heads turn in a 'who's that?' kind of way. I could get used to that.
Difficulty rating: 5/5
Thankfully it's still light during 5PM happy hour, so I didn't look too suspicious when I wore my new accessory on a date. I'd forewarned my beau that I was going to be wearing them with a sneak-preview sunglasses mirror selfie, which he replied to with his own sunglasses photo (naturally). But, still, I did notice how less familiar (read: unimpressed) he was being with me.
Even so, with the addition of some wine and flattering gold lighting, I almost felt like I had a holiday glow. Plus, they amped up my dress and trainer vibe to make it look like I'd put in 100% more effort. So, win-win really.
Difficulty rating: 4/5
After learning from my date night, I opted for a lighter lens from Dolce&Gabbana for my next outing. I wanted to be able to interact with my friends as I normally do - and eye contact is so important when recounting stories. But did I feel like someone out of SATC? Abso-freaking-lutely.
Difficulty rating: 4/5
If I'm going to be really millennial about it, the sunglasses did sort of make me feel like an influencer - and I didn't hate it. And while I half expected to feel pressure to up my style game to match, I actually felt the opposite. Because the sunglasses added instant fashion value, I felt comfortable sticking to my signature utilitarian style (read: slightly basic) while wearing them.
Would I recommend wearing them during your morning commute? Maybe not if you have a tendency to trip on escalators. But are they the perfect go-to if you want to up the drama on your coffee run or discreetly spy on your colleagues? Definitely.
For more sunglasses style inspiration, head to Dolce&Gabbana.
