The perfect pair of glasses can make or break your whole look. It's a complete commitment, too, and we don't take that decision lightly. In other words, we might need some extra help from eyewear trend experts. According to them, this year's trends are encouraging boldness and self-expression.

Forget trying on every single pair at the store. If you're a seasoned glasses wearer, you already know what works best for your face. The question then becomes, what works best for your style? After all, glasses are an essential accessory we wear every single day. This is where an expert opinion is essential. 

E! tapped Ludovica Misciatelli and Nina Esteves, the Color, Material, and Finish Designer and Trends & Foresight Manager at eyewear giant brand EssilorLuxottica. They gave us everything we needed to know about what's currently trending, the brands to follow, and what's next for eyewear in 2026. So, if you're in the market for a new pair, keep on scrolling. 

Sunglasses inspired by 70's and 60's vintage frames are so in this summer. Whether it's minimalistic and chic or bold and vibrant, you can't go wrong with any of these stylish sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun's rays and go with every outfit in your closet. 

Talk about chic! Warby Parker's Millie sunglasses feature oval lenses and smooth curves in a stylish tortoise pattern that makes them effortlessly eye-catching.

Made in Italy, these vintage-inspired sunglasses have oversized lenses, a handsome brow bar, and polished Epigraph end pieces that give them a polished and sophisticated vibe. 

Made with hand-polished cellulose acetate and stainless steel, the Warby Parker Elio sunglasses feature a keyhole bridge, scalloped upper edge, and rectangular silhouette in a trendy cactus green shade.

Eyewear trends that these experts are currently seeing in the market are dark, colorful frames, pilot frames, and barely-there minimalist designs. "We are living in a moment where, more than ever, eyewear plays not merely the role of a medical device to help you see more or protect you from the sun, but be more, playing the role of a true fashion accessory, a tool for self-expression and confidence," Misciatelli told E!. 

Trying to decide on a color for your new pair of affordable glasses? Misciatelli recommends a dark hue of a warm color. "Deep plums, chocolate tones, and magma red hues bring both softness and richness to eyewear, creating a sense of depth that feels modern, expressive, and quietly sophisticated," she said. 

"Ray-Ban continues to shape the eyewear conversation by reimagining its icons for a new generation. The resurgence of pilots and stronger metal silhouettes underscores the enduring power of heritage styles when refreshed with expressive lenses and modern detailing," Esteves told E!. And why not opt for a dark blue shade for your frames instead of the typical black? 

"Tory Burch continues to gain traction for its polished yet approachable aesthetic, exploring the duality of femininity and strength through a reinterpretation of American sportswear layered with touches of romance and craft. That balance carries into the eyewear, where structured silhouettes meet expressive detailing," Esteves said. 

"Giorgio Armani continues to resonate through understated sophistication, with clean lines, elevated materials, and nuanced tones like deep plum and warm brown appealing to consumers seeking timeless polish," Esteves said. 

"Prada remains influential for consistently setting the tone in fashion-forward eyewear. Its frames balance distinctive proportions and refined color stories with everyday wearability, making them a seasonal reference point for how eyewear can anchor a look," Esteves said. 

When it comes to what's next in eyewear trends, these experts predict it'll be all about self-expression, organic shapes, and unique contrasting lenses. "We know that eyewear frames are becoming a key tool, especially for younger generations in self-expression," Misciatelli told E!. "Bold shapes, oversized frames, and exaggerated color combinations ignite the thrill in asserting a strong identity and double as a fashion accessory."

"Vogue Eyewear captures a playful, mood-based approach through tinted lenses and trend-forward shapes, while offering a more budget-friendly entry point into fashion-led eyewear," Esteves told E!.

"Diesel pushes bold proportions and expressive color combinations that tap into identity-driven styling," Esteves said. And these silver, narrow frames that play with proportions are exactly that! 

Alongside bold colors, frames with droopy curves will be a must-have. "[It] brings a softer and more fluid silhouette to the forefront that reflects this larger shift towards more organic design," Esteves said. "This trend offers an unstructured stylistic language that pushes proportions."

For those looking for a classic (but still unique) shape, Esteves recommends intellectual round frames. "Library chic shapes build character and elegance at the same time. Timeless and classic, this round shape offers an elevated take on preppy aesthetics, intersecting classic moods with luxurious details that feel a bit more crafted."

Looking for more expert recommendations? Shop the celebrity-makeup-artist-approved glowy tints!

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As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think our readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not E!. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.