Tuesday, June 13, 2023

28 Of The Best Sunglasses From Colorful Lenses To Y2k Frames

You only get two eyes in this lifetime, so it’s important to keep ‘em as healthy and stylish as possible. On those supremely bright and sunny days, that means putting on a pair of trendy sunglasses to protect your delicate pupils from harmful UV rays — or from paparazzi flashes, or from things falling from the sky (which, who knows, could all totally happen).

Since we know that the world of shaded eyewear can be overwhelming, we put together this mini guide to the best women’s sunglasses to look out for, categorized by style, lens type, and activity. As you know, sunglasses come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, widths, and price points — and the best way to see if a pair works for you is to give them a test drive.

Whether you’re looking for a pair of statement sunglasses for a bold summer style or thin, minimalist frames to take on the Y2k trend, there are plenty of options out there. We’ve even got you covered with sports sunnies and sunglasses for wide faces. So if one style doesn’t work for your face, we guarantee there’s another pair of women’s sunglasses just lurking around the corner that will. Now, go forth and keep those blinding rays at bay.

Classic Sunglasses

You already know the tried-and-true classic styles — the Wayfarers, the aviators, the rounded frames, the cat eyes. But this year, why not opt for a reimagined staple? We’re thinking John Lennon-style round sunglasses with a tortoiseshell outer or ’70s-inspired aviators in a rose-gold finish or Audrey Hepburn-esque blackout spectacles.

Statement Sunglasses

When all else fails in the sartorial department, you can always count on statement sunglasses to polish off an otherwise uninspired look — or put on a pair of show-stopping specs to add another layer of flair to your ensemble. Either way, don’t be afraid of being extra extra — this is your moment to go big and bold, playing with size, shapes, and color.

Minimalistic Sunglasses

We can’t forget the minimalist queens out there. You’ll love the chic options below if you gravitate toward sleek, low-maintenance sunnies. With the comeback of Y2k style, thin and delicate frames are also in again. Add a pair of small oval or rectangular glasses to your collection to compliment any outfit.

Tinted Lens Sunglasses

Want to literally see the world through rose-colored glasses — or maybe yellow, orange, or blue? In this year of 2023, there’s surely a pair of sunglasses that can deliver whatever colored tinted lens you’re looking for. Bright colors are continuing to trend this spring and summer, so a vibrant pair of sunglasses is the perfect perky warm-weather accessory.

Polarized Sunglasses

Heard of polarized sunglasses but not sure of their benefits? Polarized shades are especially crucial if you’re an outdoorsy, under-the-sun person — these sunglasses reduce that intense glare of blinding light that usually appears on, say, ocean water or crisp snow, making it much easier for you to see things in nature as they really are.

Sunglasses For Wide Heads

Don’t laugh: Big heads can create a whole host of style problems, like making it impossible to don a chic hat at the beach. But more eyewear designers are taking note and specifying their styles as “wide” or “XL.” The glasses below are all from eyewear brands that offer wider fits — which means no more indents on your temples.

Sports Sunglasses

If the sporty life is for you, secure a pair of athlete-approved sunglasses that stay put during your summer exercises or activities. The polarized lenses are water- and oil-resistant, the frames are feather-light, and the grippy nose pads prevent droop, even when the sweat is pourin’.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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7 Engagement Ring Trends That Are Defining 2023, According to Experts

Unlike popular runway styles, engagement ring trends tend to move on a slower, subtler track (there’s not a wedding ring equivalent of a butterfly top or leather harness, after all).  Even so, options are still diverse and run the gamut, ranging from traditional designs like solitaire settings all the way to modern interpretations like black diamond ring rings or bezel-set bands. This year, experts are pointing to a similarly varied array of ring trends that will be seen everywhere, with options that both die-hard minimalists and those with bolder tastes can envision slipping on their fingers.

If you happen to be in the market for an engagement ring and find yourself overwhelmed by choosing one style to wear for the rest of your life — don’t. “Often people put a lot of pressure on an engagement ring, thinking they have to love it forever, so they end up choosing something traditional,” Meadowlark co-founder Claire Hammon says. “But things change, and you can remodel your ring in the future as your style evolves.”

When looking for an engagement ring that resonates with your personal style, designer Ashley Zhang says to begin with a digital mood board of sorts. “Save screenshots of any and all styles of rings you like. After a few weeks you might be surprised to find that a few of them have similar looks or elements,” she says. Once you have a general sense of the vibe you’re going for, according to GIA expert Nellie Barnett, you should focus on the center stone, asking questions like: “Are you a dazzling diamond type of person or attracted to a pop of color using emerald, morganite, or a different kind of gemstone?” From there, she adds, look for a gemstone with a report. 

All of this to say, choosing an engagement ring that’s right for you isn’t a perfect science. It’s a mix of gut instinct and what’s available in the current market. If you’re not sure where to start, ahead, seven trends that are taking over 2023. 

Rings With Colored Stones

Non-diamond center stones have steadily climbed in popularity over the last few years and experts point to this trend as one that will only grow through 2023. “Colored stones will be going strong for a long time,” Hammon predicts. Zhang notes that her team has also been receiving more requests for colored stones than ever before. “These can either be as the center and main stone or as accents,” she says. “Using colored gemstones is a great way to have a unique look… These rings still feel bridal and special but also bold and different.” 

Yellow Gold Bands

While Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw had a bone to pick with her yellow gold engagement ring band, the trend has become a preferred option in recent years. “Yellow gold is our most requested metal,” Zhang says. “I think this choice in settings will stay strong. The contrast of the yellow with white diamonds really makes them pop.” If you’re going especially unique, consider mixing silver and gold metals when choosing a wedding band to complement your stone. 

Chunky Bands

Though dainty, delicate rings have been in favor for seemingly forever, the pendulum is beginning to swing in the opposite direction. “Bold pieces will grow in popularity,” Marrow Fine founder and creative director, Jillian Sassone, says. “Metal-heavy chunky settings have been requested the most in 2022, and I don’t see that slowing down. If anything, our brides and grooms are doubling down on that by adding cigar bands and other statement-making wedding bands to their bridal sets.”

Vintage-Inspired Rings

A “vintage-inspired” engagement ring can mean a lot of things from types of settings (e.g. Art Deco) to cuts (Old European), but a general sense of old-meets-new is permeating current trends. “I’ve seen an increase in demand for reimagining heirloom stones into new designs that feel more aligned with the bride’s or groom’s style,” Sassone notes. Zhang has also seen an uptick in old gemstones. “Old-mine cut diamonds and antique cushions are the most desired request we get,” she says. “These stones are rare and extremely difficult to find. Mined and cut over 100 years ago, they have such a unique sparkle.” 

Non-Traditional Rings

You might think of engagement ring bands as falling into three main categories: gold, rose gold, and silver. But this year, that might change. “Our popular Til Death band is ideal for our brides and grooms who want to make a big statement about their love,” Sassone says about the black enamel band emblazoned with the words “til death.” “It feels like a Victorian throwback while the old English type brings an edge that is resonating with couples wanting a bold non-traditional wedding band.” Other materials such as tungsten carbide and teakwood also lend unexpected elements to otherwise-traditional settings. 

Step-Cut Diamond Rings

For brides with pared-back style, Sassone says to watch out for step-cut diamonds — a square or rectangle stone with parallel facets on all four sides, resembling steps — as a trend in 2023. “I love a step-cut diamond for a minimalist,” she says. “The clean architectural lines are perfect for someone with style but who doesn’t want a lot of flash.” 

Pear and Oval Rings

While celebrity engagements don’t always move the needle for trends, Sassone says Sydney Sweeney’s mega-round brilliant was noteworthy. In addition to classic round shapes, both oval- and pear-shaped rings will continue to trend next year. “Hailey Bieber’s oval engagement ring is still a piece that clients reference,” she says. “Pear and oval shapes elongate the finger and look spectacular on any hand.”

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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Miami Swim Week’s Biggest Trends Included Shades Of Blue & Romantic Details

It’s hard to argue a better way to kick off summer than with 2023 Miami Swim Week. Having taken place in early June, the Paraiso runway shows and Summer Fashion Summit showcased the biggest emerging swim trends and need-to-know designers for the beach season ahead.

Brands like Luli Fama and Sigal played into trending shades reminiscent of the ocean with hues of cerulean blue, teal, and aqua. Meanwhile, metallic hardware, decorative ties and closures, and whimsical buttons ranging from seashells to under-the-sea creatures made their appearance in a playful yet tasteful way. Plus, designers seemed to be in agreement that textures, rather than prints, will be the look of the season, though ONEONE offered mismatched graphics for a fresh spin on the look if prints are what you seek. 

Whether you’re curating your shopping list for a quintessential European summer, a Caribbean beach getaway or simply tanning on your apartment rooftop and still want to look the part, we’ve gathered up the hottest swim styles you’ll want to “add to cart” now. Below, discover the seven trends that you won’t want to miss straight from the runways of Miami Swim Week.

Miami Swim Week Trend 2023: Shades Of Blue

The perfect beachside palette? Obviously the shades of the sea themselves. This season, designers tapped into hues inspired by the water, with mid-to-light shades of blue, green, and everything in between making waves over Miami Swim Week.

Miami Swim Week Trend 2023: Texture

Minimalism with a twist is always a foolproof summer formula. To achieve an interesting yet elevated look, designers nixed over-the-top prints for a slew of textures. Ranging from crochet to tonal, the variety of fabrics allowed for creativity and an option for every personal style. 

Miami Swim Week Trend 2023: Hardware Details

For an added dose of decoration, designers turned toward hardware details. Brands like Azulu leaned into seashell buttons and rope trim on coverups while Kittenish and Luli Fama opted for belts, metallic O-rings, and ties with beads on swimwear. 

Miami Swim Week Trend 2023: Watercolor Strokes

In lieu of previously trend-forward tie-dye, ombré styles that look as though they were painted with watercolors offered an elevated alternative that also asserted itself as one of the standout trends of the season. Brands like Sigal mastered the look with handmade prints that feel undeniably special. 

Miami Swim Week Trend 2023: Mismatched Prints

While textures and minimalistic prints were on the rise during Miami Swim Week, some took the opportunity to be bold with abstract-style prints. Designers expertly mixed prints for a purposefully imperfect look that lends a cool twist on a tried-and-true look.

Miami Swim Week Trend 2023: Blood Orange

Despite the wise words of Elle Woods, (blood) orange is actually the new (hot) pink this season. As the Barbiecore bubble nears bursting, other haute hues are ready to take over. Between blood orange and cerulean blue, there are plenty of fresh alternatives that are ready to liven up your swimwear assortment.

Miami Swim Week Trend 2023: Ruching

Delicate details like ruching and shirring bring a touch of romance to swimwear. While this may not be the trend to lean into for sporty days on the water, it’s perfect for poolside lounging or beach-to-bar moments on vacation.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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The 30 Best Monogrammed Tote Bags, Accessories, & More For Personalized Summer Style

In a world where all we want to do is stand apart form the rest (and quickly spot our luggage at baggage claims), a personalized bag is the way to go. Getting one monogrammed just feels so special, and it’s an accessory that you can truly call your own (and luckily won’t be obligated to share with your siblings or roommates). Monogrammed tote bags are especially all the rage right now, perfect for beach days, weekend market strolls, and vacations.

We’ve compiled the best monogrammed bags that you can personalize to your liking. Have your initials hand-painted, embossed, and embroidered onto your handbag or or have custom patches or charms added for an extra touch. Whether you’re looking for monogrammed luggage to take on your next vacation or a monogrammed wallet to make your daily errands a tad fancier, there’s plenty of options to fit your exact style.

Monogrammed Tote Bags & Beach Bags

Monogrammed beach bags will instantly elevate your seaside (or poolside) style. From large straw bags to canvas tote bags, personalize them for a one-of-a-kind summer staple. There are options where you can add your initials for subtle detail or your name (or favorite phrase or mantra) for extra flare.

Monogrammed Wallets

Whether you prefer zip-up, coin purse, or card-case styles, wallets can be personalized. No, monogrammed wallets aren’t only reserved for Father’s Day gifts. You can buy them for yourself too, adding your name or initials through sophisticated, metallic embossing or whimsical, colorful hand-painting.

Monogrammed Luggage & Travel Bags

There’s nothing worse than trying to find your black luggage among a million lookalikes on the airport conveyor belt. If only you had a monogrammed travel bag to stand out. Just as there are carry-on suitcases and duffle bags that can be personalized, there are also travel accessories like toiletry bags and jewelry cases that you can (literally) put your stamp on.

Monogrammed Mini Bags

Mini bags aren’t going anywhere, so if you want to take on the small-size trend, consider personalizing your handbag. Whether you’re looking for a top-handle bag, mini backpack, fanny pack, or clutch, there are styles out there that can be monogrammed. They also make for great festival accessories or bridesmaid gifts.

Monogrammed Luxury Bags & Wallets

Now for the luxury bags. Wearing a designer bag is an experience in itself, but wearing a custom designer bag is even more special. More affordable brands like Michael Kors along with higher-end brands like Gucci offer customization on their signature styles. These are more subtle, with monograms being placed on straps or under flaps. Quiet luxury, much?

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