The aviator sunglasses your summer wardrobe needs

Looking for the ultimate aviators to complete your summer wardrobe? Here's our top ten…

aviator sunglasses
(Image credit: Rex)

Nothing basic to see here

Originally designed for pilots during the war, there's no denying aviator sunglasses are the must-have summer accessory, year after year.

Celebrities like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Victoria Beckham, Olivia Palermo and Jennifer Aniston all champion the style, and the beauty of it is that it's completely androgynous: it suits men just as well (just google 'Jon Hamm wearing aviators' in case you need proof, and let's not forget Tom Cruise in Top Gun either).

The trend is an easy one to recreate in the non-celeb world too. All you need to do is put on a pair of aviator shades to instantly add cool points to your outfit.

And whether you like yours classic with a dark lense and gold frame, or quirkier with a rose-tinted lense and thick frame, there's a style to suit everyone - and this season they've had a revamp in the colour, size and style departments.

If you want to get a real cool-girl look, try a slightly larger frame and team with head-to-toe denim. Want something more sophisticated? Go for a coloured lense and partner it with a plain t-shirt, tailored culottes and hills.

Want to elevate your summer wardrobe further? Go a bit more OTT with thick frames, structural frames and prints. These will work well with a printed summer dress.

If you're after a designer pair, head to Acne Studios, Dior or Karen Walker for a splash out that's worth the investment. But if you're on more of a budget, all the high street heroes are doing this trend really well.

Topshop, Zara, Urban Outfitters and Warehouse all have a great mix of classic and trendier styles. Scroll down to shop our edit of the best aviators, and should you wish to mix things up a bit, don't forget to check out our guide of the best sunglasses for spring here.

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