The Icons - Sunglasses for Men

For years, sunglasses have been my number one accessory to top off every-day looks. I own 50-plus styles; as far as I’m concerned, the more the better. A good pair of shades boosts my mood, adding an unwavering but quiet sense of cool to an outfit. They make dressing so easy. Once you’ve filtered and found a pair that suits your face shape, you have a style asset to depend on.

Let’s talk first about practicality – a pair of shades protects your eyes, giving them, well, shade – and that’s important if you want to keep them in rude health. Whether you’re strutting through the heat to The Standard hotel in Ibiza or going for an early run to the gym, your sunglasses will shield no matter the scenery.

That said, their appeal runs deeper than functionality. A knight in shining armour and the ultimate finishing touch to your style uniform, everyone should own a pair of sunglasses that makes them feel good. I come from the school of investing in styles whenever you try on a pair you love – finding shades that suit you isn’t easy, so strike when you find them. That way, you’ll end up with a collection that reflects different moods and occasions.

I have bought and dabbled with a spectrum of sunglasses, from sporty to rectangular, but what I want to celebrate is the classic aviator purely because of their versatility and look-good-on-everyone appeal. I think of them as a true fashion statement or signature style that travels from season to season. When it comes to ease, sometimes you just need that one pair to go with every outfit. Choosing and committing to a particular design that becomes part of your style MO makes summer dressing easier; aviators are a great all-rounder to get you started.

The boss status aviator is, of course, characterized by its lightweight metal frame, teardrop shape and typically dark lens (although there are plenty of brands who have offered modern variations in recent years). First worn by the US military in 1935 as a lightweight alternative to plane goggles, they are now synonymous with effortless, badass style. Movies such as Top Gun, Cobra, and Skyfall all speak to their enduring cool factor. Everyone looks good in aviators, regardless of face shape; they enhance cheekbones and balance proportions. They can be worn with anything too, working as well with a super-casual airport outfit or a retro-inspired party look, as they do with sleek, simple suiting. The lens, and whether you choose a reflective sheen or a different colorway, will turn them into more of a conversation starter.

This summer, aviators have returned in full force, thanks in part to the Top Gun sequel, but also a 70s revival on the menswear catwalks. Bottega Veneta, Gucci, Montblanc and Saint Laurent all offer great options that will upgrade your look from 0 to 100.  I love the Bottega Veneta gunmetal aviator style, which features a gold-tone lens; it’s a classic that speaks volumes, allowing you to travel from that glamorous wedding all the way to Tuscany via a pub crawl in London with your mates.

Aviators have played a huge part in style history without ever dating. Invest in a pair today, the streets will appreciate it.