Discover the top 6 best Ray-Ban sunglasses for women

Sunglasses reveal a lot about your style and personality. Upgrade your wardrobe and try something new this season with the ideal pair! We are here to give you some top style tips and help you decide which style to go for. Complement your best features and show off your love of fashion. Ray-Ban® sunglasses for women tick all the right boxes and have a truly timeless style that never goes out of fashion.

Ray-Ban® is an iconic brand that champions quality and superior design. The brand has a natural charm that our favourite celebrities simply cannot resist. These sunglasses are in the spotlight, wherever you look. Celebrities and famous stars like Rihanna, Hailey Bieber, Taylor Swift and Priyanka Chopra all have a stylish pair of their own.

Founded by Bausch and Lomb in the 1930s, Ray-Ban® is a well-established brand that has a vast and successful history thanks to its enduring appeal. It has continued to innovate and provide outstanding eyewear for trendsetters of every generation. The exceptional quality and attention-to-detail are what make this reputable brand stand out. Every frame has a beautiful and bespoke design that promises an equal balance of style and comfort.

Aviator sunglasses – for the confident trendsetter

Originally designed for US pilots in the 1930s, Aviator sunglasses have stood the test of time. They are recognised for their iconic appearance – the large teardrop lenses, sleek metal frame and top bar above the bridge.

Women reclaimed the classic Aviator for themselves when they took to the skies as pilots in the Second World War. They needed to wear protective eyewear that would shield their eyes from bright sunlight during flight due to advances in aviation at the time. Following that, they became a symbol of female courage, strength and patriotism.

It wasn’t until the 1970s and 80s that this style remerged on the fashion scene for women. Made popular by feminist icon Gloria Steinem, who wore a classic Aviator Shooter style, also singer-songwriter Stevie Nicks, who on several occasions was pictured in traditional Aviator sunglasses. More recently, stars like Jennifer Anniston, Megan Fox, Jennifer Lopez and Kendall Jenner have been spotted in this classic style. Ray-Ban® Aviator™ sunglasses for women are highly fashionable and make the ultimate power statement.

Cat-eye sunglasses – for the classy gal

Fierce and feminine, the enduring charm of the cat-eye never fails to please. The brainchild of the multi-talented Altina Schinasi, the cat-eye was an innovation of its time. In the 1920s, after studying art and becoming a window dresser in Manhattan, Altina sought to create a distinctively feminine design after noticing that the eyewear market was full of very traditional masculine frames that were unflattering for women. Her original design was inspired by the Harlequin masks from Venice in Italy. The masks were traditionally worn at ballroom dances which were a big part of youth culture at the time. The Harlequin, known now as the cat-eye frame, had a chic and subtle silhouette with glamorous upswept corners.

By the 1930s, this style became a huge craze for women across America and by the 50s, they had soared to success. Everyone was wearing them from housewives to movie stars. Hollywood icons Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn most notably favoured this classic style. At this time, women started to refer to them fondly as cat-eye glasses. Eyewear companies recognised the popularity of this fashionable frame and began to add glamorous embellishments like diamantes to give them extra feminine flair.

In the 1960s, the thin cat-eye of the previous decade had increased in size. This is where butterfly frames stepped in. They were bigger, curvier and squarer in shape. A playful alternative to the cat-eye, butterfly sunglasses gained popularity thanks to fashionista First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. In fact, they were actually first referred to as Jackie O glasses because of her influence.

Despite a demand for larger frames in the 1970s, we saw a revival of the narrower vintage cat-eye in the 2010s when stars like Rihanna and Katy Perry brought this pin-up style back. Today, cat-eye sunglasses come in all shapes and sizes. They continue to be a popular fashion accessory for women and are a strong symbol of female empowerment. Ray-Ban® has created a number of different styles from classic vintage to modern interpretations of the cat-eye.

Rectangular sunglasses – for the trendy professional

Since the recent return of Y2K fashion trends, rectangular sunglasses, particularly Bayonetta style with a narrow silhouette, have become a must-have accessory to go for. They are sleek and trendy, perfect for creating a geek-chic look. Rectangular glasses are so versatile they can be paired with virtually any ensemble. Look professional in your work attire or step out in style at the weekends. Rectangular sunglasses are perfect for every occasion! Ray-Ban rectangular sunglasses have a signature style and promise the highest quality and comfort.

Round sunglasses – for the laidback music lover

The go-to style for summer festivals, Ray-Ban® round sunglasses for women are trendy and timeless. As the earliest style of eyewear ever to be created, they have remained consistently popular with trendsetters throughout the generations. In the 1900s, sunglasses started to be produced on a wider scale. By the 1920s and 30s, round sunglasses were a favourite style for intellectuals, film stars and celebrities. This inspired their fans and admirers to keep up the trend.

In the Swinging Sixties, John Lennon and The Beatles inspired young people with their trendy fashion sense. The bohemians of the time believed in reuse and anti-consumerism and therefore visited boutique shops in search of vintage fashion. Round sunglasses had a similar shape to the peace sign and gave them a connection to the scholars of the 1920s and 30s. Over the decades, the lenses have increased in size and designers have experimented with various shapes. In the 90s, oversized bug-eye sunglasses became a favourite style thanks to Nirvana’s frontman Kurt Cobain who led the grunge fashion scene. Round metal sunglasses, inspired by those of earlier decades, also became popular in the 90s for fans of bands like Oasis and Blur.

Today, many celebrities love to create a retro look with their round sunglasses. Selena Gomez certainly knows how to style them! Round sunglasses are so versatile and naturally complement angular features very well. Pair them with a blazer and white tee for a professional look. Or, wear them with joggers, a crop top and denim jacket for the ultimate street-style look. Many fashion lovers also like to wear round sunglasses at summer festivals and live gigs which creates a chic bohemian vibe.

Wayfarer™ sunglasses – for the one with a rebellious streak

The legendary Ray-Ban® Wayfarer™ is one of the most iconic sunglasses designs. It made a trendy alternative to more traditional styles. The classy rectangular shape and subtle yet distinctive design is timeless. Introduced in the 1950s, it was made iconic on-screen by Hollywood legend James Dean. They were the new generation of cool sunglasses for the trendy rebels who wanted to stand out. Marilyn Monroe also famously donned a pair in New York.

Soon enough, the versatile style inspired varying designers to create fashionable alternatives. In 1961, Audrey Hepburn famously wore a pair of cat-eye sunglasses in the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s. These sunglasses had similar stylistic touches to the Ray-Ban® Wayfarer™, including sleek pin detailing and noticeable winged corners.

In the 1980s, they became popular with numerous iconic musicians, such as Madonna and Blondie. They were also referenced in the hit song The Boys of Summer, written by Don Henley in 1984.

Over time, the Wayfarer™ has had several adaptations and now comes in a whole variety of shapes and styles. Whilst traditionally very large, narrower Wayfarer™ frames have become more fashionable of late. Today, female celebrities such as Taylor Swift, Reese Witherspoon and Emma Watson love this classic style of sunglasses.

Square sunglasses – for the on-the-go style queen

They may be square in shape, but certainly not by nature! A pair of square sunglasses from Ray-Ban® will create a classic yet contemporary look. Black sunglasses in particular create an air of mystery and sophistication. Meanwhile, a modern tortoiseshell or bright cherry red design will add a contemporary edge to your look. Feel confident wherever you go and keep yourself protected from the sun at the same time. They naturally suit women with round and oval faces because of their angular style.

Which sunglasses tints pair well with Ray-Ban® frames?

At Glasses Direct, we have a variety of sunglasses tints for you to choose from. They are all 100% UVA/B blocking. Dark tints provide great protection and are ideal for everyday wear. Meanwhile, gradient tints are dark at the top and fade gradually towards the bottom of the lens. This makes them ideal for driving because the dark top protects you from sunlight overhead while the bottom of the lens allows you to easily navigate your dashboard. Why not add them to your Ray-Ban® frames?

Ray-Ban® polarised sunglasses for women are ideal if you spend a lot of time outdoors. They are particularly useful for outdoor sports like running and skiing. They prevent reflected glare from obstructing your vision and causing eye strain. These sunglasses also improve contrast for enhanced visual clarity.

Check out the latest Ray-Ban® sunglasses for women

Ray-Ban® is constantly seeking new ways to appeal to the newest generation by experimenting with modern geometric shapes, introducing bright colours and offering the very best quality for its wearers. Discover some of the latest Ray-Ban® sunglasses for women online! Find your new favourite styles for this season and get ready to set new trends.

Do you love to wear Ray-Ban® sunglasses? How do you style them with your favourite outfits? We would love for you to share your photos with us on Instagram. Simply tag @‌glasses_direct and #myglassesmyway.