SUNGLASSES IN THE 70S: 11 STYLES YOU MAY NOT KNOW

The groovy vibes of the ’70s are back in full swing, and this time, it’s gracing your eyewear. Half a century later, the iconic sunglasses of the decade are making a stylish comeback. From oversized aviators to bold, geometric frames, these retro shades offer a fun and fashionable way to add a touch of nostalgia to your modern look.

WHAT SUNGLASSES WERE POPULAR IN THE 70S?

The 1970s marked a transformative era for sunglasses, shifting their purpose from mere utility to a bold fashion statement. Iconic styles like cat-eye, oversized, and geometric frames emerged, setting trends that still resonate today. Superstar celebrities of the time embraced this newfound accessory, sporting retro sunglasses with panache and solidifying their status as eyewear trendsetters.

HOW TO ROCK THE 70S SUNGLASSES LOOK

Channel your inner groovy spirit with a pair of 70s-inspired sunglasses. Whether you’re a man or a woman, these retro shades can instantly elevate your style. Don’t be afraid to experiment with bold colors and patterns. To complete the look, pair your sunglasses with flared jeans, a flowy blouse or a denim jacket. Discover our top picks and find the perfect pair to elevate your style.

OUR TOP PICKS

AVIATOR-STYLE SUNGLASSES

Aviator sunglasses, icons of cool since their creation in the 1930s, have a special connection to the 70s. This decade saw aviator lenses grow slightly larger, and the introduction of molded “ski” versions, often with mirrored lenses, expanded the style beyond the slopes. These retro-inspired aviators remain a popular choice today, adding a touch of classic flair to modern outfits.

OVERSIZED SUNGLASSES

Oversized sunglasses were a defining accessory of the 1970s, their popularity stemming from the mod style of the preceding decade. Iconic stars popularized the look, sporting round or square frames with thick black lenses. Today, a myriad of colors and variations on these classic shapes are available. However, it’s important to consider face shape; oversized glasses can be overpowering on smaller faces. 

ALL BLACK SUNGLASSES

Embrace the ultimate 70s vibe with a pair of all-black Marc Jacobs oversized sunglasses. The deep square shape, softened by a subtly curved brow line, exudes feminine charm. The gold detailing on the temples adds a touch of luxury, elevating these shades from mere accessories to statement pieces. Whether you’re dressing up or keeping it casual, these sunglasses will effortlessly transport you back to the groovy era.

THICK-FRAME SUNGLASSES

Thick-framed sunglasses have evolved significantly from their bulky, unattractive predecessors of the 60s. Once synonymous with discomfort and outdated style, these frames have transformed into trendy, geometric shapes that epitomize the 70s aesthetic. Today’s thick-framed sunglasses often feature hypoallergenic optical materials, ensuring both comfort and longevity, making them a fashionable and practical choice.

DOUBLE-BRIDGE SUNGLASSES

Double-bridge sunglasses are iconic symbols of the 70s, often spotted alongside long brown cars and bushy mustaches in films from that era. These distinctive glasses feature an extra bridge running above the usual nose bridge, adding a unique touch to squared-off or rounded frames. Today, you can find double-bridge sunglasses in various frame shapes and colors, making them a versatile accessory for any outfit.

BOLD, TORTOISESHELL SUNGLASSES

Embrace the 70s vibe with these oversized, brown tortoiseshell sunglasses. Their unique bow shape is a playful nod to the era, while their generous size perfectly captures the decade’s essence. The temples are adorned with intricate gold metal cut-outs, zigzag patterns, and signature Karen Millen details, adding a touch of luxury and sophistication to this retro-inspired accessory.

GEOMETRIC SUNGLASSES

Geometric sunglasses are a bold throwback to the psychedelic era of the 1970s. Their angular shapes, often hexagonal or trapezoidal, perfectly complement the decade’s flamboyant fashion. Imagine these striking frames against a backdrop of bell-bottoms and platform shoes, and you’ll understand their disco-era appeal. However, geometric sunglasses aren’t for the style-shy. Their distinctive design demands attention and confidence, making them a statement piece for those who aren’t afraid to stand out.

BUTTERFLY AND CAT-EYE SUNGLASSES

Butterfly sunglasses, reminiscent of a butterfly’s wings, feature frames that narrow at the bridge and widen towards the temples. Often overlapping with the cat-eye style popularized in the 1950s, these sunglasses typically boast an upward sweep at the temples, either pointed or rounded. Today’s butterfly sunglasses have evolved beyond their 70s origins, offering a diverse range of materials, colors, and designs, making them a timeless and versatile accessory.

BRIGHT, ORANGE SUNNIES

Revive the iconic 70s vibe with the Specsavers Wineglass shades. These retro sunglasses capture the essence of the decade with their bold, square frame, reminiscent of the era’s vibrant fashion. Crafted from crystal-amber acetate, these shades boast a striking color palette that perfectly embodies the 70s spirit. The deep-sided temples and glittery core wire add a touch of modern flair while staying true to the vintage aesthetic. Prepare to turn heads and channel your inner disco diva or groovy dude with these eye-catching sunglasses.

EARTH TONES AND TINTS

Embrace the earthy vibes of the 70s with sunglasses in warm, natural tones. Burgundy, maroon, and copper shades are perfect for adding a touch of retro glamour. For a bold statement, consider a pair of burgundy cat-eye sunglasses with a chain-link detail. This style combines the classic 70s shape with a modern twist, creating a look that’s both stylish and eye-catching.

CIRCULAR SUNGLASSES

John Lennon’s iconic round glasses remain a powerful symbol of the 70s. To channel this legendary look, consider the striking Vivienne Westwood sunnies. Their exposed-core gold metal temples offer a contemporary twist, while the blue and brown tortoiseshell pattern evokes the earthy vibes of the era. These sunglasses are the perfect finishing touch for a 70s-inspired ensemble. Pair them with flared jeans and a flowy blouse to complete the retro-chic look.

CONCLUSION

Sunglasses of the 70s were not only eye protection accessories but also bold fashion statements. Today, 70s sunglasses are making a strong comeback, bringing a touch of nostalgia and modernity to your style. Confidently express your unique personality by owning a pair of 70s sunglasses and immerse yourself in the attractive fashion flow.

HOW TO KNOW YOUR FACE SHAPE 

To determine your face shape, start by tying up your hair and taking a picture of your face. Then, analyze the photo by mentally drawing two lines: one vertical line that splits your face into left and right halves, and one horizontal line that divides it into top and bottom sections.

Another method is to stand in front of a well-lit mirror with your hair tied back. Using a lipstick, makeup pencil, chalk, or a whiteboard marker, carefully trace the outline of your face directly onto the mirror—excluding your ears—while keeping your head straight and still. There are six primary face shapes: round, square, oval, heart, rectangular, and diamond.

Round face

For this face shape, the vertical and horizontal proportions are nearly equal. The defining features include soft, rounded angles with no sharp lines, giving the face a smooth and gentle appearance.

While often mistaken for an oval face shape, a round face has a smaller forehead, and the distance from the bottom of the nose to the chin is shorter than the full length of the nose.

Best Glasses: When selecting sunglasses or prescription glasses, avoid rounded frames that emphasize the face’s curves. Instead, opt for styles with straight lines—rectangular and square frames are the most flattering choices.

Best Haircuts: Medium to long hairstyles that slightly cover the cheekbones are ideal for this face shape. If you prefer bangs, avoid blunt, straight cuts and go for diagonal or side-swept styles to create a more balanced look.

Square face

A square face shape has equal vertical and horizontal proportions, similar to a round face. However, the key difference is its more defined, straight edges and angular structure.

Best Glasses: When selecting sunglasses or prescription glasses, opt for aviator or cat-eye frames. These styles help soften the strong, straight lines of the face, creating a more balanced look.

Best Haircuts: Asymmetrical and voluminous hairstyles work well with this face shape. Short haircuts are also a flattering choice, as they complement the face’s structured features.

Oval face

An oval face shape is slightly longer than it is wide, with a vertical length about one-third greater than the horizontal. This face type has soft, balanced proportions with no prominent angles.

Best Glasses: Both rounded and straight frames complement an oval face. The key is choosing a well-proportioned size—not too large or too small—to maintain balance with the face’s natural shape.

Best Haircuts: Asymmetrical and layered hairstyles enhance this face shape beautifully. Straight bangs are also a great option, as they create the illusion of a shorter face.

Heart face

A heart-shaped face is longer than it is wide, characterized by a pointed chin, a broad forehead, and prominent cheekbones. The jawline tapers as it reaches the chin, giving it an appearance similar to an inverted triangle.

Best Glasses: Rounded or aviator-style frames are ideal for this face shape, as they soften the wider forehead and create balance. Glasses with curved edges help harmonize facial proportions.

Best Haircuts: Medium-length, voluminous hairstyles complement this face shape beautifully. Bangs are also a great choice, as they help create the illusion of a shorter forehead.

Oblong or rectangular face

An oblong face, also known as a rectangular face shape, is significantly longer than it is wide, with straight, well-defined sides and a subtly curved jawline. Unlike a square face, the jaw is less pronounced, and the forehead and jawline typically share the same width, giving the face a rectangular appearance.

Best Glasses: To soften the strong vertical lines of this face shape, aviator or cat-eye frames are ideal. These styles add curves and balance to the overall look.

Best Haircuts: Asymmetrical and layered hairstyles work best, adding movement and volume to counteract the face’s length. Bangs can also help create the illusion of a shorter forehead.

Diamond face

A diamond-shaped face is longer than it is wide, featuring prominent cheekbones as its widest point, a narrow forehead, and a pointed chin. While similar to a heart-shaped face, the key difference is that the forehead is narrower, creating a more angular look. The jawline is long and straight, tapering gently towards the chin.

Best Glasses: Round or oval-bottomed frames are ideal for softening the sharp angles of a diamond-shaped face, helping to create a more balanced appearance.

Best Haircuts: Layered hairstyles work best, adding volume to balance the face’s natural structure. Straight bangs can also be flattering, as they help soften the overall look.