Photo by Andrey Zvyagintsev on Unsplash
With DC Fashion Week just a couple of months away, the buzz is building. When it comes to the spring and summer seasons of 2026, eyewear is expected to be big and bold, with an interesting mix of futuristic designs and vintage-inspired looks. Here are five trends we expect to see on the catwalk.
1. Retro Frames
Oversized retro frames aren’t going anywhere; they’ve been a staple accessory for as long as we can remember, and their reign continues, but with a few modern tweaks. This upcoming season, frames are predicted to be thicker, with statement designs in classic black, warm tortoiseshell, and new pastel hues. Think late-70s librarian meets high-glam studio set. Brad Pitt channeled this look perfectly when he joined the ranks of JMM celebrities, wearing the Jacques Marie Mage Ritz sunglasses in Light Tortoise for his GQ cover shoot.
2. Tinted Lenses
Tinted lenses are sticking around for 2026 with soft washes of color like sheer pink, mellow amber, and soothing lavender. It’s all about adding a hint of drama but without hiding your eyes. Expect to see tinted lenses paired with irregular shaped and distorted frames. This style works effortlessly both on and off the catwalk, whether you’re in the fashion game or going for brunch in the city. They’re wearable, surprisingly versatile, and incredibly photogenic.
3. Futuristic Shields
Shields and wraparound sunglasses are inspired by performance wear with minimal frames and super-wide coverage. This style is perfect for blending functionality and fashion. They offer full-face protection from the sun without compromising on style. It’s a far cry from the teeny lenses and minimalist frames that have been making the rounds recently. For 2026, it’s time to swap out your tiny shades for statement-making oversized eyewear. At fashion week, expect to see silver or chrome accents, clean lines, and visor designs paired with modern streetwear.
4. Transparent Frames
If you’re a fan of clear and translucent glasses frames, the good news is that they’re back in a big way. This time around, they’re softer and more stylized. Imagine frosted finishes and pale tints like baby blue, champagne, and mossy green. This style is very forgiving. It works with or without makeup, and with almost all face shapes, making it a welcome addition to our spring and summer lookbook.
5. Eco-Friendly Styles
Sustainability is less of a trend and more of a design principle. For 2026, we predict more brands will embrace eco-friendly materials and crafting methods. Recycled acetate and plant-based plastics will be increasingly in the spotlight. We’ve come a long way from the times when sustainability meant compromising on style.
Now, eco-friendly designs produced with planet-loving practices are sleek, modern, and come with a story you can feel good about. In particular, watch out for small-batch designers leading the way with ethical sourcing and transparent production.
Endnote
From tinted lenses to sustainable materials, 2026 is shaping up to be another thrilling season of fresh, fearless eyewear. Whether you go bold with futuristic shields or stay classic with celebrity-inspired frames, this is your sign to embrace eyewear as a core part of your look.