The Best Sunglasses for Women 50 and Over

Sharp features or an angular face: Frames with a curvy shape work in the same way a silky blouse or shapely wrap dress does to flatter your silhouette. Look for ones like the Ann Taylor Round Sunglasses in Black ($36, anntaylor.com); or Loft Metallic Trim Round Sunglasses in Black or Tortoise Brown ($18, loft.com). Note that these “round” or “circle” frames have a slightly more angular top that extends the shape and lifts the eye — a far cry from the small round frames we used to call “John Lennon” glasses.

A jowly jawline, double chin or saggy neck. Though cat-eye glasses are certainly one good option, two newish frames also redirect attention up and away from the lower face. These so-called “double bridge frames” feature a top bar and a nose bridge (like a double-decker), and top-line styles (also called clubmaster or browline frames) that put the focus on your eyes, like a full set of flirty bangs.

(From left) Vogue Eyewear VO5515SB M Women Nylon Sunglasses in Brown/ Polarized Brown Gradient; Simply Vera Vera Wang Burke 58mm Square Sunglasses in Black Smoke; J. Crew Oversized Aviator Sunglasses in General Surplus; Ann Taylor Cat Eye Sunglasses in Tortoise Brown.

AARP (Target, Kohl’s, J. Crew, Ann Taylor)

Try doubles like Madewell Women Logaan Aviator Sunglasses in Blue Torte Multi or Burnt Cocoa ($75, madewell.com) or Banana Republic Factory Women Double Bridge Glasses in Tortoise Shell or Black ($40, bananarepublicfactory.gapfactory.com); or top-line styles like Tek Gear Women’s 56mm Plastic Mirrored Clubmaster Sunglasses in Tortoise ($20, kohls.com); and The Hamptons Browline Golden Tortoise Sunglasses ($73, eyebuydirect.com), which are dark on top and lighter or rimless below.

3. Choose frame colors like you do makeup, hair color and clothing

Women over 50 know what colors make them look better. They tend to be warm or cool. For example, do you always buy a warm, yellow-based foundation, get honey or caramel highlights for your hair and wear gold jewelry? That’s a major hint that a gold metal frame or a warm brown or tortoiseshell may be your best choice. Or do you opt for a cool or neutral makeup shade, ash blonde or smoky brown hair color, and love silver jewelry? You might be into a black or navy blue frame. Staying in your color “lane” is one foolproof way to choose a flattering sunglass hue. However, it’s not the only option. To make a stronger fashion statement, you can opt for a frame in a standout color like olive green or blush pink. Here are the five top color picks now:

Black frames offer maximum definition and make a real fashion statement. They’re bold, glamorous and work for any skin tone, hair color or wardrobe. They range from chunky to thin, angular to cat-eye, and delicate aviator styles. You control their impact by modifying the frame weight (refined or bold) to suit your face and features.

Try the Simply Vera Vera Wang Burke 58mm Square Sunglasses in Black Smoke ($22, kohls.com); Zenni Women’s Black Aviator Sunglasses #1137621 ($36, zennioptical.com); or Lemonade Women’s Cat Eye Black Sunglasses ($49, eyebuydirect.com).

Tortoiseshell frames in warm, multi-tonal colors are an alternative to chic, inky black. Also sophisticated and neutral, they come in a wide variety of light to dark brown shades with hints of butterscotch, toffee, amber and caramel that warm up mature skin. Note that lighter tortoiseshell may also be called “blonde” or “honey” tortoise, and sometimes “tortoise” can include hints of violet, blue or pink. Take a look at the Quince Tucson Polarized Acetate Sunglasses in White Tortoise with Green Lens ($50, quince.com), one of the new “light” tortoises; Ann Taylor Cat Eye Sunglasses in Tortoise Brown ($36, anntaylor.com); and LC Lauren Conrad Dayna 54mm Cat Eye Sunglasses in Tortoise ($20, kohls.com).

Wire frames in gold and silver are back, although for aviator sunglasses fans, they never left. Available now in square and round shapes in addition to the usual teardrop, skinny-rimmed aviators are super lightweight, so no worries about feeling too heavy (the only complaint some women make about oversized or acetate frames). They also add a hint of sparkle and radiance to dry, lined or sun-damaged skin — like a highlighter or shimmery primer.

Peek at the Wild Fable Women’s Shiny Metal Aviator Sunglasses With Brown Gradient Lenses in Gold ($16, target.com); Simply Vera Vera Wang Women’s 50mm Kade Aviator Sunglasses in Silver White Tortoise or Gold Tokyo Tortoise ($24, kohls.com); and Ottoto Magnus Women’s Aviator in Average or Wide in Gold, Silver or Rose Gold ($80–$114, glassesusa.com) for an update.

Brown and beige frames. A whole range of warm, neutral frames, from rich cocoa to taupe, has become a new-this-year category. They work like tinted moisturizers and bronzers do: to give over 50 skin a sun-kissed look. If you live in warm neutrals like khaki, brown and camel, or just want a change from black and tortoise, you’ll love the J.Crew Factory Women Round-Frame Sunglasses in Dusty Taupe ($23, factory.jcrew.com); Vogue Eyewear VO5515SB M Women Nylon Sunglasses in Brown/Polarized Brown Gradient ($130, target.com); and Sonoma Goods For Life 49mm Plastic Round Sunglasses in Brown Ombre ($20, kohls.com).

(From left) A New Day Women’s Metal Oversized Cateye Sunglasses in Black; Vogue Eyewear Women’s Polarized Sunglasses, Gradient VO5520S in Black; Prive Revaux Women’s The Dean 52mm Rectangular Polarized Sunglasses in Matte Black.

AARP (Target, Macy’s, Kohl’s)

Elegant colors can also enhance your eye color and style. However, the cartoony Crayola rainbow of sunglasses that were once big news has been upgraded by sophisticated shades. Try navy blue, like the Cartel Clear Navy Cat Eye Sunglasses ($23, eyebuydirect.com), which intensifies light eye colors — especially blue — and is a runner-up to black. Muted greens like the J.Crew Oversized Aviator Sunglasses in General Surplus ($60, jcrew.com) flatter hazel and brown eyes. Romantic pastels, especially blush shades found in the Loft Soft Cateye Sunglasses in Crystal Pink of Smoky Opal ($16, loft.com) and Banana Republic Factory Women Cateye Sunglasses in Pink Champagne ($40, bananarepublicfactory.gapfactory.com), create a soft frame for just about any eye color, especially brown, green and hazel.

4. Thick or thin? Big or small? Daring or discreet?

When choosing sunnies, women often ask whether a style is “too much for my face” or “Is this doing anything for me?”

What they’re really asking is whether a frame is too bold or too blah. Here’s my advice: Think about a sunglass frame the way you do beauty and fashion. There are no rules, but:

If you love the dash of a bright red lipstick, the flare of a wide-leg cropped pant and the spirited splash of a one-shoulder pink swimsuit, you can handle a frame that’s got more heft and thickness or lens size. I call these frames “show-offs.” And yes, these are celebs’ favorite for photo ops.

Bigger/bolder frames often work best on those with larger faces, stronger, more defined features or anyone who wants their glasses to make a statement. They work best in gutsy cat-eye styles or angular, squared frames.

Good examples include: A New Day Women’s Metal Oversized Cateye Sunglasses in Black ($17, target.com); Prive Revaux Women’s The Dean 52mm Rectangular Polarized Sunglasses in Matte Black or Blue Crystal ($34, kohls.com); and Crush Cat Eye Black Sunglasses ($79, eyebuydirect.com).

If you prefer the subtle look of neutral lipstick, the quiet, classy vibe of button-down shirts and the allure of a stylish black swimsuit, you may be more comfortable with a trimmer frame. They whisper rather than shout about their style, but are just as flattering as the show-offs. They’re also the best choice for small or narrow faces, those with delicate features and anyone who wants glasses that will never leave nose or cheek marks.

(From left) Quince Avery Polarized Acetate Sunglasses in Tortoise with Green Lens; Nine West Women’s 57mm Metal Square Glasses.

AARP (Quince, Kohl’s)

Look for slim, lightweight metal or acetate frames, like Universal Thread Women’s Matte Metal Round Sunglasses in Black/Silver ($18, target.com); Prive Revaux The Maestro Sun x 52mm Round in Black ($34, kohls.com); and Vogue Eyewear Women’s Polarized Sunglasses, Gradient VO5520S in Black ($98, macys.com).

5. Select lenses that solve problems

Finding a flattering frame is only the first step; lens color is next. Many affordable sunglasses now feature gray or brown lenses instead of green, and here’s why. They simply have a more upscale, fashionable aesthetic than green, and they’re in tune with the very stylish, mostly black and tortoiseshell frames you’re seeing.  Gray and brown also work like green to improve contrast, making them a smart choice for driving on sunny days; gray may help with visibility, even during cloudy, overcast weather. Blue lenses have a cool, fashionable look, and women say the tint is “calming.”

(From left) Gabrielle Union-Wade, Meryl Streep, Demi Moore, Susan Lucci.

Getty Images

No matter which color you select, lenses with a UV 400 or 100 percent UV label, sticker or tag are the ones that will protect your eyes from damage that can lead to cataracts or macular degeneration. Not all sunglasses block UV rays, even those that have dark or polarized lenses designed to reduce glare or mirrored finishes.

6. Know what makes a good fit

Check any sunglasses you own that feel comfy on your face. The measurements can be found on the interior of the frame and give lens width (at their widest point); bridge width across the nose (from the inner edge of one lens to the inner edge of the other); across and the length of the temples (the side pieces or arms of your glasses); from hinge to end, or the combined length hinge to the “elbow” (the so-called bend); and then elbow to tip. This may help you select a size online. When trying on sunglasses, here’s what to ask and what to look for:

Does the frame’s bridge fit your nose?

The bridge is the part of the frame that sits on your nose. There should be no slipping or pinching. A saddle bridge (curved in the center, like a saddle) helps distribute the sunglasses’ weight equally and comfortably on either side and has a modern, minimalist look. A keyhole bridge (yes, shaped like a keyhole) ensures the weight is on either side of the nose rather than right on top of the bridge and has a retro, vintage look. Wire-rim frames have flexible nose pads that can be adjusted to improve the fit for any nose size or shape.

Do the frames move around when you smile or talk?

If the glasses feel heavy, leave marks on the bridge of your nose and dent your cheeks, move up and down as you speak, smile or eat, and/or require frequent push-ups to stay in place, they’re not for you. Keep looking.

How do the temples feel?

The temples are the arms or sides of the frame. They should never dig in, sit uncomfortably on your ears or feel too loose. Note: Wearing your sunglasses on top of your head can distort how they fit around the temples. Avoid this!

How much eye area is covered?

In the best-case scenario, your sunglass lenses should cover enough of your eye area to adequately protect the eyes and skin around them from UV rays (and have built-in UV protection). Larger and oversized sunglasses cover more of the eye. This is a good example of “the bigger, the better.”