’90s-inspired tiny sunglasses are all the rage this summer (and so will they be throughout fall and winter, too), and the fashion-addicted population is currently split in two because of them. While on one side we have those who fiercely adore small sunglasses and are on cloud nine, as they were waiting for them to come back since forever, on the other, there’s also someone, who’d rather wear tartan on cheetah prints on neon green patterns altogether than channel a pair of tiny sunglasses.
But how come small sunglasses rose again from one of fashion’s most iconic decades? And how is it possible that they now look so chic and wearable? Let’s dive into the curious world of ’90s sunglasses, recommending you 15 pairs of the coolest small sunglasses for women you’ll add to your wish lists!
‘90s Small Sunglasses for Women: Contents
- 15 Pairs of Killer ’90s Small Sunglasses for 2021
- The Rise of Tiny ‘90s Sunglasses Trend
- How to Wear Small Sunglasses
15 Pairs of Killer ’90s Small Sunglasses for 2021
Coming in a variety of forms, from oval to round to square, small sunglasses don’t really serve the purpose of protecting your eyes from the harmful sunrays, since they normally are available in micro sizes that hardly cover your eyes, and besides fashionistas love wearing them on the bridge of the nose. Such ‘90s sunglasses are actually fun accessorizing options, which can instantly elevate your outfit despite their micro sizes.
If you are ready to take the plunge and try the trend, here we present the best tiny sunglasses for women to try this summer (or any other season to come)!
1. Small, Round, and Golden
Take a pinch of Steampunk aesthetics, sun-kissed shades, and a little bit of edginess, and mix everything together, to create your brand new pair of Thom Browne small wrap sunglasses. This pair of tiny sunglasses is just the best option if you fancy Coachella-approved sun-drenched hues but would rather wear something less hippy in terms of structures and overall style. You can find it at Farfetch!
2. Fendi Cat-Eye Small Sunglasses
So perfectly tiny and just perfect for the newcomers to this trend, these cat-eye small sunglasses from Fendi feature pink lenses for a reason. They are utterly chic like Italian style and just so alluring that even the coolest fashionista would wear them with a pair of gold hoop earrings. There can be no excuse for not obtaining them right away from Farfetch!
3. Tiny Oval Sunglasses
If there’s anything fancier than tiny sunglasses, that’s probably oval sunglasses! While most oval sunglasses are bigger and more rounded, the Carolina Lemke x Kim Kardashian West oval sunglasses are relatively small and are refined in one of the most gorgeous purple hues you will ever lay your eyes on. Available in three more shades on Moda Operandi, this pair of small sunglasses is just perfect for the upcoming summer season!
4. Clueless-Approved Vintage Tiny Sunglasses
Easily available at Moda Operandi, this pair of vintage small sunglasses is extremely wearable and trendy at the same time, as its unconventional rectangular shape could complement any style and facial feature. Linda Farrow’s luxurious ’90s sunglasses are made of stainless steel and feature a tortoiseshell print and tinted green lenses.
5. Oval and Tiny Vintage Shades
This pair of Andy Wolf oval sunglasses is equally affordable and wearable yet will probably suit those who favor Matrix-inspired/ futuristic looks more. If you just fell in love with it but are not sure how to wear it, opt for a total black outfit and a pair of platform sandals! Get yours from Saks Fifth Avenue!
6. Geometric Small Sunglasses
Named ‘For Eva’, these slim and small sunglasses signed Bonnie & Clyde could totally be unisex, in a perfect black tone that will flatter anyone and just any style. The geometric shape of the shades is just another intriguing detail that makes these sunnies too chic to be true. Pick your pair from Nordstrom until they are forever gone!
7. Retro-Inspired Oval, Structurally Chic
For a more extravagant pair of small sunglasses to wear flawlessly with either a preppy-inspired look or a grunge-approved one, head over to Forward to get these luxurious embellished micro shades from Alessandra Rich that many are already and understandably obsessed with. They come with a removable stainless steel chain that only adds to the uniqueness to the design.
8. Nineties Hexagonal Sunglasses
Make your inner Nineties-self proud with this pair of vintage hexagonal sunglasses signed Dior available at Forward! Just don’t forget to combine them with your favorite choker (don’t mind those who say chokers aren’t trendy anymore), and a band T-shirt.
9. Staring Through the Sun
Eyewear colossus Ray-Ban couldn’t, of course, exempt itself from launching a pair of dreamy tinted sunglasses just in time for the summer, which will make you literally look at things through sun-kissed lenses. Those who are blessed with warm skin undertones will find this pair of tiny sunglasses particularly flattering, too! You can find them at Revolve.
10. Vintage Oval Skinny Sunglasses
Available at My Theresa, this pair of color-blocked small sunglasses by Gentle Monster is just the best mix between hippie and urban aesthetics. It is basically meant to be for any beach party (especially if it includes an equally warm bonfire).
11. Cat-Eye and Tiny Shades
If you fancy tinted sunglasses that lean towards the extravagant side, head over to Shopbop to get this pair of vintage-inspired, sleek sunglasses by Acne Studios! While their ’80s punk rock structure will accentuate your gorgeous facial features, their deep green color will match every outfit you wear. Wear these shades on the bridge of your nose like Kendall Jenner or Bella Hadid!
12. Vintage Petite Sunglasses
For an extra dose of coolness, mixed with a hint of nerdy attitude, have fun with this pair of small cat-eye sunglasses from Poppy Lissiman available at Net-a-Porter. The black acetate frame and stronger structure give room for anyone to play with different styles, from the casual to the more elegant!
13. Retro-Femme Skinny Sunglasses
’90s sunglasses are not always synonymous with round or square frames, especially when it comes to Sixties-inspired shades. One of this spring’s biggest trends includes tiny ultra-skinny sunglasses that are geometric, like this Chloe pair from My Theresa. Their thin metal frame and chic aesthetics will easily go hand in hand with most of the seasonal hottest hits (also, if you own a cute vinyl skirt, it is time to use it!).
14. Roberi & Fraud Blogger-Approved Oval Sunglasses
If the ’90s sunglasses are definitely your cup of tea, dare with this pair of metallic-framed tiny sunglasses! Their oval shape will make it easier for you to feel comfortable and flattering as you show them off out and about. In this case, a polka-dot dress is mandatory! The silver version of these sunnies can be picked up from Farfetch.
15. Vintage Skinny Sunglasses
Last but not least, here’s the pair of small sunglasses that almost everyone will find suitable, as it is tiny yet not too small, geometric yet quite classic and even gold-toned, elegant yet not too soigné. Available at Farfetch, the Linda Farrow vintage slim sunglasses are so fancy and wearable that Kanye West would probably want us to add them to our wish lists.
The Rise of Tiny ‘90s Sunglasses Trend
As we all know, certain accessories, clothing pieces, or even hair colors are recycled every 10-20 years, treating us to nostalgically flattering revivals that are difficult to avoid or get rid of.
As predictable as it sounds, as soon as the first small sunglasses were unveiled during the spring 2018 fashion shows, many fashion icons, personalities, or just Nineties/ Matrix aficionados ran amok and instantly began talking about them. What’s even more interesting about this whole tiny sunglasses situation is that, (un)surprisingly, most of those people who despised them back during the Fashion Weeks have now changed their mind and started experimenting with them.
Again, as it often happens, the seal of approval of the tiny sunglasses trend came from famous Instagram celebrities and models that are currently favoring small sunglasses over oversized ones.
Their biggest endorsement, however, came from the Kardashian/ West/ Jenner family, which began donning tiny sunglasses since Kanye West (Kim’s husband and rapper-turned-designer), emailed his wife telling her that she “cannot wear big glasses anymore. It’s all about tiny little glasses.”
Starting from there, It girls Bella Hadid, Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner, and of course, Rihanna (who actually began wearing small sunglasses way earlier) are now always spotted wearing a pair of super small sunglasses.
And after this article, maybe, you’ll join the small sunglasses squad, as well.
How to Wear Small Sunglasses
The problem with tiny sunglasses is not tiny sunglasses per se, but rather the feeling that we get while wearing them. Are they the right shape for my face? Do I look like Rihanna or like a bad version of Neo from Matrix?
Here’s all you need to know to look flawless wearing small sunglasses!
Tiny Sunglasses for Round Faces
Since round faces are, well, rounded, heavily geometric micro sunglasses are the way to go. Favor cat-eyed small sunglasses over oval ones (and avoid round tiny glasses at all costs), and just play with different frame colors and tinted lenses according to your skin tone. If you have a warmer skin tone, have fun trying sun-kissed tinted lenses, such as orange, yellow, or golden ones, and vice versa!
Tiny Sunglasses for Oval Faces
You lucky people with oval faces, there’s basically nothing you can’t pull off! Whether your pair of small glasses is squared, oval, rounded or anything else, you’ll look flawlessly stylish regardless.
Tiny Sunglasses for Square Faces
To highlight their gorgeous features, people with square faces can opt for a pair of oval sunglasses or, alternatively, a pair of small sunglasses refined with the tiniest of the cat-eye frame, as it will create the perfect balance between the cheekbones and the jawline.
Tiny Sunglasses for Perplexed Faces
If you still can’t wrap your head around the trend of tiny ‘90s sunglasses, even if your wardrobe is full of Nineties miniskirts or you just look gorgeous in small glasses, try to get a pair of micro shades with a relatively “bigger” or “chunkier” frame (à la Audrey Hepburn in How to Steal a Million), which will make a good and timeless fashion investment to flaunt in the years to come, for sure (and it will also get you accustomed to tinier glasses and, eventually, to the tiny trend).
Photos via Instagram
