Saying that my affinity for a good pair of sunglasses is strong would be an understatement. My collection of shades has climbed to a number eclipsing 30 pair of so. As a result, I’ve made it a mission to find sunglass inspiration throughout the decades — which has led me to the 70’s.
Everything was bigger in the 70’s! Lapels, plaid patterns, hair and of course sunglasses. The team at the online eyewear hub, SmartBuyGlasses, indulged my big eyewear notions and let me grab two pair of my favorite sunglasses to style here.
Photography by Lauren McGrath
The Mighty Aviator Sunglass
Rick Aviator Sunglasses – Tom Ford (available online at c/o SmartBuyGlasses) | Blue & Grey Plaid Suit – Men’s Style Pro x Oliver Wicks | Fine Gauge Turtleneck Sweater – Banana Republic | Gold Watch – c/o Timex
Will you ever become a pilot? No! Have you ever worn a pair of aviators – yes! As a result, the aviator has been rates as the most universal pair of sunglasses for all face shapes. A pair of aviators typically measures between 55mm to 58mm (think the iconic Ray-ban aviator).
Pretty standard stuff, but, were talking about going BIGGER — that’s when I stumbled upon the Rick Aviator by Tom Ford. Average sized aviator say “everyday cool guy”, this larger aviators gives off the “I’m going to the next style-level’ vibe. No matter what vibe these shades are giving off, here are a few helpful tips to pulling them off:
- Embrace That 70’s Swagger: if you got a kick-ass leather jacket, fine gauge turtleneck sweater or a plaid suit? Pair them with these shades and feel the vibes. Just no bell bottoms!
- Go For The Gold (Frame): the 70’s were about luxe living and gold is the luxe standard. Soft-toned yellow gold is more versatile and easier to pair with most items in your wardrobe
The Beefed Up Wayfarer
Blonde Tortoise Sunglasses – Gucci c/o SmartBuyGlasses | Fine Gauge Turtleneck Sweater – H&M | Navy Double Breasted Blazer – Frank & Oak
Blonde or Tokyo tortoise-shell fame sunglasses are bold and are much brighter than preppier brown wayfarer that everyone wears everyday. What do these frames work? The bottle green lenses contrast the brown tones of the frames and the square shape adds dimension to your face.
How To Wear Them
- Pairing them with a white t-shirt, black leather moto jacket and a well-tailored pair of black jeans & some Chelsea boot will take you into modern-day Beatles status
- In true 70’s form, pair them with a fine gauge turtleneck sweater & white jeans
The post was sponsored by SmartBuyGlasses. All opinions & styling are that of Men’s Style Pro.
