Believe it or not, French women consistently wear these sunglasses each summer.
Eugénie Trochu is a Who What Wear editor in residence recognized for her impactful work at Vogue France and her Substack newsletter, where she highlights new trends, provides candid insights on fashion and style, and shares her reflections. She is also in the process of writing her debut book, which will delve into fashion as a realm of memory, projection, and reinvention.
The sunglasses she prefers are neither oversized, extravagant, nor dictated by trends. In her opinion, small oval sunglasses embody a chic French aesthetic—they are not the large frames that become the outfit's centerpiece or the ultra-stylish designs that vanish after a single season. Instead, she refers to sleek, understated, almost sensible frames that you tend to overlook after a few minutes, yet they have a significant impact on an ensemble.
She appreciates that these sunglasses bridge various eras without fully aligning with any single one. There’s a distinct '70s vibe that evokes a certain hippie freedom she admires, but it is not the exaggerated version of the style, nor is it the “Brigitte Bardot in Saint-Tropez” ideal with tied blouses and voluminous hair. Rather, it has a nuance that feels more intellectual, as if the '70s and '90s had collaborated to retain only their finest attributes.
This might explain their effectiveness. They combine the effortless essence of the '70s with the refined proportions of '90s eyewear. This blend may also account for their popularity among French women. They never truly act as a statement piece and don’t necessitate a specific outfit. They seamlessly complement everything: sporty shorts, a vintage World Cup logo tee, slightly scuffed sneakers; a little black dress with dance-inspired elements and kitten heels for an evening that starts with aperitifs and leads into drinks at sunset; denim paired with a white shirt and a leather blazer. They always seem as if they were destined to be part of the look, even when hastily picked up on the way out.
Moreover, these sunglasses convey a distinctly French attitude towards dressing. We favor accessories that enhance a silhouette without altering it, those that are noticed afterward rather than immediately. That’s precisely what small oval sunglasses accomplish. They don’t strive to be fashionable; instead, they exude an air of having been in your possession for ages—a quality that may very well define the elegance of an accessory.
Shop the Sunglasses:
Rendel
Elaine Grey Gradient Blue
CARTIER
Rounded-Frame Metal Sunglasses
Jimmy Fairly
Elvie Sunglasses
Miu Miu
Logo Oval Sunglasses
Oliver Peoples
Estra Sunglasses
Linda Farrow
Sadie Sunglasses
Soeur
Sunglasses Amber Grey
Bottega Veneta
Sardine Oval Sunglasses
Fendi
First Oval Sunglasses
SAINT LAURENT
Jeanne Oval-Frame Tortoiseshell Acetate Sunglasses
Aureum Collective
St. Tropez Sunglasses
Gucci
Oval Frame Sunglasses
Other articles
Believe it or not, French women consistently wear these sunglasses each summer.
French women consistently return to a classic sunglasses style each summer. Explore the elegant oval frames that enhance any ensemble.
