I once heard someone say you can tell a person’s whole vibe by their sunglasses.
At first I rolled my eyes — but then I started paying attention. It’s kind of true. The woman with the quiet tortoiseshell frames and ballet flats? You just know her apartment smells like expensive hand soap. The guy in wraparound neon lenses? A different vibe altogether.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about what makes sunglasses feel elegant. Not trendy. Not attention-seeking. Just… graceful. Like something you’d see in a 90s photo of a woman stepping off a yacht in Portofino.
That’s where “old money sunglasses” come in.
So What Are Old Money Sunglasses, Anyway?
They’re the opposite of loud. No big gold logos or futuristic shapes. Just classic frames in neutral tones that work with everything. The kind of sunglasses that make people look twice — not because they’re bold, but because they’re effortless.
They usually fall into a few quiet categories:
- Deep black or warm tortoise
- Slightly oversized but never cartoonish
- Cat-eye, square, or soft round shapes
- No obvious branding
- Quality materials — acetate, metal, or something that doesn’t creak when you fold them
More than anything, they feel like they belong. You could wear them to brunch, to the beach, to a wedding (honestly), and they’d still make sense.
Curious what labels give off that timeless, quietly expensive feel? Here’s a list of old money brands worth knowing.
A Funny Thing About Wearing Them
I didn’t expect it, but when I started wearing my new pair — square black frames, subtle, nothing fancy — strangers commented. “You look so put together,” one woman said at the market. Another time, someone assumed I worked in fashion (I don’t). It reminded me that old money sunglasses aren’t just for sun. They’re for mood. They signal something — even when you barely tried.
Old money sunglasses say: I take care of things. I choose wisely. I’m not in a rush.
And honestly, isn’t that what we all want to project on tired days?
5 Styles That Nail the Look
Let’s not overcomplicate it. These are a few favorites that work beautifully and won’t scream for attention.
1. The Elegant Everyday
A slightly oversized square frame in black or brown. They go with everything, from a linen shirt to a swimsuit. I’ve worn mine so much, the arms are a little loose — and somehow that makes me like them more.
Try: Le Specs Air Heart — affordable but doesn’t look it.
2. The Quiet Rectangle
Slim and structured. These look great with a slicked bun and a coffee in hand. Bonus: they photograph really well.
Try: Celine Black Frame 59 (but yes, they’re a splurge)
3. The Soft Cat-Eye
A little retro, but not dramatic. A good cat-eye can feel playful and elegant — like you’re going to the farmers market but still might run into your ex.
Saint Laurent SL 276 Mica is the dream
4. The Slightly Masculine Pair
Think square, sturdy frames that could pass as “borrowed from my dad” — or your boyfriend, if he has good taste.
Persol 649s have a timeless feel.
5. The Classic Round Frame
A little nostalgic, a little art professor. Best worn with messy hair and a canvas tote.
Try: Oliver Peoples O’Malley Sun — iconic and subtle.
Do You Really Need More Than One Pair of Elegant Sunglasses?
Honestly? No.
Part of the charm of this style is that it’s not about chasing trends. You find one pair that works and wear them into the ground. They develop little scratches, maybe a tiny crack in the corner, and somehow they look even cooler that way.
If you want variety, try one light pair and one dark. But it’s not about stockpiling. It’s about choosing once, choosing well.
Other Little Rules No One Talks About
- Always clean the lenses. Smudged sunglasses don’t whisper elegance.
- A real case matters. Tossing them into a tote with your keys? That’s chaos.
- Hair matters. A clean middle part or a simple bun makes any frame look more intentional.
- Confidence matters most. Don’t fidget with them. Don’t overthink it.
The right pair of old money sunglasses can make even a plain outfit feel intentional — a lot like these simple ways to look elegant without dressing up.
Final Thought: They’re Just Sunglasses, But Also Not
The funny thing is, they’re such a small part of your outfit — but they change everything. Put them on and suddenly you’re a little more mysterious. A little more composed. It’s the kind of accessory that doesn’t beg to be noticed, but always gets noticed.
You don’t need to spend a fortune. Just skip the logos, pick something classic, and wear them like they’ve always been yours.
That’s the old money way.
Questions and Answers for Old Money Sunglasses
What classic sunglasses will never go out of style?
The ones that don’t try too hard. Think: soft cat-eye frames, tortoiseshell squares, slim black rectangles, or round lenses with a vintage feel. If your grandma could’ve worn them in the ’70s and they still look great now—that’s your sign.
How do I know which sunglasses suit my face as a female?
Try this trick: stand in front of a mirror and pull your hair back. Notice your face shape (round, square, heart, oval). Then go for contrast—rounder frames soften angular faces, structured frames balance round ones. But honestly? If you love how they look on you, that’s the best fit.
