A hardworking summer wardrobe consists of a few essential items: a great basket bag, a chic pair of sandals and, of course, a pair of sunglasses. While the high street leads the way in the style front when it comes to the two former accessories, designer sunnies are still pretty high on most of our dream shopping lists. After all, they’re a great way to buy into a designer brand without the high price point of say a bag or an item of clothing.
However, while high-end sunglasses may be more cost-effective than other designer buys, they’re definitely not the most affordable of items, with most pairs setting you back around £300 (a price tag that’s especially eye-watering in the current cost-of-living crisis, IMO). Thankfully, the high street has come to our rescue once again, with some pretty incredible dupes for all our favourite designer sunglasses styles. And, with prices starting at under £10, you’ll be able to treat yourself to all six on this list totally guilt-free. So what are you waiting for?
More on dupes:
- The Vampire’s Wife dress dupes to add to your wish list this summer
- The best Prada bag dupes to buy now while they’re still in stock
- The best Skims swimwear dupes to buy for your summer holiday
The Celine Triomphe Oval sunglasses dupes
If you’re a fan of oversized sunnies but want something a little more unique, Celine’s Triomphe Oval’s are the way to go. If you don’t have £370 to drop on them however (and let’s be real, at the moment, who does?) then head to Havaianas as it has way more summer essentials on offer than just your favourite flip flops.
Havaianas’ Bonete sunglasses feature the same wide frame as Celine’s offering, with similarly dark lenses, perfect for people watching from your poolside sunbed. Plus, they’re under £50, which means a serious saving without any compromising on style.
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The Chloe Carlina sunglasses dupes
Chloe’s iconic Carlina shades have been a staple style for the brand for years and they’re having a resurgence partly down to the return of the 70’s boho trend (thanks, Daisy Jones & The Six).
While this H&M pair may not have the same signature double-rim design, they tap into the trend with a slim gold frame and the nostalgic brown-toned lenses. Plus, at under £10, they’re a real bargain buy so we’ll forgive the slight differences. Think of these as designer-inspired rather than an outright dupe.
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The Prada Rectangle sunglasses dupe
If there’s one sunglasses style to be seen in this summer, it’s Prada’s rectangle frames. Modern without feeling too space age, they make a statement yet won’t look overpowering, something that’s especially important if you have small features.
For a similar feel, try ASOS’ angled rectangular pair. They feature the same rectangle frame alongside Prada-inspired angled corners and diamond shaped arms. Aside from the logo we’d say these are as good as a dupe gets.
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The Saint Laurent LouLou sunglasses dupe
Whether you’re heading to a hen party, living your best Barbiecore fantasy or just want to bring some fun to your summer fits, Saint Laurent’s Lou Lou sunglasses are the only option. If you don’t have £300 to drop on a pair of kitsch shades however try Quay’s Love Struck style, which are just as good. Available in classic black or bright red, they’re oh-so-fun in the best way possible.
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The Gucci Aviator sunglasses dupe
There are so many reasons these Gucci aviators should be top of your summer shopping wishlist: the tortoiseshell frame, the curved vintage style frame, the chic ombre lenses. One reason they probably won’t be, however, is the price tag.
Luckily, Aire has created its Whirlpool sunnies, which tick most of the same boxes for just over 10% of the price. And, if this colourway isn’t for you, they also come in a light tortoiseshell or a black and peach option too.
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The Saint Laurent Mica sunglasses dupe
If you’ve been following Editor Krissy’s tips on how to look expensive, you’ll know that slick-looking accessories are a winner. Saint Laurent’s angled cat eye sunglasses look ultra-chic when paired with an oversized blazer or smart tailoring, but if you’re looking for a more cost effective option, this pair from & Other Stories are as dupeworthy as they come.
Plus, Stories’ sunnies are also made from recycled polyester, making them not only great for your purse but for the planet too.