A decent pair of sunglasses can pull any outfit together, and it’s worth having a pair in your bag ready for any eventuality.
But according to fashion editor Alexandra Stedman, it’s not worth spending big on designer frames.
The mum, who is editor of The Frugality and has worked in fashion for over 15 years, recently posted a TikTok explaining why.
The video, captioned ‘No shade to anyone who loves them!’ revealed how Alex’s experience in the industry turned her off expensive eyewear.
She explained: ‘When I worked on magazines, the vast majority of designer sunglasses were sent piled into envelopes with no boxes, packaging or anything.
‘If we called in clothes or handbags for a shoot from the same brands, the items would be sent in dust bags, wrapped carefully in tissue with so much care.
‘Sunglasses would be sent from a different supplier and thrown in a Jiffy envelope with 20 other pairs which made me think about their value…’
Alex filled an envelope with toy bricks to show the shoddy way the designer sunnies were packed, saying that there was ‘no care taken’ in their transportation.
‘From that moment on,’ added the journalist, ‘I knew it wasn’t worth investing in designer sunglasses.’
Commenters agreed, with some claiming their opticians had told them to avoid big brand names as most frames (both high street and otherwise) are made in the same factories by the same supplier.
Essentially, a fashion house label on your pair isn’t a guarantee that the product quality is worth the extra cost.
That said, Alex mentioned that there are ‘lots of lovely handmade sunglasses out there’ at a range of price points, and her followers recommended artisan and independent brands to try instead.
So to help you along, we’ve rounded up some affordable sunglasses that’ll be staples in your accessory wardrobe.
Glasses Direct – Aida
Buy for £20 (including single vision prescription lenses) at Glasses Direct.
Izipizi – Sun #l Trapezium Frame
Quay – Jezabell
Buy for £37 (was £49) at Asos.
Rectangular Thick Frame Sunglasses
Buy for £27 at & Other Stories.
Privé Reveaux – The Chosen
Le Specs – Impala
Buy for £35.95 at Mister Spex.
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