The Style Blueprint: Sunglasses

Welcome to The Style Blueprint: Sunglasses Edition. This isn’t just another guide on what to wear—it’s a manifesto on how to wear it with purpose and confidence. Or, as we like to say, how to get Fresh. Think of every tip as a brick, building the foundation of your personal style—one that’s unique, bold, and unapologetically yours. Once you master these essentials, you’ll never have to ask, “Does this look right?” because you’ll already know.

This week’s spotlight? Sunglasses, because details matter.

There’s Rules to This Sh*t…

When Biggie dropped that legendary line, he wasn’t talking about fashion—but the principle still applies. Especially when it comes to sunglasses. Great frames don’t just protect your eyes. They protect your vibe. They elevate every outfit, shift your energy, and tell the world exactly who they’re dealing with.

But before you fall into the trap of buying the ‘IT’ frame, *cough* Cartier Buffs *cough*,  you’ve gotta learn the rules. Because style without strategy is just noise.

Know Your Face

Before you go wild with different shade styles, you need to understand the canvas you’re working with—your face. There are more face shapes out there than we can count, but here’s the quick-and-dirty breakdown to keep you from fumbling the bag.

Got a round face? You’ll want to create definition. Square or angular frames are your best friend because they add structure and contrast to those softer curves. It’s all about balance—let the sharpness of your frames bring edge to your natural roundness.

Rocking a square face with a strong jawline? Soften things up with curves. Aviators or rounded frames can smooth out those bold angles and give your look that effortless balance between rugged and refined.

If you’ve got an oval face, congratulations—you hit the genetic jackpot. Just about any frame will work for you. That said, don’t play it safe. Flex your versatility with something bold like a shield frame. You’ve got the shape for it, so make the most of that style freedom and go for impact.

Know Your Weapons: The Main Types of Shades

When it comes to building your sunglasses arsenal, you need to know your heavy hitters. Let’s break it down:

Square Frames: The Timeless Icon

Square shades are your go-to for structure and strength. Clean lines, sharp angles—this style projects authority without even trying. Square frames work best when you’re looking to lock in a classic, commanding look. They pair up perfectly with everything from streetwear to business casual fits.

Pro tip: Want to add an edge to your square frames? Go for a dark gradient lens. It gives off a commanding energy without being loud.

Aviators: The Forever Cool

Aviators are the definition of effortless Fresh. Originally designed for pilots, aviators bring a laid-back confidence that works for almost any situation. From leather jackets to blazers, these shades ride the line between rugged and refined.

Pro tip: Ditch the basic mirrored lens. A green or brown-tinted lens gives you a sharper, more elevated look while keeping that OG cool factor alive.

Shield Frames: The Bold Statement

Shield sunglasses aren’t just eyewear—they’re armor. Designed with a single continuous lens across the face, shields scream futuristic and fearless. They’re perfect when you want all eyes on you (and none on the competition).

Pro tip: Pair shield shades with minimalist outfits to let the frames do all the talking. Reflective or iridescent lenses hit different when the sun catches them just right.

Round Frames: Retro Fresh

Round frames are for the thinkers, the tastemakers, the lowkey legends. With their curved lines and vintage flavor, they give off that artsy, “I-listened-to-Drake-before-he-was-Drake” type of vibe. They soften strong features and bring balance to square or angular faces.

Pro tip: Want to level up your round frames? Go with gold or wire-thin titanium and an amber or blue-tinted lens. It’s the perfect blend of laid-back luxury and intentional flair.

Know The Details

Fresh starts with the frame—but real style lives in the details. When you’re investing in your shades, don’t just look at the shape. Look deeper. The material and lens combo is what separates average from iconic.

• Acetate is the go-to for a reason. It’s durable, flexible, and holds deep, rich color that plastic could never touch. It feels expensive because it is. If you want frames that stand the test of time and trends, start here.
• Titanium is for the lowkey flexers—super lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and built to handle daily wear without losing its shine.
• Precious Metals, when you really want to max out. Whether they’re 24k gold, platinum, or a clean sterling silver, precious metals bring that luxury energy most people only dream about. It’s style and status all in one. 

Then there’s the lens game, where things get even more personal.

• A dark lens? Classic. It adds instant mystery and big boss energy.
• Green or amber tones? Perfect for retro fits and are timeless.
• Mirrored or gradient for maximum impact. Whether you’re pulling up to a rooftop party or a business brunch, these lenses say fashion-forward without saying a word.

In short: don’t just buy sunglasses—build them around you. The right combo of frame, lens, and material doesn’t just look good, it says “I am good”.

This is just a starting point—there are more face shapes, materials, and frame styles out there. But mastering these basics puts you ahead of 90% of people still guessing in the mirror.

Respect the Rules. Then Break Them.

Sunglasses aren’t just summer accessories—they’re year-round statements. A quality pair of shades doesn’t just block the sun; they broadcast your vibe. The right frames elevate your outfit, your confidence, and your presence before you even say a word. That’s power.

So here’s the blueprint:

Know your face.
Understand your structure, but don’t get boxed in by it. Learn what complements your angles, then decide what challenges them.

Choose your weapons wisely.
Pick a frame style, lens tint, and material that speaks to your lifestyle. Whether it’s square for authority, aviator for ease, shield for boldness, or round for depth—your frames should work with your energy, not against it.

Then flip the whole script.
Once you’ve locked in the “rules,” it’s time to remix them. That’s where real style shows up. Your shades shouldn’t just fit your face—they should mirror your mindset. Use them to express your energy, your attitude, and your story. Because the ones who set trends aren’t the ones playing it safe. They’re the ones who redefine what style looks like—on their terms.

Now go write your own rules.