Written by Paddy Maddison in Essentials on the 2nd August 2017

As far as seasonal dressing goes, it doesn’t get much simpler than summer. Throw on a pair of chino shorts, a shirt and some white sneakers and you’re basically all set for pretty much any situation. However, as great as it may be in terms of ease, summer falls flat when it comes to variety, which can make it tricky to put your own unique stamp on an outfit. In the cooler months, we have the benefit of layers, opening up a world of possibilities, but in summer, personalisation rests solely with our accessories. This is why a great pair of shades is the most powerful tool in your summer wardrobe. The smallest details have the power to completely alter a look, so to help you find the perfect pair, we’ve compiled a detailed list of our favourite sunglasses for summer 2017.

MOSCOT – Miltzen  

MOSCOT is a luxury eyewear brand with serious heritage appeal and some really tasty glasses. The Miltzen is one of the 5th generation family company’s oldest frames and when you pick a pair up you can instantly feel the quality. We were particularly taken with the ‘blonde’ colourway. “The clean, classic, and timeless design of The MILTZEN frame has graced the faces of many over the past 80+ years,” says company president Harvey Moscot. “The simple, round shape, and multiple size options have contributed to its universal appeal,” making it the perfect style to carry you all through the summer and beyond.

Tens – Cruiser II 

Tens is a young brand that has been making waves in the world of sunglasses, mainly due to its unique filtered lenses. The concept was dreamt up by three photographer friends travelling through the Scottish Highlands. Sick and tired of the dull hue that regular sunglasses added to the world, the three set about, using their knowledge of camera lenses, to create shades that would enhance the colours of the world, as opposed to dampening them. The result is sunglasses that you’ll not want to take off. The Cruiser II is one of the most popular; an interesting contemporary twist on a classic Clubmaster-style frame, which we all know pairs with anything.

Cubitts - Bingfield 

Founded in King’s Cross in 2012, Cubitts is an artisanal optician, specialising in expertly handcrafted glasses. What’s more, they won’t destroy your wallet, which is rare when it comes to quality shades. It may be a relatively young brand but Cubitts is now a well-known and much-loved name in the capital. “It’s kind of crazy right now,” founder Tom Broughton says. “I regularly see people wearing frames that I remember being just a little sketch on a notepad.” And now with its eyewear stocked by large retailers such as MR PORTER, the only way for Cubitts is up.

IZIPIZI – Sunglasses #E Mirror  

Formerly See Concept, before a rebrand late last year, IZIPIZI has attracted a cult-like following, due in no small part to its eye-catching designs, effortless style and unbeatable value for money. This winning combination hasn’t gone unnoticed by some of the biggest and most respected names in fashion retail either and the French brand has won contracts with the likes of Nordstrom, Selfridges, Harrods and Bloomingdale’s to name just a few. We think this particular style sums up what IZIPIZI is all about.

Monokel - Iota 

Swedish handmade sunglass brand Monokel is bringing Scandi style to the eyewear arena and we’re fully on board with it. Based in Stockholm, Monokel’s designs meld simplicity, functionality and good looks to seamless effect. The Iota is a great low-profile option, with a round shape, gold coloured stainless steel frame and finished off with Carl Zeiss lenses. If you’re looking for something refined, stripped-back and suave then these might be the shades for you.

Alain Mikli X Oliver Peoples – Paon  

Alain Mikli is renowned in the field of eyewear for his innovative approach to design and quirky taste. Pair that with Oliver Peoples, one of the best labels around for timeless high quality sunglasses, and you’ve got a winning combination. The Paon frame offers an interesting take on one of the most classic silhouettes imaginable, the aviator. Mirrored lenses, capped with tortoiseshell acetate detailing give these glasses a completely unique look that manages to stay true to the original, while at the same time adding a nice contemporary element.

Han Kjøbenhaven – Timeless Clip-On 

Looking for something a little different from your summer eyewear this year? Look no further than Denmark’s finest, Han Kjøbenhaven. This is a brand that you’re no doubt familiar with already and while their clothes are all well and good, the area in which the Copenhagen-based label really excels is in its sunglasses. This timeless clip-on pair is particularly jazzy and the perfect way to spice up even the simplest of summer outfits.

ILLESTEVA – Leonard 

American brand ILLESTAVA prides itself on its “Handmade in Italy, Designed in NY” sunglasses. The label, which has hordes of celebrity fans, is known for its innovative use of diverse materials like natural buffalo horn and wood. The Leonard frame is ILLESTEVA’s most popular style, loved for its 1950s-inspired round frame and endless versatility. This particular version features two-tone colouring, with clear acetate at the bottom and dark tortoiseshell on top.

We feature MOSCOT Miltzen, Tens Cruiser II, Cubitts- Bingfield, and Monokel Iota in this list of Our Favourite Sunglasses of Summer 2017.