Everybody is wearing sunglasses that are a little bit ‘ugly’
There is a new kind of “it accessory” dominating summer 2025—and no, it is not chic. It is a little off. A little strange. A little ugly. And somehow, that is exactly the point.
From bug-eyed frames to wraparound visors straight out of a sci-fi speedway, these sunglasses were not made to flatter. They were made to provoke. And right now, everyone—from models off-duty to mega-celebs on yachts—are leaning all the way in.
Ugly sunglasses are no longer ironic. They are aspirational. They signal status, chaos, and confidence, in a world where trying too hard is the ultimate faux pas.
The celebrities who made it happen
This shift did not come out of nowhere. It has been building—one chaotic pair of glasses at a time.
Kim Kardashian helped set the tone with her now-infamous Balenciaga bug-eye shields. Bella Hadid wore vintage wraparounds so consistently that the look became hers. Hailey Bieber has been spotted in tinted visors that look like they came from a NASCAR garage.
And now, the domino effect is in full swing. Dua Lipa’s “it girl off-duty” look usually comes with slim Y2K shades that match her baguette bag. A$AP Rocky has worn eyewear that looks half speed dealer, half nostalgia-core. It is unhinged. It is confident. It works.
Not all ugly glasses are created equal. They have splintered into aesthetic micro-movements. You will know them when you see them.
-The Matrix Shield: futuristic mirrored, and usually worn with an ice-cold middle part.
-Y2K Tints: baby blue, lavender, or neon green—lenses that say 2002 never ended.
-Bug-Eyes: oversized round specs à la Chanel, but on caffeine.
-Safety Shades: clear, chunky, and vaguely like something from a lab.
-Sportcore Wraparounds: Oakley energy—now styled with mini skirts and Miu Miu belts.
They do not just accessorize the outfit. They are the outfit.
High fashion meets gas station rack
What makes this wave different is how democratically weird it is. Luxury brands like Balenciaga, Loewe, and Rick Owens have long leaned into dystopian wear. But now, the same silhouettes are showing up on fast fashion shelves, TikTok hauls, and even dollar-store counters.
People are mixing $400 frames with $4 finds, and no one can tell the difference—or wants to. In a strange way, ugliness has become the most level playing field fashion has seen in a while.
Why “ugly” is the new expensive
This is about more than sunglasses. It is about intention. Pretty feels safe. These frames feel deliberate.
Wearing them says: “I do not care what you think—but also, I care just enough to look like this.”
It is the same logic that made Crocs cool again. Or made people spend real money on toe shoes and thrifted motocross gear. Ugly is no longer a mistake. It is a mood.
And still… we want more
Ugly sunglasses do not just protect your eyes. They protect your mystery. They say, “I am hungover, maybe famous, possibly European.” They let you disappear in plain sight—or stand out in a crowd of perfectly curated outfits.
Because in 2025, the more unhinged your eyewear, the more people assume you know exactly what you are doing.
And you probably do.
