Favorite Sunglasses and How I Actually Store Them

There’s something oddly powerful about the right pair of sunglasses. They add a bit of mystery when you’re bare-faced at the grocery store, pull a whole outfit together on rushed mornings, and somehow make everything feel just a little more intentional. Over the years, I’ve tested all kinds — from barely-there wireframes to full-shield drama. Some made the cut, others… didn’t survive past a single outfit photo.

Today, I’m sharing the ones that did earn their place — plus how I actually keep them organized (spoiler: it’s not a chic wall-mounted display, but it works). If you’ve ever juggled a growing sunglasses stash or left your favorite pair buried under receipts in your tote, this one’s for you.

The Pairs I Reach for Most

Not all sunglasses are created equal — some are cute for a photo, and others become a part of your actual routine. These are the ones that made it past the novelty phase and now live in rotation depending on the mood, the outfit, or honestly, how much eye contact I feel like making.

The Everyday Black Frames

These live in my bag, no exceptions. I wear the Ray-Ban RB2140 Original Wayfarer (54 Eyesize) — they’re structured, simple, and just oversized enough to feel polished without swallowing my face. I’ve paired them with linen sets, blazers, bike shorts — they work with everything because they don’t try too hard. Bonus: they don’t pinch, even after a full day out.

My “Outfit Needs Help” Sunglasses

This is the pair I reach for when the rest of the look feels a little… meh. Right now it’s the Prada 53mm Rounded Cat-Eye Sunglasses — tortoiseshell with a slight lift that instantly pulls things together. I’ve thrown them on with a hoodie and somehow felt polished enough for an impromptu coffee meeting. Magic? Maybe. But mostly just great shape and a little attitude.

A Bold Pair That Surprised Me

I almost returned these. They were a bit sportier than I’d usually go for, and at first glance, felt like something I’d wear ironically. But then I tried them with a trench and sneakers — and something clicked. Now they’re the pair I pull when I want a little contrast, or when I’m dressing down but still want to look like I tried. Style curveballs like this keep it fun.

How I Store My Sunglasses (No Fancy System Here)

I’d love to tell you I have a dreamy, color-coded drawer with velvet dividers and a built-in mirror. But in reality? My sunglasses live in a few very unglamorous—but very practical—spots around my apartment. It’s not pretty, but it works. And honestly, seeing them out reminds me to actually wear them.

The Tray on My Dresser

This is the closest thing I have to an actual system. It’s a small, shallow tray I thrifted years ago — nothing fancy, but wide enough to hold about three pairs without them bumping into each other. These are the “in-rotation” shades: the ones I reach for the most, or the ones I’m styling for something coming up. It makes getting dressed easier when I can see the options instead of digging through a case.

Sunglasses in the Entryway Bowl

Yes, the same bowl that holds my keys, hair clips, and an embarrassing number of receipts. I usually toss one pair in there for quick errands or walks. It’s not a long-term storage solution, but it keeps them from getting lost under the couch or squished in my bag. Functional chaos.

Travel Case for the Rest

For the pairs I don’t wear as often or only bring out for specific outfits, I use the Dagne Dover Remi Glasses Case. It folds up like a jewelry roll, fits four pairs, and actually looks chic on my dresser. It’s sleek, scratch-free, and just structured enough to survive a weekender bag shuffle.

Why I Don’t Buy as Many Pairs Anymore

There was a time I impulse-bought sunglasses the way people collect hair ties — casually, often, and with very little thought. But somewhere between my third “why did I buy these?” moment and realizing I wore the same two pairs every week, I started being pickier. Now, my approach is more edited — fewer pairs, better choices, and a lot less regret.

The Five-Pair Rule

This isn’t a hard rule, but it helps me pause before adding a new pair. I try to keep my collection to five at a time — enough for variety, but not so many that I forget what I own. If I bring in a new style, something else usually has to go. It keeps things intentional and reminds me that more doesn’t always mean better.

What I Look for Before Buying

Before I commit, I do a quick fit check (no nose pinching, please), make sure the lenses offer real UV protection, and ask myself the important question: “Will I actually wear these more than once?” I’ve learned that some styles look great online but just don’t suit my face or my closet. And that’s okay — style is personal, after all.

What I’ve Donated or Resold

There were a few pairs I held onto for the aesthetic — the cool-colored lenses, the tiny retro ones, the massive 2000s shields — but they never really felt like me. Eventually, I passed them along to friends or consignment. Clearing them out made space (literally and mentally) for the ones I genuinely reach for.

A Few I Have My Eye On

Just because I’m buying less doesn’t mean I’m not still browsing. I love a slow scroll through new collections — and when a pair catches my eye, I let it live in my cart for a bit. It’s like a waiting room for potential favorites. These are the ones currently on my radar, though I haven’t hit “purchase” (yet).

A Cat-Eye from an Indie Label

There’s this one pair — sharp, matte, and slightly dramatic — from Prada I’ve been quietly following. I love that it feels elevated without being flashy. They remind me of something a character in a French film might wear while sipping espresso and judging people (in a good way). Still deciding if they’d get enough wear, but they’re tempting me.

Sporty Frames I Never Thought I’d Love

I’m not usually a sporty-sunglasses person, but lately I’ve been weirdly drawn to those semi-wrap styles that feel part off-duty model, part 90s pop star. There’s a beige pair with mirrored lenses that keeps showing up in my saved folders. I’m still figuring out how they’d work with my usual outfits, but styled right, they might just be the unexpected edge I didn’t know I needed.

Sometimes it’s not about buying immediately — it’s about sitting with the idea until it either fades… or turns into your new favorite.

Final Thoughts

For me, sunglasses aren’t just about blocking the sun — they’re little confidence boosters. Some days, they’re armor. Other days, they’re just the thing that makes my outfit feel finished. I don’t need a giant drawer full of them (though I’ve been there); I just need a few pairs that actually feel like me.

The way I store them? Imperfect, a little scattered, but honest — and it keeps me grounded in what I use versus what just looks good in theory. I’ll keep admiring the dreamy displays and curated collections on Instagram, but for now, my entryway bowl and dresser tray do the job just fine.

Style is personal, but good taste speaks loud.