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We Challenged Stylists to Track Down Trendy Sunglasses for Under $30 & They Found Pairs Starting at $15

Dream shades rotation, sorted.

By Katie Decker-Jacoby

Katie Decker-Jacoby

Best Cheap Sunglasses at a Glance

Best Square: Wild Fable Plastic Square Sunglasses, $15
Best Round: Kelly & Katie Arcadia Sunglasses, $20
Best Aviator: ALDO Timothee Aviator Sunglasses, $25
Best Color Options: Free People Luna Classic Aviator Sunglasses, $25
Best Unique: Kelly & Katie Pearl Jam Sunglasses, $20
Best $15: Urban Outfitters Harley Aviator Sunglasses, $15

I know this to be true because I tapped two fashion stylists to pinpoint affordable sunglasses that won’t cost you more than $30 apiece. Their findings are so impressive that if I didn’t already know the premise of this story, I would’ve never guessed their favorites flaunt sub-$30 price tags. Ahead, our experts also get into the nitty-gritty of what to look for and avoid while scanning the web for your next go-to pair. They share tips, tricks, and trends that’ll help you find a style that’s easy on your face and your bank account. And because I know “cheap” is subjective, I made sure to include a few under-$65 honorable mentions, too.

The Best Cheap Sunglasses You Can Buy Online, According to Stylists

7 Best Cheap Sunglasses Under $30, Stylist-Approved

Best Square

Wild Fable Plastic Square Sunglasses

$15 Buy Now at Target

For a no-frills pair of solid black sunglasses with plain black lenses, look no further than these Wild Fable frames from Target. These shades come in only one size, which should fit most, per the brand, but if not, shoppers can return any Target-owned brand item within one year for an exchange or a refund.

Why a stylist recommends them: “Versatile square frames from Target with a modern edge and everyday wearability.” — Samantha Brown, celebrity stylist

Colorways: 1
Materials: 50% Recycled Plastic (Frame)
Dimensions: 58 Millimeter (H) X 145 Millimeter (W) X 145 Millimeter (L)
Shape: Square
Lens Color: Black
Protective Qualities: UV Protection

Best Color Options

Free People Luna Classic Aviator Sunglasses

$25 Buy Now at Free People

These Free People sunglasses are absolute gems and look way more expensive than $25. They flaunt a timeless square shape and aviator flair with their 16 colorways and tinted, scratch-resistant lenses being their biggest advantage over their counterparts. Not to mention, these glasses have adjustable nose pads to ensure the most comfortable fit.

Why a stylist recommends them: “I’ll never get over a classic pair of Aviators—I love Free People’s Luna Classic. The retro look combined with the frame’s color way is the perfect combo for a throwback look.” — Ellen Molina-Mulcahy, fashion and wardrobe consultant

Colorways: 16
Materials: Plastic, base metal
Shape: Square
Lens Color: Varies, but tinted
Protective Qualities: 100% UV protection

Best Round

Kelly & Katie Arcadia Sunglasses

$20 Buy Now at DSW

Our fashion expert is onto something with the Arcadia Sunglasses. I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a pair of designer sunnies that look exactly like the ones at hand. Their gold-toned accents appear chic, not cheap, and match well with the ombre lenses. If you have to keep a pair of sunglasses in your bag at all times, let it be this one.

Why a stylist recommends them: “A chic, retro-glam vibe without the designer price tag.” — Samantha Brown, celebrity stylist

Colorways: 2
Materials: Plastic
Dimensions: 58 Millimeter (H) X 145 Millimeter (W) X 145 Millimeter (L)
Shape: Round
Lens Color: Ombre
Protective Qualities: 100% UV protection

Best $15

Urban Outfitters Harley Aviator Sunglasses

$15 Buy Now

Want to elevate a basic outfit without even trying? Put on sunglasses with tinted lenses, and you’re good to go. They’re great for creating a focal point (i.e., if you’re wearing a simple tee and jeans with these frames, people’s eyes should go straight to your glasses!).

Why a stylist recommends them: “Harley Aviator Sunglasses, great menswear sunglasses, also budget-friendly.” — Samantha Brown, celebrity stylist

Colorways: 4
Materials: Plastic
Shape: Square
Lens Color: Varies, but tinted
Protective Qualities: N/A

Best Aviator

ALDO Timothee Aviator Sunglasses

$25 Buy Now

Tinted lenses aren’t the only surefire way to elevate an outfit and make a statement through your accessories. Colored frames, especially in trending colors, will do the trick, too. I’d suggest these aviator sunnies, since this crimson shade is a cool take on the ongoing bright red craze.

Why a stylist recommends them: “ALDO is a must-have for anyone’s closet. I love the Timothee from their latest spring collection—the tint adds the perfect pop of color to any outfit.” — Ellen Molina-Mulcahy, fashion and wardrobe consultant

Colorways: 2
Materials: Synthetic
Shape: Square
Lens Color: Varies, but tinted
Protective Qualities: N/A

Urban Outfitters Nate Round Sunglasses

$15 Buy Now

We’ve included several square sunglasses, but don’t forget that round shapes are just as versatile and timeless. These Urban Outfitters shades are a prime example, with their solid black frame, tinted blue lenses, and subtle gold-toned details working so well together.

Why a stylist recommends them: “A tried and true, but Urban always lands. I love the Nate round glasses—they complement any face shape, and the silhouette is timeless.” — Ellen Molina-Mulcahy, fashion and wardrobe consultant

Colorways: 1
Materials: Plastic frame
Shape: Round
Lens Color: Tinted blue
Protective Qualities: UV protection

Best Unique

Kelly & Katie Pearl Jam Sunglasses

$20 Buy Now

There’s no reason to hold back when it comes to accessories. Go bold or go home with these pearl-adorned sunglasses from DSW. You can be daring and wear them with an everyday outfit or save them for a special occasion, like Coachella.

Why a stylist recommends them: “Rounded lenses with playful embellishments that give a soft retro allure.” — Samantha Brown, celebrity stylist

Colorways: 1
Materials: Plastic
Shape: Round
Lens Color: Black
Protective Qualities: 100% UV protection

Best Cheap Sunglasses: Honorable Mentions

We have a few other budget-friendly sunglasses recommendations that cost more than $30 but still sit at pretty affordable price points. It might also be worth it to check out our Charli xcx sunglasses explainer if you’re on the hunt for sporty, under-$20 wraparound shades from Amazon.

Quince Maldives Polarized Acetate Sunglasses

$50 Buy Now

Molina-Mulcahy approves of this Quince pair because it features a simple design with thick frames that make a statement. Their polarized lenses offer glare reduction and clarity, so you can even sport them on a beach day or hike. Another reason to cop these shades is their acetate frames, which are an earth-friendly alternative to plastics. For just a little more money ($20), you can get sunglasses that serve both looks and the environment. It’s well worth it if you ask us, but we might be a little biased because the StyleCaster team is obsessed with everything from Quince.

Colorways: 1
Materials: Plastic
Shape: Round
Lens Color: Black
Protective Qualities: 100% UV protection

Blenders Sydney

$59 Buy Now

Tortoiseshell is a classic sunglasses pattern, and when done right, it can make a look even more sophisticated. Snag Blenders’ Sydney glasses to try the pattern for yourself, or follow Molina-Mulcahy’s advice and experiment with pops of color with one of the other options.

Colorways: 1
Materials: Plastic
Shape: Round
Lens Color: Black
Protective Qualities: 100% UV protection

Otra Shona

$65 Buy Now

Otra was the first eyewear brand I tried samples from when I started working at StyleCaster many years ago (sadly, I think both styles have been discontinued). The Australian name has since grown so much that celebrities like Kylie Jenner, Hailey Bieber, and even Beyoncé have joined its fan club. I called in sunglasses with a similar sleek and slightly dramatic silhouette to the Shona style, and I still rock them to this day. They both look and feel high-quality, and I love how I don’t even have to think about whether they’ll match with the rest of my outfits. They truly go with everything! Back then, I also got a wraparound pair that reminds me of Charli xcx—they’ve been through a lot but have stood the test of time. I like how Otra sunglasses come with proper cases that provide cushion, and not just a flimsy pouch, so I don’t have to worry about them getting crushed in my bag. I additionally haven’t had any issues with my glasses sliding down my nose, if you require a lower nose bridge or have a smaller face.

Colorways: 1
Materials: Plastic
Shape: Round
Lens Color: Black
Protective Qualities: 100% UV protection

FAQ

What should I look for when shopping for cheap sunglasses?

According to our two style experts, there are four main things you should consider for your next sunglasses purchase. First, protection. “Look for labels like ‘UV400’ or ‘100% UV protection.’ And don’t assume dark lenses mean protection—tint alone does nothing for UV safety,” says Molina-Mulcahy. She additionally recommends going with polarized lenses, since they reduce glare from water, snow, roads, and more. It’s important to note that polarized lenses and UV protection are not the same thing. You still need both to ensure your eyes are protected to the max.

Quality, should, per usual, be a defining factor in a purchase decision. For sunglasses, in particular, you should pay attention to lens quality, as cheap ones could potentially distort your vision, per Molina-Mulcahy. How do you know if lenses are good quality? “A quick test is to hold the glasses at arm’s length. Look at a straight line (like a tile or a door frame) and move the glasses slowly across the line. If it warps or bends, the lens quality is poor,” Molina-Mulcahy says. Last, of course, is design. Brown suggests frames with distinct shapes, whether that be sleek metal or bold, oversized acetate. Choose whatever best complements your face shape and outfit aesthetic.

What should I avoid when shopping for cheap sunglasses?

Both of our experts advise against sunglasses that don’t come with product details online. You should be able to gather basic information, like UV protection level and lens material. Additionally, nobody wants sunglasses that break after one use. To combat this, check for flimsy frames, loose hinges, or weak nose pads. Your sunnies should be comfortable and durable, not rickety!

What sunglasses trends are going to be big in 2026?

The question on everyone’s mind when shopping for any clothing item is what’s trending right now. According to Molina-Mulcahy, “Oversized frames dominated many runway collections and help create a glamorous, statement look.” Brown is on the same page and adds that architectural frames are gaining traction, so don’t be afraid to test the waters with unique, playful shapes. Molina-Mulcahy also backs the nostalgia trend, specifically silhouettes from the ’70s, ’90s, and early aughts (yes, yes, you should have Carolyn Bessette Kennedy saved to your Pinterest boards!). The ’70s bring forward oversized, square styles, the ’90s call for slimmer, sleeker shades, and the 2000s present more futuristic sunglasses (like Charli xcx’s signature wraparound sunnies).

Molina-Mulcahy additionally shouts out color as a major sunglasses trend for 2026. “Trending lens colors I’ve been seeing nonstop include amber, emerald green, violet, and blue/pink tints,” she notes. Other things to look out for? According to Brown, you should have geometric shapes such as sharp cat-eyes and more block-y, angular forms on your radar.

What are your favorite brands and retailers for cheap sunglasses?

Molina-Mulcahy is a Blenders and Quince stan through and through, explaining, “Blenders always has great versatile options both in color and style, while Quince offers the best go-to essentials that seem to go with everything.” Brown’s go-to retailer for affordable sunglasses is Target. She says, “Target stands out for trend-inspired, in-house styles like square metals and classic aviators that look chic with almost any outfit.” Brown additionally counts on H&M for minimalist and retro shapes. She says you can find frames that look like they came from the runway without paying the designer price tag. If you’re trying to track down more unique frames, Brown’s stamp of approval goes to Etsy.