10 affordable sunglasses that look like they could be designer (we won't tell if you don't)


Affordable sunglasses aren't a myth, but a reality, thanks to these stunning spring frames from the high street - shop your fave now


Yerin Ha sunglasses© Getty

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Carla Challis
Carla ChallisCommerce Partnerships Editor
Updated: 2 minutes ago
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This sudden sunny weather calls for one thing - a new pair of sunglasses. After all, a fabulous pair of sunnies is the easiest way to bring a new lease of life into your wardrobe. A new pair of shades is the ideal way to upgrade any outfit (or hide a multitude of sins), and we're firm believers you can never have too many.

I know people that don't leave the house without a pair of sunglasses, come rain or shine, and this sunny spring weather is low-burn ushering in the need for a new pair of shades, from the trend-led styles to celebrity faves.

Bella Hadid at Cannes 2025 wearing black slim sunglasses© Getty
Bella Hadid's slim frames are easy to replicate on the high street

You don't need to spend a fortune on a pair of sunglasses, especially if you're someone who likes to trade styles depending on your outfit. Some of the best stores for designer-looking sunglasses include ASOS, Free People and Amazon have so many hidden treasures, you're spoilt for choice.

Our fave sunglasses looks of 2026 so far

Thanks to sunny fashion weeks in Paris and Milan recently, we've been treated to a slew of celebs wearing the top designer sunglasses of the year. Kendall Jenner gave serious Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy vibes with her slim, rectangular Armani frames which are easily recreated on the high street.

Kendall Fashion Week© Getty
Kendall's chic, slim sunglasses at Milan Fashion Week

Demi Moore's full Gucci look at the designer houses' fashion show included a pair of the new Gucci sunglasses - large, frameless shades that are futuristic and oh-so-fashionable.

Demi Moore on leather and sunglasses at the Gucci fall/winter 2026 fashion show © WWD via Getty Images
Demi Moore at the Gucci fall/winter 2026 fashion show

And let's just take a moment for the super glam Brooke Shields, who strutted her way to the FROW during Paris Fashion Week wearing these oversized aviator brown frames from Chloe.

Brooke Shields at Chloe© Getty
Brooke Shields oozes glam in Chloe shades

And last but not least, Sarah Pidgeon as Carolyn Bessette in Love Story emulated the 90s style to perfection - she famously wore the Aldo sunglasses from Selima Optique.

Carolyn Bessette wearing sunglasses - played by Sarah Pidgeon on Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette© FX
The Carolyn Bessette inspired sunglasses we all want

Since designer sunglasses can cost hundreds, I've turned detective to track down the best designer sunglasses dupes, costing less than your daily coffee and bagel run (or perhaps a touch more, but let's hope for the first).

If you're looking for a new style but don't want to splash out, we've found nine pairs of designer-look cheap sunglasses with very affordable price tags...

How I chose the best cheap sunglasses

  • Cost: Of course our first consideration was the price. Every pair in this edit is under £40 / $50, with the majority a lot less.
  • Designer-inspired: I've kept the pairs in the edit as close to some of the most in demand designer sunglasses of 2025. Some are direct lookalikes while some are such good quality, you'd think they've a much higher price tag.
  • UV protection: Just because they come cheap doesn't mean they can't be high quality. We've only included pairs which genuinely protect your eyes with 100% UV protection. 
  • Variety: We know that different frames suit different face shapes so we've found a range, from cat-eye sunnies to aviators, slim 90s styles and oversized frames.

The cheap sunglasses we're loving right now...

1/10

Free People Little Secret Round Sunglasses

Free People Little Secret Round Sunglasses© Free People

The metallic Celine Triomphe sunglasses continue to be bestsellers, but they're on the rather expensive side; Free People's done us good with this affordable lookalike, including the same metallic arms and frames and rounded oval shaped lenses.

If you're in the UK, these New Look sunglasses are even cheaper at £10.99 and look almost the real Celine deal.

2/10

& Other Stories Slim Oval-Frame Sunglasses

Stories Slim Sunglasses© & Other Stories

Giving Carolyn Bessette vibes, these slim & Other Stories frames come in black or tortoiseshell.

3/10

Le Specs Dream Boat Aviator Sunglasses

Le Specs Aviators© Le Specs

If you're a fan of the aviator style sunglasses, you probably have Tom Ford's Samuele aviators on your wish list.

Save your cash and try the Le Specs aviator sunglasses, with a similar retro style large frame and blue acetane or tortoiseshell detailing.

4/10

Next Cat Eye Sunglasses

Next sunglasses© Next

As lookalikes of the oversize Saint Laurent Cat-Eye Mica sunnies, Next's are a similar style but an absolute bargain.

They come with 100% UV lenses and reviews say they feel really high quality.

5/10

Amazon Sunglasses

Amazon sunglasses© Supplied

Is it me or are these Amazon sunglasses giving you Miu Miu Regard vibes? 

For the Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner lovers, these Amazon frames are just like the slim, 90s style pairs these stylish women wear. They come in other colourways too, but I like the black for a sleek, chic look.

6/10

M&S Oval Sunglasses

M&S Sunglasses© M&S

Colourful sunglasses dominated the Miu Miu runway, with all colours of the rainbow featuring on frames. 

Blue or green are an easy way to embrace the trend, like these stunning M&S sunnies in light blue.

7/10

AIRE X ASOS Titania Slim Sunglasses

ASOS© ASOS

Cat eye sunnies have gotten a makeover with a more angular look; the metallic frames are reminiscent of Bottega Veneta.

8/10

ASOS Sunglasses

ASOS sunglasses© ASOS

I'm obsessed with the Oliver Peoples+ Khaite oval acetate sunglasses, and acetate is trending for spring sunglasses. ASOS always comes out on top with their choice of sunglasses, and I love this pair for being a more affordable version.

9/10

Kaiia Oversized Sunglasses

Asos sunglasses© ASOS

Leaning into that sporty, Givenchy visor aesthetic are these bargain sunglasses from Parfois.

They feature an oversized frame that curves slightly around the face in a light, airy green.

10/10

Accessorize Hexagonal Metal Sunglasses

Accessorize Sunglasses© Accessorize

Acessorize's hexagonol sunglasses look so expensive with their metallic frame and irregular shape. 

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