With windows down and wind in your hair, nothing complements a hot rod quite like a cool pair of shades. More than a sunny-day necessity, they have a way of drawing out our alter ego behind the wheel. Are you Susan Sarandon’s Louise with sassy cat eyes or a Peter Fonda’s Easy Rider in rebel-cool Ray-Bans? Whether you’re piloting a ’66 Thunderbird or a Harley chopper, specs speak to persona, attitude and taste. An iconic ride calls for an iconic look and these shades have you covered from an Aston Martin to a Z8.
Ray-Bans, the name behind two of the top-selling sunglasses of all time, have always been the darling of the crowd with a need for speed. The brand has solidified both Wayfarers and Aviators as the choice of the cool kids from the Blues Brothers’ legendary black Wayfarers in the Bluesmobile to Maverick’s equally memorable Aviators in “Top Gun.” While the classics are still timeless styles, today Ray-Ban forges ahead with novel materials like brown leather for the Wayfarers and vibrant colored lenses on the Aviators.
One of the perks of these two top sellers is that they work for guys and gals alike, but Ray-Ban also launched Justin and Erika for younger looks that are specialized for the sexes. Erika comes in fetching velvet while Justin styles may be made to order in complementing or contrasting colors to match your man’s desires. If he’s more of a traditionalist with an edge, Emporio Armani’s matte black shades with perforation detailing might do the trick when he’s hopping into his Lotus.
Back to your ride – Boxster? Or Maybach, maybe? If you just can’t help but flaunt some ’tude when you put pedal to the metal, test-run some subtle cat-eye styles. (Think glam, not Gram.) The Tiffany Hearts collection by Tiffany & Co. offers an airy pair in black on its signature blue. Its mother-of-pearl accents may even match your interior. Coach also brings a rounded cat-eye to its thick-rimmed Lindsay style. Shown here in black on tortoise, it’s also offered in striking two tones such as purple on tortoise and beige on black.
Burberry has a sophisticated alternative to black with a tan ombre approach. Oversize frames evoke confidence and intriguing angles denote a penchant for high style. Oscar de la Renta’s design for sunglasses maven Linda Farrow stands out in bright white – a must-have cruising Miami’s Ocean Drive.
Thick rims are also in and more people than you think can pull them off. Classic Prada paints it black to resonate boldness, while Michael Kors offers a honey-colored tortoise frame to keep your look light and carefree – the perfect pairing for a vibrant scarf to wrangle your curls with the top down.
