Fashion

11 Alternative Sunglasses To Rock This Spring

by Eliza Florendo

It still might be end of January, but I'm always looking forward to better times: I'm talking spring. And nothing says warmer weather more than sunnies. This season, alternative sunglasses are the ultimate accessory that every cool girl will be rocking. Don't get me wrong — A classic never goes out of style, but if you're looking to mix it up, a fresh pair of shades will do the trick.

We can thank the weather gods this week for giving us a milder take on winter. And just last week, I noticed that the sun was setting later. I mean, I had left work and it was still light outside! I felt my mood instantly lift. But as any New Yorker (and New Englander) knows, the weather can change its fickle mind at any time. Never get too comfortable in that leather jacket and your favorite tennis shoes — Soon, you'll have to pull your Timbs and parkas out just as quickly as you had put them away.

For now, let's relish in this weather heaven for a moment. I won't be pulling out my cutoffs or tank tops anytime soon, but you can bet that I'm already online shopping for sunglasses. While 2015 was the year of super chic, Western style Dior sunnies, I predict that we'll still be seeing these well into 2016, along with funkier, chunkier acetate styles that'll make you the master of cool girl style.

If you're looking for a pair to add a unique spin to any ensemble this spring, get inspired by some of my favorites, below.

1. The Clear Trend

Quay Australia Life in Xanadu Round Clear Frame Sunglasses, $25, Asos

Love at first sight. Literally.

2. The Two-Tone

Emma Sunglasses, $16, U rban Outfitters

Why choose one color, when you can go with two?

3. A Modern Cat Eye

Dovima Cat Eye Sunglasses, $510, N eiman Marcus

These are definitely a splurge, but if you're looking for a pair that'll last you a lifetime and will always be in style, these are your go-tos.

4. The Bridge

Unisex Round Sunglasses With UV400 Protected Mirrored Lens, $16, O pen Sky

Never going to say no to a unisex pair!

5. The Standout Color

Madewell Indio Sunglasses, $55, M adewell

Bright yellow frames call for bright sunny days.

6. The Celeb Style

Dior Abstract 58mm Sunglasses, $475, N ordstrom

Practically every celeb was rocking Dior sunnies in 2015 — But these square-shaped frames are even cooler than the originals.

7. Geometric

Bonnie In Gradient Brown, $46, N eed Supply

Don't be a square.

8. Pop Art

Metal Me Tonight Plated Shades, $20, Shopper Board

These are so cool, they don't even look real!

9. Pure White

Thierry Lasry Cheeky Cat Eye Acetate Sunglasses, $475, N et-A-Porter

I'm sorry, but could these be any chicer?

10. The Flip Clip

Cortina Tortoise With Grey Clip On Lenses, $260, I llesteva

This is my favorite sunglass trend thus far. How cool are these flip clips?

11. Animal Print

Zebra Sunglasses, $22, & Other Stories

We all need a little animal print in our lives.

Spring's knocking (loudly) on our doors. Let's answer, shall we?