In the 1960s, a new fashion accessory rose to mainstream fame.

Sunglasses had been around before the 1960s, of course, but they were simply functional. It was during this iconic decade that they moved away from pure functionality into the realm of high fashion.

In other words, sunnies became the must-have fashion accessory that we know and love today.

Since the 1960s every decade has produced a signature style. The great news is that the latest trends are looking back in time for inspiration, and making new the frames and shades of the past.

If you covet that retro chic look, read on as we look at five decades of sunnies and their contemporary counterparts.

The 1960s

The sixties summer look used wide, square frames and semi-clear lenses to complement the heavy bangs and dark eye make-up of the era.

Get the look with a touch of glam with these Miami sunnies from Michael Kors at Sunglass Hut.

The 1970s

The seventies was synonymous with free love, Saturday Night Fever and feminism. Butterly lenses were a playful way to bring natural shapes into a chic style. Like the sixties, seventies shades were oversized and over the top.

Get the look with these butterfly frames from the new Tiffany Paper Flowers collection available at Sunglass Hut.

The 1980s

Yep. That’s Tom Cruise in Risky Business.

The eighties are known for the kind of fashion that only works at a costume party, with neon colours and over the top shapes and shades. It’s also, however, the decade that brings us the Wayfarer – a style that maintains its popularity today due to its universal appeal.

Get the look with these Ray-Ban Wayfarers available at Sunglass Hut.

The 1990s

Ah, the nineties…

The nineties have made a major comeback and with good reason. Labelled the ‘attitude era’, the nineties brings us nostalgia with a futuristic feel.

Get the look with a pair of dungarees and these Panthos sunnies by Prada at Sunglass Hut.

And, What’s Good Right Now

Finally, welcome to 2019. The current sunglass trends draw heavily on the past to bring you a range of retro frames with a modern twist.

Get the look with the Prada Postcard collection available at Sunglass Hut.

The great thing about 2019, is that trends suggest scope to play. With five decades to choose from, finding your signature style is no longer limited to fast fashion. Instead, you get to play with iconic designs that last.

Visit the Sunglass Hut website for more beautiful sunnies that’ll stand the test of time.