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Published July 8, 2026 • Last updated July 8, 2026
Designer sunglasses are the one accessory that makes any outfit look expensive, and they almost never go on sale. That is exactly why I watch the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale every year. In 2026 the Sale opens to the public on July 18, with cardmembers shopping early.
I pulled together the 20 best designer sunglasses in this year's Sale. That covers the true luxury houses like Celine, Dior, Gucci, and Fendi, plus a few affordable pairs under a hundred dollars. I sorted them by frame shape so you can find your perfect fit fast.
A quick note before we start. Anniversary Sale prices go live on July 18, so the live Sale price is not showing yet. I will update this post with each pair's Sale price the day the deals drop.
This is my accessories pick of the Sale. For more, see my roundup of the 20 best beauty deals in the Anniversary Sale and my accessories trends I am actually wearing this year. If you are building a full summer look, my best Nordstrom summer sandals pair perfectly with any of these frames.
Designer sunglasses in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale are luxury frames from houses like Celine, Dior, and Gucci offered at a discount during the Sale, which runs once a year. It matters because designer eyewear almost never goes on sale, so Anniversary is the cheapest time to buy. It is most useful for anyone who wants an investment pair, or a first designer pair, without paying full price.
The best designer sunglasses in the 2026 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale are the iconic logo frames, like the Celine Triomphe, the Dior Midnight cat-eye, and the Gucci polarized cat-eye. These are the pairs that rarely discount and hold their style for years. The Sale opens to the public on July 18, 2026.
Quick Takeaways
- Designer sunglasses rarely go on sale, so Anniversary is the year's best chance.
- Top luxury picks: Celine Triomphe, Dior Midnight cat-eye, Gucci polarized cat-eye.
- Under $100 options from Quay and Indy give you the look for less.
- Sorted by frame shape: cat-eye, square, round, and aviator.
- The Sale opens to the public July 18; cardmembers shop early.
- Live Sale prices drop July 18; the best styles sell out fast.
My three top sunglasses to grab the moment the Sale opens.
What Are the Best Cat-Eye Sunglasses?
The best cat-eye sunglasses are the Dior Midnight, the Gucci polarized pair, and the Burberry Meryl. Cat-eye frames lift your face and add instant glamour, which is why they never really go out of style.
This shape flatters almost everyone, from round to heart-shaped faces. Here are the cat-eye frames I would grab first.
The Dior Midnight is a sleek, elevated cat-eye with the subtle CD detail that makes it unmistakable. Dior eyewear almost never goes on sale, so Anniversary is the moment to invest. This is the pair I would call a forever frame.
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This Gucci pair combines a bold cat-eye with polarized, gradient lenses that cut glare beautifully. Polarized designer frames are a rare find, especially on sale. It is the pair that does double duty as glam and genuinely functional.
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The Burberry Meryl is a softer cat-eye with gradient lenses and the brand's quiet-luxury feel. Burberry sits at a friendlier price than the top houses, so it is a smart entry into designer eyewear. It is elegant without shouting.
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The Indy Nolita gives you a polished cat-eye with polarized lenses at an under-$100 price. It is the budget-friendly way to try the trend before you splurge. A great everyday pair you will not stress about tossing in your bag.
Shop Now →Cat-eye frames are having a real moment. See what else made my list in my accessories trends guide and how I style statement pieces in my how to find your signature style post.
My full Anniversary Sale shopping list — the finds actually worth your money, sorted by worth-it or skip, with the July 18 go-live reminder so nothing sells out on you.
Send me the cheat sheet →What Are the Best Square and Rectangular Sunglasses?
The best square and rectangular sunglasses are the Celine, Dior, and Tom Ford frames. This shape reads modern and a little editorial, and it balances softer, rounder face shapes especially well.
These are the pairs that make jeans and a white tee look pulled together. Here are my square and rectangular picks.
This Celine square pair adds rhinestone detailing to the iconic Triomphe hardware for a true statement. Celine is the brand fashion editors reach for again and again. It is the splurge that instantly signals quiet luxury.
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The Celine Bold 3 Dots is a slimmer rectangular frame with the brand's signature dot hinge. It is a more understated Celine option that still reads unmistakably designer. A timeless pair you will wear for years.
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This Dior square frame has gradient lenses and the elegant DiorSignature temple detail. Square Diors are flattering and endlessly wearable with everything. It is a polished pick that works from errands to dinner.
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The Fendi Lettering pair puts the bold logo along the temple for a recognizable, of-the-moment look. Fendi eyewear rarely goes on sale, so this is a real find. It is the pair that finishes a going-out outfit.
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Miu Miu is the it-girl brand right now, and this rectangular pair has the exact retro-modern vibe everyone wants. Gradient lenses keep it soft and flattering. It is the trend-forward pick of the group.
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The Tom Ford Mikel is a clean, structured square with the subtle T temple detail. Tom Ford makes some of the most flattering, well-built frames out there. It is a sophisticated pair that never looks trendy.
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The Givenchy GVDAY is a modern square frame at a more accessible designer price. Givenchy gives you serious label appeal for less than the top houses. It is a great first designer pair.
Shop Now →What Are the Best Round and Butterfly Sunglasses?
The best round and butterfly sunglasses are the Celine Triomphe round, the Tom Ford Odette, and the Fendi Baguette. These softer, curved shapes flatter angular and square face shapes beautifully.
They also give off an effortless, vacation-ready vibe. Here are the rounded frames I love.
The Celine Triomphe round is arguably the most iconic designer sunglass of the last few years. The gold Triomphe hardware is instantly recognizable and endlessly chic. If you buy one investment pair this year, make it this one.
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The Tom Ford Odette is a soft butterfly shape that feels glamorous and a little retro. Butterfly frames flatter almost every face and read expensive. It is a beautiful pair for summer and beyond.
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The Fendi Baguette nods to the brand's famous bag with a curvy, feminine butterfly frame. It is playful and polished at the same time. A standout pair that photographs beautifully.
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This Givenchy pair takes a rounded geometric shape that feels fresh and modern. It is a designer look at a friendlier price point. A versatile everyday frame with real label appeal.
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This Miu Miu irregular frame is for anyone who wants something a little different and very of-the-moment. The unexpected shape is exactly why the brand is so hyped right now. It is the fashion-girl wildcard of the list.
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The Quay Felt Cute is a cute, rounded frame at an under-$100 price. It is a fun, low-commitment way to try the round trend. Perfect for festivals, travel, and everyday wear.
Shop Now →Rounded frames are made for summer. Style them with my best Coachella outfits and the best summer dresses from the Nordstrom Sale.
What Are the Best Aviator and Oval Sunglasses?
The best aviator and oval sunglasses are the Dior aviator, the Ray-Ban oval, and the Quay twist aviator. These classic shapes are the definition of timeless, and they suit nearly every face.
An aviator is the one pair I think everyone should own. Here are my picks across price points.
The Dior aviator elevates the classic pilot shape with luxe hardware and lens detail. Aviators never go out of style, and a designer version is a true forever pair. It is the elevated take on a wardrobe staple.
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Ray-Ban is the original for a reason, and this oval frame is a clean, retro classic. It is the most timeless mid-priced pair on my list. A do-it-all frame that works with every outfit.
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The Quay High Key Twist is an oversized aviator with a subtle twist detail and gradient lenses. Oversized frames give you extra coverage and instant cool-girl vibes. It is the best budget aviator here.
Shop Now →Classic frames are the backbone of a good wardrobe. See how I build mine in my capsule wardrobe guide and my roundup of quiet-luxury finds that look expensive.
How I Picked These 20 Sunglasses
I picked these 20 sunglasses the same way I shop the Sale for myself. I am not claiming to have tried on every single pair this week, since the Sale prices launch on July 18. Instead, I chose them on brand, style staying power, and how flattering each shape is.
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1
Brands that rarely discount. Celine, Dior, Gucci, and Fendi almost never go on sale, so those deals stand out most.
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2
Shapes that flatter. I sorted every pair by frame shape so you can find the most flattering fit fast.
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3
Real everyday wear. I favored frames you will actually reach for, not just novelty pairs.
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Every price point. From a Celine investment pair to a $60 Quay, there is something for every budget.
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5
Pieces I would keep or gift. Every pair is one I would happily wear or give.
Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Designer Sunglasses on Sale
The biggest mistake is waiting too long, because the iconic frames like the Celine Triomphe sell out before the public opening. A close second is buying a trendy shape that does not actually suit your face.
Pros
- Build your wish list earlyAdd frames now so you can check out fast on July 18.
- Prioritize the iconsGrab Celine, Dior, and Gucci first – they rarely discount.
- Shop by face shapePick a frame that flatters, not just the trend of the moment.
Cons
- Don't wait for restocksThe most popular frames often do not come back once sold out.
- Don't skip UV protectionMake sure any pair blocks 100% of UV rays.
- Don't buy on hype aloneSkip a shape if it does not suit your face or your wardrobe.
Splurge vs. Smart-Value Picks
“Designer sunglasses are the fastest way to make any outfit look expensive – and Anniversary Sale is the rare time the icons actually go on sale.— Jasmine Del Toro, Layers of Beauty
My three top sunglasses to grab the moment the Sale opens.
Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Sunglasses: FAQ
When does the 2026 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale start?+
What are the best designer sunglasses in the Anniversary Sale?+
Do designer sunglasses ever go on sale?+
Why don't I see the sale prices yet?+
Which sunglasses shape is most flattering for my face?+
Are cheaper sunglasses worth it, or should I splurge?+
What is the most iconic pair in the Sale?+
Which sunglasses sell out first?+
Do I need a Nordstrom card to shop the sunglasses?+
Where can I shop all your sunglasses picks?+
TL;DR — Designer sunglasses are the smartest accessory buy in the 2026 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Grab the iconic Celine, Dior, and Gucci frames first, then fill in with a timeless Ray-Ban or an affordable Quay. Build your wish list before July 18 so you can check out before the best styles sell out.
The Bottom Line on This Year’s Sunglasses
A sale like this is not really about buying more. It is about finding the one accessory that makes you feel polished and confident the second you put it on.
The right pair of sunglasses does exactly that, every single time you wear them. That is the whole idea behind Layers of Beauty – style is a layer of self-care, not a chore.
So pick the frames that feel like you, skip the rest, and enjoy the Sale. As of July 2026, these 20 designer sunglasses are the ones I would shop first, and you can find all of them on my LTK shop.