Winter Sunnies

The UK cherishes a few select things. Yorkshire tea, Paddington Bear, sunny days in the throes of winter. We’re a chilly island in northern Europe with approximately 171 days of rainfall every year, so who can blame us?  While the sunlight that pours over our little island in Spring and Summer is a welcome return to a steady (ish) bout of good weather, rare winter days with blue skies are reminders that we will, despite the ever-decreasing morale, return into brighter times once more. 

With that being said, there are 2 wardrobe items that maintain a chic timelessness and that is a big coat and a big pair of sunnies. So, when winter sun strikes, the combination of the two can only result in fabulously stylish outcomes. Turning to our style North Stars, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, founders and designers at The Row, of course, the sartorial sisters have mastered the art of winter sunnies. Shielding from the blinding light of cold weather days requires a “bigger is better” attitude to sunglasses. The Olsens have their trusty Ray Bans, opting for bigger frames with dark lenses. Paired with a bundled scarf with hair tucked in, the look is truly Fashion with a capital F. 

Here at because, we love Parisian brand (code for chic) Ami’s sunglasses, our favourite shape being the classical ami de coeur. Timeless in shape with contemporary accents and colourways, the frames are big enough to block out that blinding winter sun, with lenses in brown, black and ochre, Ami plays with the classics to create truly a perfect pair of sunnies. Universal in style but attending to various dress senses, our faves are the icy blue acetate, complimenting the icy weather and ideal for those rare moments of freezing sunshine. 

Stuck in London and not on the slopes? Either way, bring a sense of that obnoxious ski style to the streets and opt for a pair of visor or aviator-style sunnies. We adore Carrera’s Flaglab (try saying that five times with a mouth full of strudel) aviators. Combining the best of sport and style, these are the perfect shades for red runs or shop runs. Available in a range of colours with scarlet, royal blue and burnt orange, the frames feature gold arms and can be bought with yellow, orange or black lenses. 

If you’re lucky enough to have some winter sun – be it in Soho, Verbier or you’ve jetted off to the Bahamas – shop our selection of favourites below!