On an aesthetic level, sunglasses can also be a fashion statement, a projection of personality, and a part of culture. Nowhere is this more true than in hip-hop, where sunglasses have long been a style signifier. Throughout the years, hip-hop artists have popularized trends that have gone beyond music and pervaded mainstream fashion.
From the big shades of the ’90s to the skinny sunglasses of today, hip-hop’s influence on eyewear remains prevalent. Thanks to the similarities between what you see in the world and the inner workings of hip-hop, the small sunglasses trend, sunglasses parties, the ghost sunglasses trend, and how to wear sunglasses, you can adopt the essence of hip-hop culture.
The implication of donning shades in hip-hop is always a bit more complicated, so first, let’s take it back to its cultural foundation. Sunglasses became a defining element of hip-hop style in the 1980s, during which oversized shades appeared as part of a broader trend of ostentatious, flamboyant aesthetics.
In hip-hop, sunglasses were soon adopted as a symbol of status and self-expression. In a culture obsessed with individuality, how you style sunglasses tells a lot about your persona. Whether you choose the drama of oversized frames or the refinement of small sunglasses, there’s a way to style them that feels like you.
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If you need help figuring out how to pull off sunglasses like your favorite hip-hop stars, the No. 1 rule is confidence. In hip-hop, it’s not merely about the sunglasses but how you wear them. Whether you’re on stage, at a party, or just walking down the street, sunglasses can take your look and attitude to a different level.
Own the Frame: The general rule for wearing sunglasses, no matter what the style, is to own them. In hip-hop, the artist takes on an otherworldly stature, and your shades should embody that aura. If you opt for oversized aviators or lean into small sunglasses, it’s all about confidence.
Jewel Up: Like hip-hop itself, sunglasses don’t need to follow the rules. Colorful lenses and frames are fundamental to hip-hop style, giving any fit a lit touch. Bright colors like neon green, purple, or gold draw the eye immediately and, best of all, make a statement.
Accessorize: Don’t settle for sunglasses alone. Hip-hop culture is largely about frills, so you might want to accessorize your shades with gold chains, caps, or even printed bandanas to achieve complete aesthetics.
One of the biggest changes in hip-hop fashion of late has been the adoption of small sunglasses. Small thin shades have acquired minimalist chic status in sharp counterpoint to the big frames of the 1990s and early 2000s. Artists from Lil Uzi Vert to up-and-comers like A$AP Rocky and even Kanye West have been spotted in these unassumingly shaped trends, heralding a return to sleeker, streamlined aesthetics.
The small sunglasses trend is not for everyone, but how to wear them, you ask, is all about finding the right balance between understated cool and edge. These frames tend to be oval or rectangular in shape, frequently with narrow metal frames, imparting a retro-futuristic touch. When worn with an all-black outfit or even a more colorful getup, small sunglasses add a futuristic, almost alien touch, a tone that sits at odds with old-school hip-hop fabulousness.
Here is how to capitalize on this trend:
Select the Appropriate Shape: Small fashion sunglasses come in various shapes, but rectangular ones are popular in the hip-hop community. They should have some shape but complement your face structure.
It has to be simple as well. Keeping the rest of your outfit minimalistic will make your sunglasses the highlight. Use pants that aren’t too baggy, color coordination, or a graphic tee and clean jacket.
Layer with Confidence: Due to their smaller stature, these sunglasses layer beautifully over earrings or a necklace without overpowering the ensemble.
Hip-hop and parties are inseparable; there’s no better way to complete a party look than with the right pair of shades. Cue the sunglasses party trend. The trend of glitter and flamboyance—sunglasses that can transform the atmosphere of an entire party—is often found during festivals, concerts, and club events.
If you were to backtrack hip-hop's “wild, free-spirited” trend to its roots, it would cross through a party and lead to a pair of sunglasses worn outdoors at night. The trend for sunglasses parties also lends itself to such bright colors, oversized frames, and exaggerated shapes that it is a prime opportunity to express artistic license. Use reflective lenses, gold details, or funky prints.
When trying to work out how to wear sunglasses to a party:
Go Big or Go Home: Sunglasses need to make a statement at parties. Reflective lenses, oversized frames, and neon colors are all nice touches.
Outfit Coordination: Pair sunglasses with your outfit for that party look. Bright pink tones lift up an outer jacket or shoes.
Accessorize for Impact: Bling and other hip-hop style. Pair your party sunglasses with gold chains or even a hat to finish off the look.
Closely related to the small sunglasses (you're going to be seeing these all over the place this summer), the trend of skinny sunglasses or thin sunglasses has become popular for their sleek design and whiff of the future. These trends are inspired by ’90s hip-hop but with a contemporary slant, resulting in a style that is equally retro and forward-looking.
Skinny and thin sunglasses are all about precision. Their super-thin frames and angular silhouettes provide a crisper, more sophisticated look that reads as effortlessly cool. These shades are great for anyone hoping to add a cool, minimal lift to their outfit without overpowering the rest.
When wearing the skinny sunglasses trend or thin sunglasses trend:
Choose Sleek: These shades feature clean, crisp lines. Whether you’re sporting a tailored jacket or relaxed streetwear look, they lend a modern edge to any outfit.
Play with Shapes: Skinny sunglasses often come in many geometric shapes. Whether triangular, rectangular, or even diamond-shaped, each type has a unique vibe.
Keep It Cool: The thin sunglasses trend lives or dies by nonchalance. Wear them with breezy confidence, maybe on the tip of your nose, for a casually cool sensibility.
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Ghost sunglasses are an upcoming style to hit hip-hop, as they are new and ghosty. These frames have extremely light and even clear lenses—the effect is spectral, “barely there.” The ghost sunglasses trend reflects the idea of transparency, making a bolder statement without taking away the attention from the rest of the outfit.
Wearing sunglasses from the ghost trend isn’t a heavy-handed exercise. These shades are usually saved for more subtle, avant-garde looks. Ghost shades have a villainous aesthetic and are often worn with minimalist streetwear or even high-fashion looks; ghost shades flip the script on what sunglasses should look like.
To nail the ghost sunglasses look:
Styling Them with Muted Tones: If you want to fully commit to the ghost sunglasses trend, match them with neutral, muted dressing. Think of outfits in gray, white , or pale blue.
Understated elegance: Make the sunglasses the highlight of a simple, understated outfit. Whereas the party trend was all about bold colors, this version is all about subtlety.
Hip-hop sunglasses are much more than a fashion accessory; they are a statement, a part of history, and a marker of individualism. There are tons of styles available, from the tiny sunglasses trend to sunglasses parties and the futuristic ghost sunglasses trend. Learn how to wear it in a way that matches your life and the hip-hop culture you respect.
From the slick sophistication of the thin sunglasses trend to the bold explosion of energy with party shades, one thing to keep in mind is that hip-hop sunglasses are all about statement pieces—so rock them with pride and let the shades be the statement.
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