7 sunglasses styles women over 60 wear that make them look elegant and refined

I was having coffee with my friend Clara last week at our favorite spot in Itaim Bibi when I noticed something. She's 64, always impeccably dressed, and whenever she slides on her sunglasses, she just looks more polished. More pulled together. More herself.

It got me thinking about how the right pair of sunglasses can completely transform your presence. Not in a showy way, but in that quiet, confident way that makes people take notice.

After years of watching women who really know how to dress, I've noticed patterns. Certain styles just work better. They complement rather than compete. They add sophistication without trying too hard.

Here are the seven styles that consistently make women over 60 look elegant and refined.

1. Classic oversized frames

There's a reason these never go out of style. Oversized frames give you that effortless, cosmopolitan look without much effort at all.

The key is finding a size that's generous without being cartoonish. You want frames that cover from your eyebrows to the top of your cheekbones. They should feel substantial but not heavy.

I see this style on women who've mastered the art of looking chic in simple outfits. A white button-down, well-fitted jeans, and oversized sunglasses? That's a uniform that works every single time. The frames do the talking while keeping everything else understated.

What makes them particularly flattering is how they balance facial proportions. As skin texture changes with age, larger frames draw attention upward to your eyes and away from areas you might feel less confident about. Plus, they offer excellent sun protection, which matters more as we get older.

2. Cat-eye with subtle lift

Cat-eye frames get a bad reputation for being too retro or costume-like, but the right pair is anything but.

The modern version has a gentle upward sweep at the outer corners. Not the dramatic wings from the 1950s, but a softer lift that's barely noticeable until you really look. This subtle angle creates a natural lifting effect that's incredibly flattering.

My mother-in-law wears these whenever we visit Santiago, and she looks sophisticated every time. The frames add structure to her face without looking severe. They have this way of making you look more alert and engaged, which is exactly what you want.

When shopping for cat-eyes, look for frames where the highest point sits just above the outer edge of your eye. Anything more extreme can read as trying too hard. Keep the colors neutral or in classic tortoiseshell patterns.

3. Rectangular frames with rounded edges

Sharp angles can be harsh, especially as facial features naturally soften with age. Rectangular frames with slightly rounded corners offer the best of both worlds.

These frames provide structure and definition while still feeling approachable. They work particularly well if you have a round or oval face because they add a bit of geometry without being too rigid.

I've noticed women who wear these tend to pair them with structured clothing. Think tailored blazers, crisp shirts, or well-cut trousers. The frames complement that put-together aesthetic beautifully. They say "I know what I'm doing" without being stuffy about it.

The width matters here. You want frames that extend just beyond your face but don't overwhelm it. They should align with your temples or sit just slightly wider.

4. Round frames in medium size

Round frames have become increasingly popular, and for good reason. They soften angular features and add a touch of intellectual elegance.

The trick is going medium rather than oversized. You want them large enough to make a statement but not so big that they dominate your face. Think classic John Lennon style but scaled appropriately for everyday wear.

What I love about round frames is how they balance out features that might have become more defined over time. If your cheekbones are more prominent now or your jawline has sharpened, round sunglasses create a nice counterbalance. They add warmth and approachability to your overall look.

Choose frames with a bit of thickness to them. Wire-thin rounds can look too delicate and get lost on your face. A frame with some substance holds its own and looks more intentional.

5. Aviators with a feminine touch

Aviators are typically thought of as masculine, but certain versions work beautifully for women over 60 who want that cool, confident edge.

Look for aviators with softer metals like rose gold or frames that have a slight curve rather than the classic teardrop shape. Some versions come with gradient lenses or lighter tints that feel less intense than the traditional dark lenses.

A friend from my book club wears rose gold aviators, and they completely change her presence. She goes from looking sweet to looking like someone you don't want to mess with. In the best way possible. They add just enough attitude without crossing into aggressive territory.

The key is keeping them proportional. Standard aviator sizing works for most faces, but if you have smaller features, look for a slightly reduced version. You want them to enhance your face, not hide it.

6. Wayfarer style in classic colors

Wayfarers are the dependable friend of the sunglasses world. They work with almost everything and never look out of place.

The original shape has stood the test of time because it flatters nearly every face shape. The slightly angled frame and strong horizontal lines create balance and structure. They're casual enough for weekend errands but polished enough for lunch with friends.

Black is the obvious choice, but don't sleep on tortoiseshell or deep burgundy. These colors add warmth and work beautifully with aging skin tones. They soften the overall look while maintaining that classic appeal.

What makes wayfarers particularly smart for this age group is their versatility. You can dress them up or down. Throw them on with a linen shirt and shorts, or wear them with a blazer and trousers. They adapt to whatever situation you're in.

7. Square frames with temple details

Square frames offer definition and modern edge. When they include subtle details on the temples, like delicate metalwork or a distinctive hinge, they move from basic to refined.

These small touches make a difference. They show attention to detail and elevate what could be a simple frame into something special. It's the same principle as wearing well-made shoes or carrying a quality handbag. The details tell the real story.

I've seen these work particularly well on women who favor minimal jewelry. The frames themselves become the accessory, so you don't need to layer on necklaces or earrings to look finished. Just the sunglasses, maybe a watch, and you're done.

Square frames also photograph well, which matters if you're someone who's active on social media or enjoys documenting life moments with family. They create clean lines and strong shapes that look intentional in photos.

Final thoughts

The right sunglasses do more than protect your eyes. They complete your look and communicate confidence.

When you find a style that works, you stop thinking about whether you look put together. You just do. That's the goal. To feel so comfortable and confident in what you're wearing that it becomes an extension of who you are.

Try different styles before committing. Bring a trusted friend who'll give you honest feedback. And remember that elegant style isn't about following trends. It's about knowing what works for you and wearing it with confidence.