Reviving Vintage: Best 70s Sunglasses

Last updated on June 1st, 2024 at 05:22 pm

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Best 70s sunglasses that will complement any vintage and retro outfit in your wardrobe.

70s sunglasses are making a comeback, and they’re better and bigger than ever. Whether you prefer large frames or vibrant colours, there’s a perfect pair for you. In this blog post, I’ll focus on some of the most popular styles of 70s sunglasses, with a particular emphasis on the oversized square shape that dominated the era. I’ll also show you how to incorporate the MOOSH sunglasses from Oliver Goldsmith, the iconic vintage brand, into your 70s-inspired look for the summer and beyond.

Best 70s Sunglasses. Moosh sunglasses Oliver Goldsmith
Best 1970s sunglasses.

I recently found myself growing increasingly disenchanted with the current state of cinema. Low-quality scripts have left me disappointed so last weekend, instead of potentially risking wasting my precious time on a newly released film, I decided to revisit some of my favourite movies from the 70s.

I was thrilled to start my 70s marathon with “The Eyes of Laura Mars” because the killer outfits from the seventies, no pun intended, left me inspired to write a post about the ultimate accessory of that era: bold and sassy sunglasses. If you’re a fan of the decade known for the insurgence of punk, trends and styles that are still current today and are looking for the best 70s sunglasses, you’re in for a treat!


MY FAVOURITE 70S FILMS THAT NEVER DISAPPOINT:

  1. Eyes of Laura Mars (1978)
  2. The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
  3. Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975)
  4. The Warriors (1979)
  5. The Omen (1976)
  6. Manhattan (1979)
  7. Chinatown (1974)
  8. Great Gatsby (1974)
  9. Jaws (1975)
  10. Suspiria (1977)
  11. The Godfather (1972)
  12. Cabaret (1972)
  13. Death on the Nile (1978)
  14. Death in Venice (1971)

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I loved the seventies.

Diane von Furstenberg
Reviving Vintage: Best 70s Sunglasses
Reviving Vintage: Best 70s Sunglasses

The 1970s were a remarkable decade that witnessed the rise of disco dancing, glamour, glitz, and dance floor divas. Fashion was at the forefront, with sequined dresses, Some People Need Sequins, Others, Don’t, shimmering jumpsuits, and slinky tops. The era was synonymous with Farrah Fawcett’s hairstyles, Jerry Hall, Bianca Jagger, Faye Dunaway, and Charlotte Rampling in their beautifully tailored suits, Yves Saint Laurent tuxedo jacket, and elegant maxi evening gowns worn during the day. It brought about a unique blend of styles heavily influenced by the 1930s and 1940s and the lace and straw hats of the Edwardian era, yet still representing the era’s bold and daring spirit.

In the picture on the left, I’m wearing an original 1940s dress bearing the CC41 tag. In the picture on the right, the model is wearing a Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche dress from 1971 inspired by past decades.

While I typically focus on fashion prior to the 1960s, the allure of the 70s has tempted me to delve into my favourite summer topic, sunglasses. When it comes to eyewear, the era didn’t disappoint, as it brought about a collection of stylish glasses that made a statement.

What were the most popular sunglasses styles in the 70s?

  • The aviator was one of the most popular sunglasses styles in the 70s. The glasses were originally made famous by pilots in the World War II era (Ray-Ban created the first Aviator-Style glasses sold to civilians). They were reimagined in the 70s with colourful lenses and sleek metal frames. These stylish shades were often seen on celebrities and were the perfect accessory for anyone who wanted to add a touch of rugged sophistication to their look.

Reviving the Classics: 70s Sunglasses Edition:

1970s aviator sunglasses

The Berwick oversized aviator sunglasses by Oliver Goldsmith are a classic example of contemporary design, first crafted in 1979.

King Charles III and Princess Diana were spotted wearing the iconic Berwick frame, and The V&A Museum houses a vintage pair in their fashion archive.

Reviving Vintage: Best 70s Sunglasses!



  • Another very popular style of glasses in the 1970s that already appeared in the second half of the 60s was the oversized, round or square frames. These bold glasses worthy of a vintage femme fatale were ubiquitous in ad campaigns and fashion editorials, and famous actors and musicians often wore them. Lastly, they are as relevant today as they were in the seventies, the perfect accessory for anyone who wants to add a touch of retro cool to their look.
1970s sunglasses. Reviving Vintage: Best 70s Sunglasses.
Geoffrey Beene 1970s sunglasses. Reviving Vintage: Best 70s Sunglasses

Best 70s Sunglasses.
What shapes are the 1970s sunglasses? Renauld Ad from 1976.Reviving Vintage: Best 70s Sunglasses

  • The iconic tinted lenses of the era were also a fashion staple in the 1970s. From rose-tinted to yellow-tinted, these colourful lenses were a must-have accessory and could be seen on celebrities like Jackie Onassis and Cher.
  • Clear Frames: Transparent frames were a major trend in the 70s, and they’re back in style once again. These versatile shades go with everything and add a modern twist to any vintage outfit.

Shade Your Way Back to the 70s with Oliver Goldsmith Sunglasses!

If you’ve been following my vintage fashion blog for some time now, you might have noticed my deep love for exquisite eyewear, especially for the Oliver Goldsmith brand. In the summer, you will see me saunter down the street in the OG iconic 1960s Manhattan sunglasses that Audrey Hepburn wore in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

Audrey Hepburn sunglasses from Oliver Goldsmith

RELATED ARTICLE

AUDREY HEPBURN SUNGLASSES IN ‘BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S


For my ‘I don’t want to look pretty, I want to look otherworldly and vaguely threatening’ look you will probably spot me promenading through the park in the fabulous oversized round Koko that Oliver Goldsmith designed in 1966. A shape hugely popular in the 70s!

I don’t want to look pretty, I want to look otherworldly and vaguely threatening

I can resist anything except temptation.

― Oscar Wilde, Lady Windermere’s Fan

And, if like me, you can resist anything but beautiful sunglasses, let me tempt you with a pair of Koko.

Reviving Vintage: Best 70s Sunglasses

Vintage fashion blogger Dominique de Merteuil

The Sunglasses: Style Icons of the 70s

Shade Your Way Back to the 70s with Oliver Goldsmith Sunglasses!

I think the best sunglasses from the 70s that are still available today, or at least come in exact replicas of the original styles, are from the brand Oliver Goldsmith.

I feel like my new Oliver Goldsmith MOOSH sunglasses transported me back in time. The fabulous oversized square shades were originally designed in 1968 but became the hallmark of the 70s.

Believe me, there’s nothing quite like walking down the street in the summertime, donning a pair of sunglasses designed by Oliver Goldsmith, the originator of fashion eyewear. The feeling is exhilarating!

For my 70s-inspired look, I chose a silk Biba blouse designed in 2007 by Bella Freud for the Autumn/Winter collection, an original 1970s purse that my mom commissioned in the late 1970s and her engagement ring from 1977.

For those of you who are not that familiar with Biba, which is hard to imagine, it was a London fashion store incredibly popular among teenagers in the 60s and a more sophisticated and wealthier clientèle in the 70s, started by a Polish-born Barbara Hulanicki.


Best 70s sunglasses.
Best 1970s sunglasses by Oliver Goldsmith. Photography by Gregory Michael King

Reviving Vintage: Best 70s Sunglasses!

Oliver Goldsmith, the beacon of glamour, has been a beloved eyewear brand since the mid-20th century and is known for its innovative and trend-setting styles. In the 1970s, the brand became a staple accessory for fashion-forward mavens. From oversized frames to funky geometric shapes, OG sunglasses encapsulate the essence of 70s fashion. Their bold colours and unique details are sure to catch attention and add a touch of retro charm to any ensemble.


1970s sunglasses

Attitude is everything.

Diane von Furstenberg
Vintage Fashion Blogger.
Best 70s Sunglasses. Moosh by Oliver Goldsmith. ‘Diane’ dress from Son de Flor.

What Shape Are 70s Sunglasses?

What Shape Are 70s Sunglasses?

As I mentioned, the most popular 70s sunglasses are square-shaped frames. These shades are still highly sought after among vintage style lovers like myself, owing to their unique design and timeless appeal. The Oliver Goldsmith MOOSH style is an excellent addition to any fashion-forward wardrobe, considering its technical details and superior quality. And after all, ladies and gentlemen, we do not care for quantity or cheap imitations, do we?

My vintage wardrobe was not build in a day.

Dominique de Merteuil

The beauty of building a unique vintage or retro wardrobe, including accessories, is investing in one quality item at a time. Remember two key criteria when shopping, make sure that you truly love the item and that it will go with many of the pieces you already have in your wardrobe.

Best 70s Sunglasses
Reviving Vintage: Best 70s Sunglasses. Oliver Goldsmith Moosh shades.

Reviving Vintage: Best 70s Sunglasses

How to Dress 7os Style Today?

As you can see, the oversized square MOOSH sunglasses which were hugely popular in the 70s go beautifully with Edwardian and 1940s-inspired clothes.

Vintage fashion blogger in MOOSH sunglasses by Oliver Goldsmith.
Vintage fashion blogger Dominique de Merteuil in Son de Flor ‘Diane’ dress and MOOSH sunglasses.

That brings me to the topic of how to dress 70s today.

In the 1970s, a renewed interest in fashion styles from the Edwardian era emerged, taking inspiration from the elegant, refined aesthetics of the past. This revival saw the return of flowing dresses and skirts, adorned with lace trimmings and ruffles, puffed sleeves, paired with straw hats and occasionally even gloves.

The revival of Edwardian fashion was a reflection of the decade’s spirit of experimentation and self-expression, with many finding inspiration in vintage styles. It was a time when fashion was no longer dictated by rigid norms, and people were free to explore their personal style. As a result, the era saw a diverse array of trends.

I believe that the re-discovery and obsession with Edwardian fashion (1901-1910) and slightly later, in the 70s, might have something to do with the huge popularity of films set in the 1900s like; The Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975) and Pretty Baby (1978).

THE EDWARDIAN IN THE 70S INSPIRED LOOK

I’ve put together an outfit that’s inspired by the Edwardian era and the 70s. I’m wearing a beautiful linen Diane dress from Son de Flor’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection, paired with an Edwardian-style hat designed by Birds and Frasia. To complete my ensemble, I opted for a pair of Memery Edwardian boots, a wicker purse from the late 1950s by Koret, and, of course, the new-to-me MOOSH sunglasses.

Vintage fashion blogger in 70s MOOSH sunglasses.
Best 70s sunglasses paired with a Son de Floor dress and Edwardian-inspired hat.

SHOP THE EDWARDIAN IN THE 70S LOOK

Photography by Gregory Michael King.

  1. Son de Flor Diane Dress

The Son de Flor Diane dress is a beautiful vintage-inspired garment that has been crafted entirely from high-quality linen. It’s a versatile dress that can be worn on a variety of occasions, from casual outings to formal events.

The dress has been pre-washed to ensure that it won’t shrink when washed at home, but it’s still recommended that you hand-wash it in order to maintain its pristine condition. I recommend my favourite Eucalan detergent that doesn’t require rinsing and smells divine! This dress is designed with a side zipper that makes it easy to put on and take off, as well as two pockets that are perfect for carrying small essentials like a phone or wallet.

The puffed sleeves add a touch of romance and femininity to the dress, while the flattering V-neck neckline gives it a classic and timeless look. I was lucky enough to receive this splendid dress as a gift from the Son de Flor brand, and I can’t recommend it enough. It’s a must-have for anyone who loves vintage-inspired fashion and is looking for a dress that’s both stylish and comfortable.


vintage fashion blogger
Dominique de Merteuil in Son de Flor Diane dress and MOOSH Oliver Goldsmith sunglasses.

2. Oliver Goldsmith MOOSH Sunglasses

Oliver Goldsmith MOOSH sunglasses, like all of their eyewear, are an embodiment of timeless elegance and class. Their iconic design and superior-quality materials serve as a testament to their exceptional craftsmanship. With a classic 70s square shape and an array of colours to choose from, these sunglasses are the perfect accessory to complete a 70s-inspired outfit.

3. Memery Edwardian boots

Have you had the chance to check out the Memery brand Edwardian style boots? They are absolutely stunning! The attention to detail and craftsmanship is simply superb. I’ve been wearing mine for a while now and I can’t stress enough how comfortable and stylish they are. If you’re looking for a pair of Edwardian-inspired boots with a pompadour heel that is both beautiful and cosy, I highly recommend the Memery brand.


vintage fashion blogger
Vintage fashion blogger Dominique de Merteuil.

You might find a similar Edwardian-inspired hat and a 1950s/1960s Koret wicker purse on Etsy.

What do you think?

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2 Comments
  • Claudine
    March 28, 2024

    Dominique, the sunglasses look beautiful on you and the pictures are breathtaking. You should be the brand’s model!

    I love how you styled the black dress and I’m surprised at how well the sunglasses complement the look.

    • Dominique de Merteuil
      March 28, 2024

      I really appreciate your kind words. I recently experimented with the MOOSH sunglasses by pairing them with a variety of outfits from different eras, and I was pleasantly surprised to find out that they complement almost everything. It’s my first time owning a pair of square-shaped shades and I love them!