There’s a lot that goes on in The Serpent, the new Netflix series that follows a real-life serial killer who left a trail of dead hippies along South Asia in the 1970s.

But gruesome murders aside, we can’t help but be in awe of the era’s sense of style, as embodied by actress Jenna Coleman on the show: the silk scarves, the psychedelic prints, the flared suits and, of course, the sunglasses.

The decade of disco was obsessed with their eye-catching eyewear. Recall the dark-rimmed glasses that became a signature of fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, or the tinted, wire-rimmed aviators that feminist activist Gloria Steinem was never seen without. Bianca Jagger was sporting sunglasses indoors before Kanye West made it a thing, famously pairing her gowns and suits with Ray-Bans. And perhaps nobody worked oversized sunglasses, in all their shapes and shades, as fervently as America’s former First Lady, Jackie Kennedy.

You get the point: big shades were a big deal. Or are, now that ’70s fashion is making a comeback yet again. (Fashion search engine Lyst credits the renewed interest to The Serpent, but the likes of Gucci, Celine and Chloé have been referencing the era’s slinky styles for seasons now.)

If you’re looking to nail the trend with all the glamour associated with the decade’s style icons, consider our selection of sunglasses to wear this Spring/Summer 2021.

When it came to sunglasses, no other brand conquered the market quite like Ray-Ban in the ’70s. It did, after all, invent the iconic Aviators. And it’s clear that it has not lost any of its penchant for creating timeless styles, such as these hexagonal sunnies. Not only do they come with the same cool blue tint that Gloria Steinem often chose for her own Ray-Bans, but they also retain a vintage look thanks to their skinny steel frame.

Made from eco-friendly, bio-based acetate, Chloé’s Esther shades are as ’70s as you can get. It’s in the thick frames, the lightly-tinted lenses and that statement hexagonal frame, all of which make for a very stunning pair of eyewear.

Designer Hedi Slimane has a knack for creating instant classics, especially so when he refers to Celine’s archives from the ’70s. These aviators, featuring a double nose bridge and green tinted lenses, are no doubt a nod to the era, but they still have the power to impress decades later.

True to the era of excess, sunglasses weren’t just big; they were colourful too. These sunnies by Dior Eyewear perfectly captures both trends with its sizeable square frames and gradient lenses. Its semi-transparent frame also lends an air of lightness to it, making it pretty wearable if you’re not used to such statement styles.

It’s all in the details for these Cartier Signature C shades, which mimics vintage designs to a tee. The nose bridge, thicker than those usually offered today, sits near the middle of the lenses, so that when you put these on your eyes will get total coverage. The tortoiseshell effect not only adds to the sense of retro glamour exuded by the frames, but also makes them much easier to style than the colourful options on this list.

Not only can Gucci can give you a whole ’70s-inspired ensemble, but the Italian brand also has the shades to go with it. These oversized glasses are a prime example. They stand out with their yellow-tinted lenses, something we saw plenty of in The Serpent. Take cues from Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner on how to make the golden glasses work today.

You can never have too many aviators, and it’s especially hard to say no to a pair that looks this good. Stella McCartney’s metal and acetate sunnies sports a slender frame that balances those large, square lenses. You’ll be showing off a golden glow all on your own with these aviators.

There’s a reason why butterfly sunglasses, a popular shape in the ’70s, never really went out of style. With a frame that narrows at the nose bridge and extends at the edges, the shades are perfect for balancing out long faces and a strong jawline. These tinted sunnies from Victoria Beckham are bound to do just that, with a dose of sunflower-hued vibrance.

Pameyla Cambe is a fashion and jewellery writer who believes that style and substance shouldn't be mutually exclusive. She makes sense of the world through Gothic novels, horror films and music. Lots of music.

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