Everyone's wearing sunglasses chains for summer 2023—here's how to style them without looking ancient

Sunglasses chains are in and that's that.

Sammy wearing some sunglasses chains in the Love Island 2023 villa/ in a purple and pink template
(Image credit: ITV/Lifted Entertainment)

The fact is, for years now, sunglasses chains have gotten a bad rap. They've been long associated with the elderly prone to misplacing their specs, or with teachers set to decimate your essays with red pen—but as of 2023, we're reclaiming them as a chic and statement accessory.

In fact, you might want to consider adding a cute chain to your summer capsule wardrobe, as not only are they practical and keep your fave Hailey Bieber-style sunglasses from getting lost, but they're also pretty darn stylish.

We've even spotted the infamous chain in and around the Love Island 2023 villa, courtesy of Sammy. So, if you're looking to take your jewelry game to the next level or want to keep your shades secure during your next vacation—here's where to shop for some sunglasses chains...

How to make sunglasses chains *cool*

Now, when we think of sunglass chains, usually fabric or cheap-looking plastic ones come to mind. We, on the other hand, are here to discuss gold, silver and beaded chains, that almost double as cute necklaces and compliment your staple specs.

MIL's edit of stylish sunglasses chains

Before we dive into what they bring to your wardrobe, here's where to shop your own chain—for anyone wanting to ooze 'Quiet Luxury' and to ensure you don't accidentally part ways with your fave Emma Chamberlain-inspired sunglasses...

Sunglasses chains are convenient, cute and the perfect way to elevate a minimal fit, or to add a bit of visual interest to your look. They're also ideal if, let's say, you don't want to mess up your hair by having your sunglasses on your head, but still want them easily accessible.

Personally, we'd recommend opting for a simple gold or silver chain, pairing it with an equally minimal pair of sunnies, like oval or cat-eye, so there's not too much going on around the face area.

Much like watches, sunglass chains are having something of a revival—they've even been making moves (a Love Island phrase for you there) in the Love Island UK villa. 

As viewers might have noticed, not only has the Love Island sunglass game in general, been top-notch, but Sammy has also been sporting a gold sunglass chain with his gold-framed aviators. And while we don't condone some of his flirty antics in the villa, we can't deny—the sunglasses chain is a vibe.

Naomi Jamieson
Lifestyle News Writer

Naomi is a Lifestyle News Writer with the Women's Lifestyle team, where she covers everything from entertainment to fashion and beauty, as well as TikTok trends for Woman&Home, after previously writing for My Imperfect Life and GoodTo. Interestingly though, Naomi actually has a background in design, having studied illustration at Plymouth University but lept into the media world in 2020, after always having a passion for writing and earned her Gold Standard diploma in Journalism with the NCTJ.

Before working for Future Publishing’s Lifestyle News team, she worked in the Ad production team. Here she wrote and designed adverts on all sorts of things, which then went into print magazines across all genres. Now, when she isn’t writing articles on celebs, fashion trends, or the newest shows on Netflix, you can find her drinking copious cups of coffee, drawing and probably online shopping.