15 Ultra-Chic Sunglasses Inspired by Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s Timeless Style

STYLE
By Gwen Stockton

Carolyn Bessette Kennedy had a way of making everything look effortlessly cool, and her sunglasses were no exception.

From sleek oval frames to understated rectangular shapes, her eyewear choices perfectly captured her minimalist, sophisticated aesthetic.

Whether you want to channel her iconic New York City energy or simply elevate your everyday look, the right pair of sunglasses can make all the difference.

Here are 15 stunning options that bring that same timeless elegance into your wardrobe today.

1. Selima Optique Aldo Sunglasses

Image credit: © selimaoptiquesoho

Some sunglasses whisper elegance without saying a word, and the Selima Optique Aldo frames do exactly that.

With their clean rectangular silhouette and refined finish, they channel the understated sophistication that made Carolyn Bessette Kennedy a style icon.

The Aldo frames work beautifully with monochrome outfits, tailored blazers, or a simple white tee.

They sit confidently on the face without overwhelming your features.

If you love fashion that feels polished but never overdone, these are a smart choice that will outlast every passing trend.

2. Selima Optique CBK Sunglasses

Image credit: © selimaoptique

Named as a quiet nod to Carolyn Bessette Kennedy herself, the Selima Optique CBK sunglasses feel like a love letter to her iconic wardrobe.

These oval acetate frames carry a vintage charm that somehow looks completely modern.

Wearing them instantly adds a layer of mystery and polish to any outfit.

They pair effortlessly with slip dresses, structured coats, or even a casual denim look.

Fun fact: Selima Optique is known for crafting frames with a distinctly New York sensibility, making these an especially fitting tribute to CBK’s Manhattan elegance.

3. Selima Optique Rivington Glasses

Image credit: © selimaoptique

Cool, understated, and just a little bit artsy, the Selima Optique Rivington frames have a downtown New York energy that feels completely at home in a CBK-inspired wardrobe.

Their slim profile gives them a refined, intellectual edge.

These work wonderfully as both sunglasses and optical frames, making them incredibly versatile.

Toss them on with a linen blazer or a sleek turtleneck and instantly look put-together.

The Rivington name itself nods to the Lower East Side, grounding these frames in a creative, urban spirit that Carolyn would have appreciated.

4. Jimmy Fairly The Elvie Sunglasses

Image credit: © Jimmy Fairly

There is something undeniably French about The Elvie by Jimmy Fairly, and that is exactly what makes them so irresistible.

Round, refined, and quietly confident, these frames carry the same effortless cool that defined Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s off-duty looks.

Jimmy Fairly is a Parisian brand known for blending quality craftsmanship with accessible pricing, which is a rare and wonderful combination.

The Elvie frames suit a wide range of face shapes and work beautifully with both casual and dressed-up outfits.

They are the kind of sunglasses that make you look like you just stepped off a cobblestone street in Paris.

5. Quince Bali Polarized Acetate Sunglasses

Image credit: © Quince

Affordable luxury is not always easy to find, but the Quince Bali Polarized Acetate Sunglasses get it exactly right.

With their clean, classic shape and polarized lenses, they deliver a high-end look without the high-end price tag.

Quince is famous for cutting out the middleman to offer quality pieces at honest prices, and these sunglasses are a perfect example of that philosophy.

The polarized lenses reduce glare beautifully, making them practical for sunny days at the beach or in the city.

Sleek, functional, and genuinely chic, they fit right into a Carolyn Bessette Kennedy-inspired wardrobe.

6. Poppy Lissiman Monty Sunglasses

Image credit: © Poppy Lissiman

Bold without being loud, the Poppy Lissiman Monty sunglasses have a sculptural quality that makes them genuinely hard to ignore.

Australian brand Poppy Lissiman has built a loyal following by designing accessories that feel fresh and fashion-forward without trying too hard.

The Monty frames carry a strong geometric energy that pairs surprisingly well with simple, streamlined outfits.

Think wide-leg trousers, a crisp white shirt, and these frames on your face.

They add instant personality to a minimalist look, which is exactly the kind of styling trick that Carolyn Bessette Kennedy mastered so beautifully throughout her life.

7. Bonnie Clyde Groupie Black Sunglasses

Image credit: © Bonnie Clyde

With a name like Groupie, you might expect something flashy, but Bonnie Clyde surprises you with something far more refined.

The Groupie Black frames are small, sleek, and delightfully retro, carrying a quiet rock-and-roll edge that pairs perfectly with a minimalist wardrobe.

Bonnie Clyde is a Los Angeles-based brand that has quickly earned a reputation for creating sunglasses that feel cool without being trendy.

The Groupie frames sit close to the face for a vintage-inspired look that flatters most face shapes.

They are the kind of sunglasses that say a lot while keeping things beautifully simple.

8. Crap Eyewear The Sweet Leaf Sunglasses

Image credit: © Crap Eyewear

Do not let the playful brand name fool you, because Crap Eyewear makes some seriously stylish frames.

The Sweet Leaf sunglasses are a fan favorite for good reason, with their small, slightly angular shape and vintage-inspired aesthetic that channels 1990s cool effortlessly.

These frames are lightweight and comfortable, making them easy to wear all day long.

They look especially great with high-waisted jeans, a cropped jacket, or anything with a nostalgic feel.

If Carolyn Bessette Kennedy were shopping for sunglasses today, The Sweet Leaf would absolutely be on her radar for its unfussy, genuine sense of style.

9. Urban Outfitters UO Essential Oval Sunglasses

Image credit: © Urban Outfitters

Sometimes the most stylish choice is also the most accessible one, and the Urban Outfitters UO Essential Oval Sunglasses prove that point beautifully.

Clean, simple, and genuinely flattering, these oval frames capture the quiet elegance of CBK’s signature style at an incredibly approachable price.

They are the kind of sunglasses you reach for every single day without thinking twice.

Whether you are heading to a coffee shop, running errands, or catching a flight, they always look right.

The slim oval shape works well on most face shapes and pairs naturally with the kind of effortless, put-together outfits that never go out of style.

10. Jimmy Fairly The Emmy Glasses

Image credit: © Jimmy Fairly

Structured, sharp, and quietly commanding, The Emmy by Jimmy Fairly brings a sophisticated energy to any face.

Where The Elvie leans round and soft, The Emmy goes for clean lines and a more defined silhouette, making them a great option for those who prefer a slightly bolder frame.

These glasses work beautifully as both optical frames and sunglasses, depending on the lens you choose.

Pair them with a tailored coat or a minimalist dress and the look comes together instantly.

Jimmy Fairly’s commitment to quality materials and thoughtful design makes The Emmy a genuinely worthwhile investment for any style-conscious wardrobe.

11. Quay Felt Cute Sunglasses

Image credit: © QUAY

Quay has always had a talent for making trendy eyewear feel wearable, and the Felt Cute sunglasses are a standout example.

Small, oval, and unapologetically cute, these frames bring a lighthearted energy to the classic CBK-inspired aesthetic without losing any of its polish.

They are thin, lightweight, and surprisingly flattering on a wide range of face shapes.

Wear them with a slip skirt and mules for an easy 90s-inspired look, or dress them up with something more structured for a modern contrast.

At Quay’s accessible price point, they are an easy way to experiment with this timeless silhouette.

12. Luv Lou The Honey Sunglasses

Image credit: © Luv Lou

Warm, vintage, and full of personality, The Honey by Luv Lou is the kind of frame that feels like it belongs in a different era in the best possible way.

The name suits them perfectly, with a honey-toned tortoise finish that adds richness and depth to the classic oval shape.

Luv Lou is an Australian brand with a knack for creating sunglasses that feel genuinely special without being pretentious.

The Honey frames are flattering, fun, and versatile enough to wear from brunch to an evening out.

They bring a warm, sun-soaked energy to the otherwise cool-toned CBK aesthetic.

13. Le Specs Outta Love Sunglasses

Image credit: © Le Specs

Le Specs has been quietly making some of the coolest sunglasses on the market for years, and the Outta Love frames are among their best.

Slim, slightly retro, and impossibly stylish, they carry that effortless Australian cool that translates perfectly into a minimalist, CBK-inspired wardrobe.

The Outta Love frames have a slight cat-eye lift at the corners that adds a subtle, flirtatious touch without going over the top.

They look stunning with everything from a linen sundress to a sleek all-black outfit.

Le Specs consistently delivers quality and style at a price point that makes building a great sunglasses collection genuinely achievable.

14. DIMA Shena Summer Unisex Glasses

Image credit: © dima eyewear

Understated and quietly luxurious, the DIMA Shena Summer glasses bring a refined, unisex sensibility to the list.

Thin metal frames with a gentle oval shape give them a timeless quality that works equally well for any gender, any age, and almost any outfit.

DIMA is a brand that prioritizes clean design and quality construction, and the Shena Summer frames reflect that commitment beautifully.

They have the kind of quiet confidence that Carolyn Bessette Kennedy embodied so naturally.

Wear them with anything from a sharp suit to a flowing summer dress and they will always feel exactly right.

15. Bottega Veneta Classic Oval Sunglasses

Image credit: © Bottega Veneta

When only the best will do, the Bottega Veneta Classic Oval Sunglasses deliver a level of refinement that is hard to match.

Crafted with the Italian fashion house’s signature attention to detail, these frames are the ultimate expression of quiet luxury, which is exactly the aesthetic Carolyn Bessette Kennedy championed.

The clean oval silhouette is elegant without being fussy, and the quality of the materials feels genuinely exceptional.

These are investment-piece sunglasses, the kind you keep for years and reach for again and again.

For anyone serious about building a timeless, sophisticated accessory wardrobe, Bottega Veneta is a name worth every penny.