Everyone in Copenhagen is Wearing These Sunnies

Sunglasses in January? Yes, sunglasses in January. If you’re surprised, you shouldn’t be. In fact, we would argue sometimes the sun is worse in the winter. Snow blindness — when bright sunlight reflects off snow — is very real and very painful and we have the mascara streaks to prove it.

With that said, Scandi-girls are no novices. The frosty weather, coupled with their fair eyes and fondness for all things fashion, means that sunglasses are almost required by law. To see a Danish content creator without them is like seeing Charli xcx in colour or Timmy Chalamet without his scarves — impossible! That said, there was an unmistakable favourite amongst the Copenhagen Fashion Week Fall 2025 show-goers, and it was undoubtedly aviator sunglasses.

In what has become the ultimate Dad accessory, aviator sunglasses have come to represent a very specific form of masculinity. They were originally created for military pilots in 1936, as an alternative to flight goggles. After the second World War, they soon punctured the pop culture bubble and the style ventured more into the mainstream. Think of the 70s sitcom, CHiPs, Tom Cruise in Top Gun, or literally any character to ever appear on CSI. It’s the uniform of the “man’s man,” the tough guy, the rebel without a cause. They signify authority but also defiance, and simultaneously a suburban parent trying to hang onto their glory days. Talk about range!

But it would now appear that the tides are turning; T-frames are going in the same direction as neckties and chunky sneakers. The stereotypically masculine staple is being reclaimed by the girlies and the street style stars of Copenhagen Fashion Week Fall 2025 are leading the sartorial charge.

Taking their cues more from Tom Ford than Tom Cruise, the fashion week attendees used the iconic eyewear to give their ensembles an extra retro-flair. Some went more Working Girl, with grey suits and ties. Others found inspiration in the early 2010s, with skinny pants and trenches. And a very few went full Dad in a matching sweatsuit.

Also, aviators was everywhere on the Spring 2025 runways. Giorgio Armani presented a dramatic take on the aviation accessory, emphasizing its goggle origins. Miu Miu models sported bug-like spectacles, with oversized lenses and barely-there metallic frames. And Elie Saab went more traditional boho, with styles that would look at home at a safari.

The key is to embrace the unexpected versatility that aviator sunglasses provide. Play with traditional gender codes and pair your Cruise-ian shades with your flounciest, most “feminine” dresses. Have your outfit play its own game of cops and robbers by mixing your more subversive pieces with your most authoritative eyewear. Pay homage to the flamboyancy of the 70s with the business casual aesthetic of the 2010s.  Wear sunglasses in the winter! The eyewear world is your oyster.

The aviator sunglasses to shop now

BonLook Raven Aviators

Throw it back to the ‘70s with these retro-inspired aviators in green-grey and soft pink hues.

Specsavers Hayley Elsaesser Sunny Sun RX

These quintessential aviators feature Hayley Elsaesser-approved elements, like its purple brow bar and bright temple tips.

Tom Ford Black Bronson Sunglasses

Venture into the world of designer eyewear with these square-acetate Tom Ford shades that totally scream Scandi girl.

Canada Goose Robson Sunglasses

Thanks to their bold, shield-style design, these aviators offer ultimate UV protection and comfort.

Crap Eyewear Spaced Ranger Aviators

With their gradient lenses, oversized frames and lightweight feel, these sunglasses couldn’t possibly look any cooler.