The top six for women
01
Cat-eye
The cat-eye is the one shape every women's list puts at or near the top. Its upswept outer corners lift the face and draw the eye to the cheekbones, which is why it has outlasted almost every trend cycle. This year's versions run from softly winged acetate to sharply pointed fronts.
02
Oversized square
Oversized frames continue to lead in 2026, and the oversized square is the statement version. Wide, bold fronts in thick acetate read as confident and a little retro, and the shape works especially well as sunglasses.
03
Round
Round frames appear on every general list. They soften angular features and are often recommended for square and heart-shaped faces. Thin metal rounds feel academic; thicker acetate rounds feel more fashion-forward.
04
Modern oval
The oval is this year's directional shape, part of a wider 1990s revival. Narrow, slightly elongated ovals look sleek and understated, and they're the shape trend writers most often single out as new for 2026.
05
Rectangle
The rectangle is the broadest best-seller of all. It suits most face shapes, which makes it the safest choice if you want one pair for every day.
06
Aviator
The aviator rounds out the women's lists, often in lighter, slimmer metal than the classic pilot frame, and it's a natural choice for sunglasses.
Beyond shape
Several of this year's biggest trends are about material and finish rather than shape: thin titanium and metal frames, transparent acetate, classic tortoiseshell and minimalist rimless designs. Any of them can be combined with the shapes above, so it's worth settling on a shape first, then choosing the material that suits your style.
Looking for the other half of the list? Read the men's frame shapes defining 2026.
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