Outfit Pairing Ideas for Aviator Sunglasses

Aviator sunglasses have achieved a status that few accessories can claim: timelessness. Since their invention in the 1930s, aviator sunglasses have spanned decades, aesthetics, and seasons with enduring style. While they were designed for military pilots, these sunglasses now work just as well with sundresses, jeans, and leather jackets as they do with a uniform.

In this article, we highlight some of the best outfits to pair with aviators, helping you style your sunglasses for different occasions and personal aesthetics. Whether you lean classic, sporty, minimalist, or trendy, the right outfit will feature your aviator sunglasses—and your personal style.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Styling Aviator Sunglasses

Traditional aviator sunglasses are known for their lightweight metal profile and large teardrop-shaped lenses. To best highlight their iconic shape, here are a few rules to keep in mind when styling and accessorizing aviators:

• Don’t wear overly flashy or chunky jewelry that competes with the glasses’ slim profile.

• Don’t let overly bold colors or patterns overwhelm the clean lines of your sunglasses; aviators often look best when balanced with sleek, understated styles and pieces.

• Do find the size and shape that works best for you. While the classic aviator silhouette features oversized teardrop lenses, variations include more rounded or more square styles in a variety of sizes to fit every face shape.

• Do keep your outfits relaxed but tailored. Aviators are all about easy style and good fit.

The key to styling aviators is choosing outfits that complement the sunglasses’ clean lines, slim shape, and unmistakable confidence. 

Outfits to Pair with Aviators

Aviator sunglasses are surprisingly versatile, moving easily between laid-back basics, polished tailoring, and statement-making personal style. Whether you’re getting dressed for a casual weekend, a day at the office, or a summer getaway, these eight outfits show just how effortlessly the glasses can work with the pieces already in your wardrobe.

Jeans and a White T-Shirt

With their timeless ease, aviators pair perfectly with a classic t-shirt and jeans. The simplicity of the outfit lets the sunglasses act as a focal point, while reinforcing a relaxed, effortlessly cool aesthetic. The key to looking put-together with an ultra-simple outfit is the fit; choose well-fitting jeans and pair them with a relaxed—but never sloppy—tee. 

Want to elevate your tee and jeans while keeping the same easy, laid-back vibes? Add leather loafers, a lightweight blazer, or crisp white sneakers for an easy transition.

Monochromatic and Minimal

The understated style of aviator sunglasses pairs beautifully with monochromatic outfits built around clean lines and a limited color palette. Pair tailored trousers, a fitted knit top or button-up shirt, and slim shoes in a single color that allows the sleek shape of aviators to stand out. 

Neutrals work especially well with the sunglasses’ quiet-but-confident presence, whether you prefer all black, warm camel tones, crisp whites, or shades of gray. For those who prefer brighter attire, rich jewel tones or muted shades offer a fantastic alternative, especially when paired with lenses in the same color palette.

Relaxed Warm Weather Linen

Easy warm-weather styles made of linen and cotton naturally complement the lightweight frames of aviator sunglasses. Soft tones like beige, white, olive, and soft blue work especially well for a coastal-inspired summer look to take you from your door to the dock.

For an outfit that feels elevated without looking overdressed, pair gold-framed aviators with a breezy sundress, or silver-framed aviators with a relaxed linen shirt and tailored shorts.

Tailored Suits and Separates

For a more refined approach to aviator style, pair your sunglasses with a smartly cut suit. Want a more relaxed take on structured style? Try wide-leg trousers, a fitted tank, and an oversized blazer. The sleek lines of the sunglasses keep workwear from feeling too formal and add a fashion-forward edge to tailored and menswear-inspired outfits.

Leather Jacket

Leather jackets and sunglasses are a classic pairing, thanks in part to films like Top Gun and Rebel Without a Cause. While James Dean didn’t technically wear aviators in the latter film, the military-inspired shades became inexplicably linked to the film’s overall aesthetic anyway. Both films helped to solidify the confident, rebellious vibes of aviator frames—and of leather motorcycle jackets. 

Black jackets work especially well with dark lenses and silver-tone frames, but there’s no reason to stop there. Any leather jacket-and-aviator pairing offers an instant cool upgrade.

Rugged Westernwear

Few accessories complement heritage-inspired denim—and country-western inspiration—like aviator sunglasses. A chambray shirt, structured canvas jacket, or jeans come together in a look that feels rugged, timeless, and effortlessly wearable in the barn or the fields.

Accessorizing aviators with a classic cowboy hat pulls the whole look together.

Sporty Athleisure

Sleek, athletic-inspired outfits benefit from the strength and polish of aviator sunglasses. Leggings, joggers, clean sneakers, and a fitted jacket instantly feel more intentional when paired with structured sunglasses, whether you’re headed to brunch or the trail.

For sporty outfits, try minimal-frame sunglasses or acetate styles.

Finding the Right Aviators for Your Style

Nearly 100 years of aviator-style evolution means there are now more frame options than ever before. From classic gold wire frames to matte black finishes, mirrored lenses, and modern acetate, today’s aviators can complement almost any wardrobe.

Choosing the best pair for you depends on your face shape, lifestyle, and personal aesthetic. Rounder faces may benefit from the structure of a square aviator lens, while angular features are balanced by the soft curves of the traditional teardrop. Those with active lifestyles might love the lightweight feel of an all-acetate frame, while outdoor enthusiasts might look for special features like a sweatbar or curved temples to help the glasses stay in place.

Whether your style leans toward classic, sporty, minimalist, or boldly creative, the right aviators just might become one of the hardest-working accessories in your wardrobe. American Optical’s aviator collection offers styles designed for every face shape, lifestyle, and aesthetic. Our care team is also here to help, with personalized recommendations to guide you to the right pair.

Explore Our Complete Aviator Collection →