Tuesday, October 20, 2026
From smart shades that play music and answer questions to golf course classics and game day gear, these are the pairs worth your money right now.
Sunglasses season never really ends on Long Island. Fall brings low sun on the Meadowbrook, glare off the Sound and bright afternoons on the sidelines. A good pair protects your eyes. A great pair does a whole lot more.
We rounded up the best sunglasses for every kind of wearer, from tech lovers to golfers to anyone who just wants a stylish pair under $50. Leading the list is the pair everyone is talking about this season.
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This section was sponsored by Meta.
Price: From $299 at Meta (EDITOR’S NOTE: use this link for image above)
Why we love them: They look like stylish everyday sunglasses. They work like a camera, headphones and personal assistant you never have to pull out of your pocket.
The new Meta Glasses Nova landed in September with a smooth, rounded frame that blends vintage style with everyday technology. Snap a 12MP photo or record 3K video without reaching for your phone. Take calls and stream music through open-ear speakers that keep you aware of the world around you. Ask Meta AI what you’re looking at, get local recommendations or translate a conversation on the spot.
For Long Islanders, that could mean asking about the weather in Long Beach, the day’s surf conditions, high tide in Freeport or the next train from Rockville Centre to Penn Station. The glasses provide more than eight hours of battery life on a charge, with up to 40 additional hours from the compact foldable charging case.
What stands out:
Best for: Anyone who wants everyday style with hands-free photos, audio and Meta AI built in. They make a showstopper holiday gift.
Shop Meta Glasses Nova at Meta
More Meta picks for every budget and lifestyle:
Meta Glasses Adventurer ($249): Meta's most affordable AI glasses yet. A clean rectangle frame with the same 3K video capture and Meta AI features. Preorder now, shipping Oct. 23. Shop at Meta
Meta Glasses Capri (from $299): A bold cat-eye frame with a fashion-forward look, plus 12MP photos, 3K video, open-ear audio and hands-free Meta AI. Available with sun, polarized, Transitions and prescription lens options. Shop at Meta
Meta Glasses Starfire Edition (from $399): A slim oval frame designed with Kylie Jenner and available in classic Black or the new Ivory colorway. Capture 12MP photos and 3K video, listen through open-ear speakers and use Meta AI without reaching for your phone. Shop at Meta
Ray-Ban Meta Audio (from $349): All the music, calls and Meta AI with no camera at all. Clubmaster and Burbank styles, up to 12 hours of battery. Ships Oct. 13. Shop at Meta
Price: Varies, with designer frames like Gucci’s 52mm square sunglasses around $199
Nordstrom Rack carries thousands of styles from Gucci, Prada, Saint Laurent, Quay Australia, Ray-Ban and Oakley in one place. Filter by shape, polarized lenses or mirrored finishes and you'll find your pair in minutes. Most orders over $89 ship free, and eligible online purchases can be returned to Nordstrom Rack or Nordstrom stores within 40 days.
Best for: The shopper who wants a statement pair that lasts for years.
Shop sunglasses at Nordstrom Rack (EDITOR’S NOTE: use this link for image above)
Price: $40 at Free People (EDITOR’S NOTE: use this link for image above)
Free People nails the oversized, retro look without the designer price tag. The Decker is a bold square frame with polarized lenses, part of the brand's new polarized collection. Want something softer? The Luna Classic Tinted Aviator comes in at just $25.
Best for: Weekend brunch, beach days and anyone who likes a little boho flair.
Shop sunglasses at Free People
Price: $99 at PGA TOUR Superstore (EDITOR’S NOTE: use this link for image above)
A sport wrap frame covers more of your field of view, and polarized lenses cut the glare bouncing off water hazards and wet fairways. The lightweight frame and high tension hinges stay put through all 18 holes. PGA TOUR Superstore also stocks Oakley, Maui Jim and Ray-Ban golf shades if you want to compare.
Best for: Weekend golfers and anyone who spends hours outdoors.
Shop golf sunglasses at PGA TOUR Superstore
Price: $35.99 at ROCKBROS (EDITOR’S NOTE: use this link for image above)
At just 22 grams, you'll forget you're wearing them. Polarized lenses with UV400 protection block glare and harmful rays, and adjustable nose pads keep them from slipping mid ride. They even come with an insert for prescription lenses.
Best for: Riders and runners who want performance shades without spending big.
Price: From $181.99 at Fanatics
Rep your team without sacrificing quality. Fanatics carries officially licensed Oakley frames like the Briza with Prizm Black polarized lenses and team logos on the temples. Styles include the Sutro Lite and Holbrook, and shipping is free.
Best for: The diehard fan on your gift list.
Shop team sunglasses at Fanatics
How to Pick the Right Pair
If you buy one pair this season, our pick is the Meta Glasses Nova. You get a timeless round frame plus a 12MP camera, open ear speakers and Meta AI built right in, all for under $300. Shopping on a tighter budget? The $249 Meta Glasses Adventurer gives you the same 3K video and Meta AI for less.
