Sunglasses In Books & Movies
Clothing is often one of the first clues we use to gauge a person’s personality. Research supports this, with psychological studies highlighting how dress influences our perceptions through a socioperceptual “lens.”
This lens, shaped by cultural knowledge, stereotypes, and beliefs, allows us to gauge social categories such as age, gender, and profession; status, including wealth and social rank; cognitive states, like emotions and mental focus; and aesthetics, reflecting personal style.
Given this, it’s no surprise that many writers incorporate fashion into their storytelling, using it as a vital tool for world-building and character development — even down to the smallest accessories.
Among these, sunglasses stand out as a particularly powerful symbol, often hinting subtly at a character’s social standing or emotional state. Below, we’ll dive into how they’ve been used to shape audience perceptions in 10 notable books and their film adaptations.
Fashion As A Narrative Device (Yes, really!)
Fashion is a tool in literature that often helps readers visualise scenes through descriptive words. Miranda in The Devil Wears Prada can push her sunglasses further up her nose, “as if she could avoid seeing [Andy] if she tried hard enough,” emphasising her power and emotional distance. Meanwhile, Patrick Bateman in American Psycho can adjust his Rolex and admire his “suit tailored in London and [a] pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses,” illustrating the superficiality that defines his character.
Even the specific styles of shades can symbolise different meanings! Various models of sunglasses have been spotted on book and movie characters. Aviator models, such as the Ray-Ban RB 3457 and Armani Exchange AX 4104S, can convey a sense of control, such as when worn by Jack Reacher in the Jack Reacher series by Lee Child or James Bond in Casino Royale by Ian Fleming.
Meanwhile, characters such as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote and Jasmine in Sex and Vanity by Kevin Kwan can use cat-eyed shades, like the Gucci GG 0631S or Burberry BE 4423, to emulate femininity.
So the next time you spot a character wearing sunglasses, take a moment to pause and ask, “What kind of frames are those?” or “Why would the writer choose that specific model or action?” as these may be a crucial hint to the character’s identity and role in the plot.
Below, we take a closer look at the use of sunglasses in books and their film adaptations, and what these accessories can tell us about the characters and the worlds they live in.
Books and movies featuring sunglasses
1) The Great Gatsby (1925)
In the 2013 film adaptation of this classic novel, mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby dons warm round sunglasses as he navigates 1920s high society. This prevents other characters from seeing his eyes, smartly conveying his emotional distance while emphasising his larger-than-life image. This stylistic choice plays into the themes of illusion, mystery, and the contrast between appearance and reality.
2) Scarface (1930)
Scarface by Armitage Trail tells the story of Cuban immigrant Tony Montana who rises to power in Miami’s drug trade. Montana’s signature aviator sunglasses in the 1983 film are a bold statement of his newfound wealth and authority.
Equally memorable are love interest Elvira Hancock’s cat eye sunnies, which recently gained attention for their humble origins — a $3 (£2.39) drugstore purchase!
These accessories reflect her glamorous yet detached demeanour, which allows her to fearlessly stand up to par with the main character.
3) To Catch a Thief (1952)
To Catch a Thief by David Dodge follows retired jewel thief John Robie and wealthy American heiress Frances Stevens. In the 1955 film adaptation, Grace Kelly, as Frances, famously donned a pair of cat-eye sunglasses that continue to stay iconic today.
In fact, luxury brand Grace de Monaco released the “Drama” sunglasses collection in 2024. These shades were inspired by Kelly’s roles, including To Catch a Thief, proving the lasting influence of her sunglasses on fashion.
4) Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1958)
Truman Capote’s novella introduces readers to New York socialite Holly Golightly. Its film adaptation elevated the character’s sunglasses to iconic status, with Audrey Hepburn’s wardrobe consistently incorporating oversized Oliver Goldsmith sunglasses, whether paired with a trenchcoat or a little black dress. The shades not only enhanced Holly’s enigmatic allure but also symbolised her attempt to shield herself from the world.
5) Less Than Zero (1985)
Less Than Zero follows a group of wealthy, disaffected Los Angeles teenagers who are consumed by excess, materialism, and emotional detachment. Sunglasses are used to reflect the characters’ desires to hide their true emotions and numb their inner turmoil — whether it’s Julian’s drug addiction or Blanchard’s emptiness of wealth. The sunglasses are also part of the 1980s glam culture that the characters embrace, serving as a visual marker of their social status and superficiality.
6) Lost Moon (1994)
Lost Moon chronicles the true story of Apollo 13, NASA’s ill-fated lunar mission. The nonfiction book took a deeper look at the technical challenges and emotional resilience of the astronauts, with its film adaptation dramatising events for wider distribution. In the latter, Tom Hanks portrays Jim Lovell, often seen wearing aviator sunglasses to ground the character in the era’s aesthetic and reinforce his status as a competent, unflappable leader.
7) Fight Club (1996)
Fight Club follows an unnamed narrator who becomes entangled in an underground fight club led by the enigmatic Tyler Durden. Exploring themes of identity, consumerism, and rebellion, the book inspired film-Tyler’s red-drenched attire, from his key jacket to his tinted Oliver Peoples 523 sunglasses. These were specifically chosen by costume designer Michael Kaplan to symbolise blood and violence and hint at Tyler’s anarchistic philosophy.
8) Crazy Rich Asians (2013)
Romantic comedy-drama Crazy Rich Asians, based on the book of the same title, follows Rachel Chu as she discovers her boyfriend’s ultra-wealthy background. While obviously symbols of wealth, sunglasses helped hint subtly at characters’ differing personalities and cognitive states.
Astrid Leong’s sunglasses, for instance, epitomise her grace and beauty but mask her internal struggles, particularly the strain in her marriage. In comparison, Eddie’s tinted glasses are part of his overall flashy, attention-grabbing style.
9) The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo (2017)
This bestselling novel details the life of enigmatic Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo in her seven marriages and affairs. Sunglasses are a symbol of her carefully constructed public image, offering her both protection from the invasive media and a means of maintaining mystery even during the most mundane activities, such as having a picnic with actress Celia and quarterback John. It also signifies the dichotomy between Evelyn’s public persona and her private, often troubled, life.
10) Daisy Jones & The Six (2019)
This novel chronicles the rise and fall of a fictional 1970s rock band. Main characters Daisy and Billy are consistently portrayed sporting oversized, vintage-inspired sunglasses, symbolising their free-spirited, bohemian lifestyle.
The shades capture the essence of the era and enhance both characters’ images as rebellious, charismatic artists.
Last Points
Whether symbolising power, mystery, or detachment, these shades help shape our perceptions of characters and their worlds. From the pages of a book to the silver screen, it’s clear that sunglasses continue to captivate audiences, adding layers of depth and style to storytelling.
