It’s been a while since I did an outfit shoot for the blog. So when my good friend, James Barley offered to get behind the camera to shoot a series street style photos for my latest Ray-Ban feature, I jumped at the opportunity.

We met outside of Liberty and headed in search of some good backdrops around Soho. And there were plenty to be found. The light was soft and fading, but still good enough to get plenty of nice shots.

After our shoot we were heading out for cocktails at Shotgun BBQ. I decided to go for a simple wrap-dress, one that I’d picked up on my recent trip to New York with JMG. I layered it over a Topshop boutique cashmere vest (strokeably soft!), and skinny jeans) because it’s getting a bit chilly in London now, popped my sunglasses in my tote and then hopped on a tube into central London to meet James.

Sunglasses are a really good way to accessorise any outfit – obviously it helps if the sun is out too. You don’t want to be too ‘try hard’. The Ray-Ban 3016 clubmaster are the pin-up of retro frames, as seen on the likes of Mad Men style icon, Don Draper and celebrated by sartorial geniuses, GQ. And the flash lenses definitely make them a stand out piece. 

Ray-Ban was the first to provide 100% UV protection in the 1930s, and then just 10 years later, it pioneered the trend for mirrored lenses. My mum can definitely vouch for the fact that they were BIG in the 80′s too, along with bright pink lips, electric blue eyeliner and crazy perms… I think the flash lenses may be the only thing that has stood the test of time.

In terms of sunglasses styles, I usually opt for a more cat-eye shaped frame, but I think these are very cool too. I have quite a narrow face and found that these frame are a pretty generous size. I got JMG to try them on too, and my friend James, and can honestly say that they looked amazing in them. I’d happily say that these are definitely a unisex Ray-Ban style. 

What I wore…

• Ray-Ban 3016 Clubmaster sunglasses, turquoise & gold c/o Sunglasses Shop

• Forever21 wrap-front maxi dress, taupe
• Lama Peach Jenson boots

• Sophie Hulme tote ~ c/o Young British Designers
• Moto oxblood skinny jeans ~ Topshop

Like what you see and wondering if Ray-Ban offer these in your favourite style of frame? Take a look at Ray-Ban’s other flash lenses.

Photos by James Barley 

© Lucie Kerley

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post in partnership with The Sunglasses Shop. Sponsored posts like this, or features done in collaboration with a brand, are selected carefully, to ensure that they are a good editorial fit for the Lucie Loves blog. Paid posts enable me to do more of the free and non-profit work that I love, and continue to bring you the most varied and lively content possible. I occasionally use affiliate links when featuring products that I absolutely love. This means that I earn a small commission if someone purchases an item using that link.