Do you want it? Or need it? Depends.

When my beat-up and scratched pair of fake, retro ’70s-style tortoise-shell sunglasses recently took a dive with me into Lake Arrowhead and never resurfaced, I viewed it as a sign: Stop. Following. Sunglasses. Trends. Granted, oversized sunglasses have been on the outs for a while (replaced by neon ’80s mirrored glasses and Ray-Ban wayfarers), but I’d clung to my way-too-big shades, assuming I’d look a fool in anything else. Upon returning home, inspired by the so-cute (but a tad out of my budget) smaller glasses at Vintage Collective, I cruised Fourth looking for a simple, normal-sized, stylish pair of sunglasses—and found them at Liberty on Fourth. Somewhat aviator-style in shape but made from thick plastic, these tortoise-shell shades are the exact understatement I was looking for. Easy on the eyes—and good for them, too. $12.99.

AVAILABLE AT LIBERTY ON FOURTH 2146 E Fourth St | Long Beach 90814 | 562.433.8601