A New Day Sunglasses

Your Complete Roadmap to Finding the Perfect Pair of Budget-Friendly Designer-Look Shades

I still remember the first time I spotted those gorgeous oversized frames in the accessories section, their tortoiseshell pattern catching the light just right. Little did I know that this chance encounter would lead me down a rabbit hole of buying guide for A New Day Sunglasses research that would transform how I think about affordable eyewear. After countless hours of trying on frames, reading reviews, and testing different styles, I’ve become something of an unofficial expert on Target’s beloved A New Day sunglass collection.

If you’re like me and refuse to compromise on style just because you’re shopping on a budget, you’ve probably found yourself wondering whether these affordable shades can really deliver the look and quality you’re after. The short answer? Absolutely. But the longer answer involves understanding exactly what makes these sunglasses special, what to look for when shopping, and how to make the most of your purchase.

My Journey into the World of A New Day Sunglasses

My relationship with A New Day sunglasses began out of necessity. I had just lost my expensive designer pair during a beach vacation—swept away by an particularly aggressive wave while I was attempting to take the perfect selfie. Standing in Target a few days later, still mourning my lost investment, I reluctantly wandered over to the accessories section with low expectations.

What I discovered completely changed my perspective on affordable eyewear. The A New Day Sunglasses collection wasn’t just a budget alternative; it was a carefully curated selection of on-trend styles that could easily pass for designer pieces at a fraction of the cost. The quality felt substantial in my hands, the designs were current and fashionable, and the price point made it possible to own multiple pairs for different occasions.

That first purchase—a pair of classic black aviators—quickly multiplied into a small collection. Each pair I added taught me something new about what to look for, what styles work best for different face shapes, and how to maximize the value of these affordable accessories.

Understanding the A New Day Brand Philosophy

Before diving into the specifics of buying guide for A New Day Sunglasses, it’s important to understand what this brand represents. A New Day is Target’s private label fashion and accessories brand, designed to offer trend-forward pieces at accessible price points. The philosophy behind the sunglasses collection reflects this broader mission: bringing runway-inspired looks to everyday consumers without the runway price tag.

What sets A New Day apart from other budget sunglass brands is their commitment to staying current with fashion trends while maintaining quality standards that exceed expectations for the price point. They’re not trying to be luxury eyewear, and that’s exactly what makes them so appealing. Instead, they focus on delivering exactly what most of us actually need: stylish, well-made sunglasses that protect our eyes and complement our outfits without requiring a significant financial investment.

The Complete Style Spectrum: What’s Available

One of the most impressive aspects of the A New Day Sunglasses range is the sheer variety of styles available. During my exploration of the collection, I’ve encountered virtually every popular frame shape and style trend of recent years.

The classic aviator style remains a cornerstone of the collection, and for good reason. These timeless frames work on almost every face shape and pair effortlessly with everything from casual weekend wear to professional attire. I’ve found their aviator options to be particularly well-proportioned, avoiding the oversized extremes that can overwhelm smaller faces while still providing adequate coverage for larger facial features.

For those drawn to vintage-inspired looks, the cat-eye designs in the A New Day collection are absolutely stunning. These frames channel the glamour of the 1950s and 60s while incorporating modern touches that keep them from feeling costume-like. I’ve worn mine to everything from brunch dates to evening events, and they never fail to add a touch of sophisticated femininity to any outfit.

The oversized frame options deserve special mention because they’ve become such a staple of contemporary eyewear fashion. A New Day’s take on this trend strikes the perfect balance between making a statement and maintaining wearability. The frames are large enough to provide excellent sun protection and create that coveted glamorous effect, but they’re not so enormous that they dominate your entire face or feel unwieldy during daily activities.

For those who prefer more understated elegance, the collection includes numerous classic rectangular and round frame options. These styles work beautifully for professional settings or when you want your sunglasses to complement rather than compete with your outfit. The proportions are carefully considered, ensuring that these more traditional styles don’t read as boring or dated.

Where to Find Your Perfect Pair

Shopping for A New Day Sunglasses is refreshingly straightforward, though there are some insider tips that can enhance your experience. Target stores are the primary retail location, and I’ve found that the selection can vary significantly between different store locations. Larger Target stores typically carry a more comprehensive selection, while smaller locations might focus on core styles and bestsellers.

The online shopping experience through Target’s website offers the advantage of seeing the complete current collection, including styles that might not be available in your local store. However, I always recommend trying to see sunglasses in person when possible, especially if you’re unfamiliar with how different frame shapes work with your face.

One strategy I’ve developed over time is to visit Target during their seasonal transitions. The sunglass selection tends to refresh during these periods, and you’ll often find both new arrivals and clearance pricing on previous season styles. Spring and early summer represent peak sunglass season, so selection is typically at its best during these months.

Navigating the Price Landscape

The cost structure of A New Day Sunglasses is one of their most appealing features. Regular pricing typically ranges from $12 to $25, making it possible to build a diverse collection without significant financial impact. This price point puts them in direct competition with drugstore sunglasses while offering superior style and often better construction quality.

Target frequently runs promotions on accessories, and sunglasses are often included in these sales. I’ve learned to time my purchases around these promotional periods, which can bring individual pairs down to under $10. The Target Circle rewards program also provides additional savings opportunities, and occasional manufacturer coupons can stack with store promotions for even better deals.

When evaluating the cost, it’s helpful to consider the cost-per-wear calculation. Even at full price, a pair of A New Day sunglasses that you wear regularly throughout a season provides exceptional value compared to designer alternatives that might cost ten times as much.

The Critical Question of UV Protection

This is where many people worry about budget sunglasses, and rightfully so. Eye protection should never be compromised for the sake of fashion or savings. The good news is that A New Day Sunglasses consistently provide 100% UV protection, which is clearly stated on their packaging and product descriptions.

UV protection in sunglasses isn’t necessarily correlated with price—the UV-blocking properties come from treatments applied to the lenses during manufacturing, not from expensive materials or brand names. What matters is that the sunglasses meet safety standards, and A New Day products do exactly that.

I’ve worn these sunglasses during extended outdoor activities, including beach days, hiking trips, and outdoor festivals, without experiencing any eye strain or discomfort that would suggest inadequate protection. The UV blocking seems to be genuine and effective, providing the same level of protection you’d expect from much more expensive options.

Exploring Polarized Options

While not every style in the A New Day Sunglasses collection comes with polarized lenses, there are definitely polarized options available, and they’re worth seeking out if you spend significant time around reflective surfaces like water, snow, or wet pavement.

The polarized versions typically cost slightly more than the standard options, but they’re still incredibly affordable compared to polarized sunglasses from specialty eyewear brands. I’ve tested several polarized pairs from the collection, and the glare reduction is noticeable and effective. They’re not quite at the level of high-end polarized lenses from dedicated sunglass manufacturers, but they provide substantial improvement over non-polarized lenses for activities like driving or spending time near water.

The polarization doesn’t compromise the UV protection—these lenses still provide full UV blocking while adding the anti-glare benefits. For the modest price difference, I consider polarized versions worth the upgrade if they’re available in the style you prefer.

Materials and Construction Quality

Understanding the materials used in A New Day Sunglasses helps set appropriate expectations and guides proper care. The frames are typically constructed from various plastic polymers, chosen for their balance of durability, comfort, and cost-effectiveness. While you won’t find exotic materials like titanium or hand-polished acetate, the plastics used are robust enough for daily wear and maintain their appearance well over time.

The hinges, often a weak point in budget eyewear, are generally well-constructed in A New Day frames. I’ve been wearing several pairs regularly for over a year without experiencing any loosening or mechanical issues. The spring-loaded hinges in some styles provide a more comfortable fit and help the frames accommodate different head sizes without feeling too tight or too loose.

Lens quality is where A New Day really impresses for the price point. The optical clarity is excellent, with minimal distortion even when looking through the edges of larger lenses. The scratch resistance is reasonable, though not quite at the level of premium lens coatings. With normal care, the lenses maintain their clarity and appearance well.

The Appeal of Oversized Frames

Oversized frames have become a signature element of the A New Day collection, and they deserve special attention in any comprehensive buying guide. These larger frames serve multiple purposes beyond just making a fashion statement. They provide more comprehensive sun protection, covering more of the delicate eye area and reducing the amount of light that can sneak in around the edges of smaller frames.

From a style perspective, oversized frames can be incredibly flattering, especially for those with larger facial features. They create a sense of proportion and can actually make facial features appear more balanced. The key is finding oversized frames that are large without being overwhelming—something A New Day has managed quite well in their designs.

I’ve found that the oversized options in the collection work particularly well for casual and weekend wear. They pair beautifully with everything from summer dresses to athleisure wear, adding an effortless glamour that elevates even the most basic outfits.

Mastering the Art of Styling

Learning how to style A New Day Sunglasses with different outfits has been one of the most enjoyable aspects of building my collection. The variety of styles available means there’s likely a perfect frame for every outfit in your wardrobe, but understanding which styles work best with different looks can help you make the most of your purchases.

For professional settings, I’ve found that the more classic rectangular and aviator styles work best. They’re sophisticated without being distracting, and they maintain a polished appearance that complements business attire. The key is choosing frames with clean lines and avoiding overly decorative elements that might seem out of place in conservative work environments.

Casual weekend styling offers much more freedom to experiment with bolder frame shapes and colors. This is where the oversized options and cat-eye styles really shine. They add personality to simple outfits like jeans and t-shirts, turning basic looks into something more intentional and put-together.

For evening wear or special occasions, sunglasses might seem like an unusual choice, but they can actually be quite effective for outdoor evening events or when transitioning from day to night activities. The cat-eye styles work particularly well for these situations, adding a touch of vintage glamour that complements dressier outfits.

Durability for Daily Wear

The question of durability is crucial when evaluating any budget eyewear, and A New Day Sunglasses perform admirably in this area. While they may not have the same longevity as premium sunglasses costing several hundred dollars, they’re certainly built to withstand regular use.

I’ve put several pairs through rigorous daily wear tests, including tossing them in and out of bags, wearing them during physical activities, and subjecting them to the general abuse that sunglasses typically endure. The frames have held up well, maintaining their shape and structural integrity even after months of regular use.

The most vulnerable areas tend to be the nose pads and the lens-frame interface, which is true for most sunglasses regardless of price point. With reasonable care—meaning storing them in a protective case when not wearing them and cleaning them regularly—A New Day sunglasses can easily last through multiple seasons of regular wear.

Color Options and Personal Expression

The range of colors available in the A New Day Sunglasses collection is impressive and thoughtfully curated. Beyond the expected classics like black and brown, you’ll find contemporary options like rose gold, emerald green, and various tortoiseshell patterns that allow for more personalized expression.

The color selection changes seasonally, with spring and summer typically bringing brighter, more adventurous options, while fall collections tend to focus on richer, more traditional tones. This seasonal rotation keeps the collection feeling fresh and gives shoppers reasons to revisit the selection throughout the year.

I’ve found that having sunglasses in multiple colors dramatically increases their versatility. A basic black pair works with everything, but having options in brown, navy, or even bold colors like red or emerald can completely change how sunglasses interact with your wardrobe.

Real User Experiences and Reviews

Researching reviews before making any purchase has become second nature, and A New Day Sunglasses generally receive positive feedback from users across various platforms. The most commonly praised aspects include the style variety, the affordable pricing, and the overall quality relative to cost.

Common criticisms tend to focus on the fact that these aren’t premium sunglasses—some users wish for more sophisticated lens coatings or higher-end materials. However, these criticisms often seem to miss the point of what A New Day is trying to achieve. These sunglasses aren’t positioned as luxury items, and evaluating them against premium standards isn’t entirely fair.

More relevant feedback comes from users who compare A New Day sunglasses to other budget options, and in these comparisons, they consistently come out favorably. Users frequently mention that the styling is more current and sophisticated than typical drugstore options, and the quality feels more substantial than the price would suggest.

Protective Cases and Accessories

One practical consideration when buying guide for A New Day Sunglasses is the inclusion of protective accessories. Most A New Day sunglasses come with a basic soft pouch, which provides some protection against scratches but isn’t as robust as a hard case.

For the price point, this level of included protection is reasonable, but I recommend investing in additional protective storage if you plan to treat these sunglasses as your primary pair. A simple hard case can significantly extend the life of any sunglasses, and the modest additional investment is worthwhile for protecting your purchase.

The included cleaning cloth is adequate for basic maintenance, though I’ve found that having dedicated lens cleaning supplies helps maintain optimal clarity over time.

Cat-Eye Designs: A Standout Feature

The cat-eye designs in the A New Day collection deserve special recognition because they represent some of the most successful translations of high-fashion trends to accessible price points. These frames capture the essence of vintage glamour while incorporating modern proportions that work for contemporary faces and lifestyles.

What I appreciate most about A New Day’s approach to cat-eye frames is their restraint. Rather than creating exaggerated cartoonish versions of the style, they’ve developed frames that nod to the cat-eye tradition while remaining wearable for everyday activities. The upswept outer corners create that characteristic feline silhouette without being so dramatic that they limit when and where you can wear them.

The cat-eye options work particularly well for adding interest to simple outfits. They provide instant sophistication and can make casual looks appear more intentional and polished.

Sports and Outdoor Activity Considerations

While A New Day Sunglasses aren’t specifically designed as performance eyewear, many styles work quite well for casual outdoor activities and light sports. The key is choosing styles with secure, comfortable fits and considering the specific demands of your activities.

For activities like hiking, beach volleyball, or casual cycling, I’ve found that the aviator and smaller rectangular styles tend to stay in place better than oversized options. The lighter weight of these frames compared to many sport-specific sunglasses can actually be an advantage for extended wear.

However, for serious athletic activities or extreme sports, dedicated performance eyewear with features like rubber grips and impact-resistant lenses would be more appropriate. A New Day sunglasses excel in the casual outdoor activity space but aren’t intended to replace specialized sports eyewear.

Timing Your Purchase: Sales and Discounts

Strategic shopping can significantly reduce the already affordable cost of A New Day Sunglasses. Target runs regular promotions that often include accessories, and understanding these patterns can help you maximize your purchasing power.

End-of-season clearances typically offer the best prices, though selection may be limited to remaining inventory. Spring cleaning events often include accessories, and back-to-school promotions sometimes extend to fashion accessories as well.

Target Circle offers provide additional savings opportunities, and combining these with manufacturer coupons or cashback credit card offers can result in exceptional deals. I’ve purchased several pairs for under $8 during particularly good promotional periods.

Comfort and Wearability Assessment

The comfort factor of A New Day Sunglasses is generally quite good, especially considering the price point. The lightweight construction means they don’t create pressure points during extended wear, and the variety of sizes available helps ensure a good fit for different head shapes.

The nose pads, when present, are typically well-positioned and don’t dig in or slide down excessively. The temple arms are generally the right length for most people, though those with particularly narrow or wide head measurements might find some styles less than optimal.

For all-day wear, I’ve found these sunglasses to be comfortable enough that I often forget I’m wearing them, which is exactly what you want from any eyewear. They don’t create the fatigue or pressure points that poorly designed frames can cause.

Comparative Analysis with Other Brands

When comparing A New Day Sunglasses to other budget options, they consistently emerge as a strong choice. Drugstore brands often feel cheaper and look less current, while gas station sunglasses rarely offer the same level of style sophistication.

Compared to mid-range brands, A New Day obviously can’t match the premium materials or advanced lens technologies, but they often equal or exceed these brands in terms of style relevance and basic functionality. The value proposition becomes even more compelling when you consider that you could buy several pairs of A New Day sunglasses for the cost of one pair from a mid-range brand.

Against designer brands, the comparison isn’t entirely fair given the massive price difference, but A New Day often captures current design trends nearly as quickly as luxury brands, making them an excellent way to experiment with new styles without significant financial commitment.

Aviator Style Options

The aviator-style options in the A New Day collection represent some of their most successful designs. These classic frames have been refined over decades to work well on a wide variety of face shapes, and A New Day’s versions maintain the proportions and styling cues that make aviators so universally appealing.

What sets their aviator options apart from typical budget versions is attention to detail in the frame proportions and lens shape. The tear-drop lens shape is properly executed, and the bridge and temple proportions create the classic aviator silhouette without the awkward distortions that plague some budget interpretations of this style.

I’ve found the aviator styles to be among the most versatile in the collection, working equally well with professional attire, casual weekend wear, and everything in between. They’re also among the most universally flattering frame shapes, making them an excellent choice for anyone unsure about which style direction to pursue.

Unisex Appeal and Options

Many styles in the A New Day Sunglasses collection work well as unisex options, though the brand primarily markets toward women. The aviator styles, in particular, translate seamlessly across gender lines, as do many of the rectangular and round frame options.

The sizing tends to work well for most adults regardless of gender, though individuals with particularly large heads might find some styles somewhat small. The color options include plenty of neutral choices that appeal broadly, though some of the more decorative or colorful options skew more feminine in their styling.

For couples or families looking to coordinate sunglasses without matching exactly, A New Day offers enough variety that everyone can find something that works while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic approach.

Maintenance and Care Guidelines

Proper care significantly extends the life of any sunglasses, and A New Day Sunglasses respond well to basic maintenance routines. Regular cleaning with appropriate materials keeps the lenses clear and the frames looking their best.

For daily cleaning, I use a microfiber cloth and lens cleaning spray, though the included cleaning cloth works adequately for light maintenance. Avoid using paper towels or clothing to clean the lenses, as these can create micro-scratches that accumulate over time.

Storage is crucial for maintaining both the frames and lenses. Always store sunglasses in a protective case when not wearing them, and avoid leaving them in hot cars or other extreme temperature environments that can warp plastic frames.

When the frames need more thorough cleaning, warm water and a small amount of mild soap work well. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that might damage lens coatings or frame materials.

Making the Final Decision

After extensive experience with the A New Day Sunglasses collection, I can confidently say they represent exceptional value in the budget eyewear space. They successfully bridge the gap between throwaway drugstore options and expensive designer pieces, offering genuine style and adequate quality at a price point that makes experimentation and multiple purchases practical.

The key to success with A New Day sunglasses is setting appropriate expectations. These aren’t luxury items, and they shouldn’t be evaluated against premium standards. However, for their intended purpose—providing stylish, protective, affordable eyewear for everyday use—they excel.

Whether you’re looking to try a new style without significant investment, need backup sunglasses for travel, or simply want to build a diverse collection without breaking the budget, A New Day sunglasses offer compelling options that deliver on their promises.

The combination of current styling, adequate quality, comprehensive UV protection, and exceptional affordability makes them an obvious choice for budget-conscious shoppers who refuse to compromise on style. In a world where fashion accessories can easily cost hundreds of dollars, finding options that look great and function well at accessible prices feels like discovering a genuine secret worth sharing.