Do you still need to wear sunglasses in the fall?

The leaves are changing, the air is getting crisp, and everyone’s favorite Spice Girl, pumpkin spice, is strutting tiny platform boots on the way to the grocery store and coffee shop. Fall is settling in, which means it’s time to swap your wardrobe from short sleeves to cozy sweaters.  

But as you update your closet, you may be asking: should my sunglasses stay or should they go? (Excuse us while we go ahead and cue Should I Stay or Should I Go by The Clash.) The truth is, you can—and should—wear sunglasses year-round. Protecting your eyes from the sun is just as important in the fall as it is in the summer. Here are a few reasons to keep wearing your favorite sunnies in the fall: 

Protect from harsh sunlight

When we think of ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, a bright summer day usually comes to mind. Though, those same UV rays shine on us year-round, no matter what the temperature outside feels like. The sun actually sits lower in the fall, which makes UV exposure even more likely. Prolonged UV exposure can increase your risk of certain eye conditions, such as cataracts and macular degeneration, so it’s important to wear 100% polarized sunglasses when you’re outdoors, even in the fall. 

Avoid sun glare

Don’t you hate it when you’re driving along the road and suddenly the sun bounces off a metal building and your vision goes blind temporarily? With the low autumn sun, this can happen a lot more frequently, so make sure to keep polarized sunglasses to avoid that deer-in-the-headlights look.  

Shield from the wind

Rustling leaves are a hallmark of fall. But a little too much wind can make for seriously dry, irritated eyes (especially if you’re wearing contacts). Good thing sunglasses are a natural shield for wind and other strong weather elements so your eyes stay moist and your contacts stay moist-er. 

Not only do sunglasses shield your eyes in the fall, they also add a stylish aesthetic to any fall wardrobe. Throw on a sweater, jeans, your favorite polarized sunnies, and you’ve got a Pinterest-worthy look that doubles as sun protection.