Whenever Meghan Markle steps out in the sunshine, no matter what the time of year, it's always top of our list to check out what sunglasses she's wearing. She has great taste in sunnies and while she sometimes opts for luxury styles, I've noticed that affordable looks are also amongst her faves.
When the Duchess of Sussex was out and about in Canada back in February 2024, as per usual, team HELLO! swooned over the fashion choices from Meghan but there was one accessory in particular that caught my attention - her budget-friendly sunglasses.
I'm a real sunglasses addict (trust me, I just love them!) and Meghan's looked so chic. Were they Prada, Christian Dior or Gucci? No, they were from a brand called Blenders, and I'll be honest, I'd never heard of them before.
- Meghan Markle's collection of sunglasses includes some very affordable brands
- One of them is Blenders - she wore the 'Grove' style, which you can shop for $69 on Amazon or directly from Blenders in the US or UK.
- Shoppers call the shades "light, comfortable and chic" - we're obsessed!
The affordable sunglasses team HELLO! couldn't stop swooning over
While Meghan wore them for frostier weather as she attended the Invictus Games, they're perfect for the summer. They're also really stylish in my opinion as well, and would be great for running errands and driving in. They're also perfect if you're not a fan of flashy designer logos and you just want a pair of good sunglasses that won't break the bank.
© Karwai TangAs usual, the Meghan effect strikes again and her black 'Grove' sunglasses sold out immediately on the brand's website, but have no fear, they're back in stock.
Blenders Eyewear 'Grove' Sunglasses
© BlendersAvailable in black, pink, lilac, tortoiseshell on Amazon US and 13 different colors at Blenders.
What do I love about them? Well, it's the glossy black frames with the chic silver detailing along the side. I've seen some comments online that the silver is more dramatic in real life, especially when the sun bounces off them.
Verified buyer reviews: Are Meghan Markle's sunglasses comfortable?
I've looked at the verified reviews, and they're all really good. One said: "They fit snugly but very comfortably. Seeing through the lens is sharp and without glare. Highly recommend."
Another said they were "light, comfortable and chic."
In fact, the sunnies have earned an impressive 4.7-star average rating. "These are the perfect classic black pair to have to go with every outfit!" raved another shopper. A five-star reviewer noted: "Would absolutely recommend to anyone looking to protect their eyes while looking mysteriously important."
They're also clearly a great choice for people who wear sunglasses year-round as the polarised lenses filter bright, reflected light and reduce glare. Let's face it, we all know that you need good shades for when you hit the slopes!
While I haven't worn a pair of Blenders before and I can't share the pros and cons, I've looked at all the reviews and the comments on Instagram and they appear to have a loyal following and if you spend a lot of time outdoors, they would be a really clever purchase.
© Blenders EyewearFrom a $2,000 loan to a $90 million empire: The story behind the shades
The story behind the brand is really inspiring as well. Chase Fisher, a former surf coach, is the founder of Blenders Eyewear and he turned a $2,000 loan into a $90 million business. "I didn't want to blend in. I wanted something different, radical, and fun," he says on the website.
When he first launched, he sold only 10 pairs of sunglasses and the brand went from strength to strength. When he focused on social media and working with influencers, the brand turned around and now it's huge.
Interestingly, Meghan doesn't appear on their social media channels, is that because they want to look cool, or is it a request from Meghan's stylist? Who knows!
