It's easy to see why these Finlay sunglasses are Meghan Markle, Kate Middleton and Holly Willoughby's favourite frames

I've had the Finlay Henrietta sunglasses for seven years now, and they're probably one of my most-worn items. Think about it: yes, they come into their own in the summer months, but you really need a pair of the best sunglasses on hand all year round.

I first became aware of these sunnies when Meghan, Duchess of Sussex wore them at Wimbledon back in 2019. The upswept cat eye shape, black frames and black lenses looked so glamorous, and it was a shape I hadn't tried before.

Previously, I had mostly round or Wayfarer sunglasses in my collection, and it's safe to say I haven't looked back. At £160, they're an investment piece, but they work with every outfit, from swimwear on holiday to knitwear and jeans back home. They're handmade in Italy, plus Finlay is a British brand, and Meghan isn't the only famous fan. Kate Middleton and Holly Willoughby have both worn the Henrietta sunglasses, too, so they come with seriously impressive credentials.

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Finlay Henrietta sunglasses: Style

The Henrietta gets full marks from me when it comes to style. They're flattering for most face shapes, including oval, heart-shaped and round. The Finlay website advises that cat eye sunglasses will soften a rectangular-shaped face, too.

These are a subtle cat eye shape, as the corners are squared off and the silhouette is really soft. These aren't the angular, retro sunglasses you might think of when I say cat eye, but they're glamorous enough to add a bit of excitement to even the simplest of ensembles.

I often opt for tortoiseshell shades, but there's something about the all-black design that makes you feel like an A-lister. There are eight different frame and lens colour combinations to choose from, though.

For me, it's a real plus that there's no branding on the outside of the frames. They exude Quiet Luxury, and they invite compliments from people who will inevitably want to know where you got them. Oh, and you can add a personalised engraving, too, which is such a great idea for a present.

Finlay Henrietta sunglasses: Fit

The sunglasses are incredibly lightweight and comfortable to wear. They needed no adjustments, and I can wear them all day without getting irritated or feeling like they're leaving any marks on my nose. They stay in place well, and you can tell they're very high-quality.

Finlay Henrietta sunglasses: Function & technology

The Henrietta sunglasses are crafted from luxury Mazzucchelli acetate and fitted with Zeiss lenses for full UVA/UVB protection. Polarised lenses are available, plus you can order prescription lenses, and a variety of tints are on offer as well.

Finlay has two London stores and an online customer care team on hand to ask any questions, but you can rest assured that these sunglasses come with all the technology you need to protect your eyes from the sun this summer.

Talking of technology, one of the major benefits of buying sunglasses from Finlay is the virtual try-on feature on the website (pictured above). You simply use the camera or your phone or upload a photo, then scroll through various Finlay styles and colours to see what suits you best.

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Finlay Henrietta sunglasses: verdict

They might be at the pricier end of the spectrum, but these impossibly chic sunglasses are worth every penny. They do come with a one-year warranty, but perhaps it tells you all you need to know that I've worn and carried these around with me for years.

Embarrassingly, even though they come with a smart case, I often just chuck them in my handbag instead of their case, but there's not a scratch or mark on them, and they look just as good as the day they arrived.