Welcome to the New School of Sunglasses

Sunglasses are underrated.
They really don't get the praise they deserve when it comes to their incredible ability to make or break any outfit. Ex: You could be wearing overalls and sneakers (read: a very casual outfit), but when you slip on a pair of square Célines, instantly, you look like the most powerful person in the world.
This, however, was not always the case (which is probably why you don't yet, fully, appreciate them).
While simultaneously dropping mad, up-to-date, sunglass knowledge on you, we're also going to contrast today's trendy styles with their less trendy counterparts of the past. (You're going to freak when you see Britney Spears' utterly-'90s aviators.) Time to scroll.

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Sandra Bullock had it going on. Square sunglasses, like most styles of the ‘90s, had a lot of exposed metal. They were also incredibly light-weight and thin. Nowadays, especially if they're up to Kim Kardashian's standards, the more face they cover, the better—mystery is key.

Quay Australia Barnun Sunglasses, $45

Gucci Square-Frame Acetate Sunglasses, $375

Burberry BE4170, $205

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Mirrored sunglasses are not a new concept (Exhibit A: Cher), but what is a new concept are all the cool shapes and styles the lenses now come in. Shay Mitchell found love in a round pair, but see the shopping picks below for more variety!

Sunday Somewhere Yetti Round Sunglasses, $290

Cutler and Gross Round-Frame Leather-Trimmed Acetate and Rose Gold-Tone Sunglasses, $650

Jeepers Peepers Round Mirror Flip Up Lens Sunglasses, $30

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Britney is just so darn cute! Her orange lens-ed aviators were really cool and hip…at one point in time. The fashion world is now onto bigger and better things like the incredibly popular Dior ‘So Real' sunnies Olivia Palermo loves. 

Forever 21 Rounded Aviator Sunglasses, $6

Topshop Sofia Cateye Sunglasses, $40

Ray-Ban Havana Phantos Round Sunglasses, $172

Splash News, Getty Images

Sure, Renée Zellweger's pair are a bit sporty, but you get the idea. Again, the major difference is the size of the frames. Sienna Miller's sunnies also have small embellishments that take the feminine style to a cool-girl level.

Zara Plastic Frame Glasses, $23

Le Specs Rapture Cat-Eye Acetate Sunglasses, $60

Prada Studded Cat-Eye Sunglasses, $479

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Back in the day, the more color the better. Also, don't you love how Christina Aguilera matched her outfit to her sunglasses? Cate Blanchett represents a more current version and it's clear she wanted them to be a stand-alone statement (that all-black outfit says it all). 

Sunglass Spot Classic Spring Loaded Colorful Aviator, $5

Sunday Somewhere Vito, $420

Komono Stella Sunglasses, $60