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A great pair of sunglasses is the ultimate style shortcut.

This small-but-mighty accessory has the power to completely transform your look, adding instant polish and giving you a confidence boost when you leave the house. Because we all feel that little bit cooler behind our shades, no?

Watch: We try the 'Style Maths' method. Post continues below.

If you're looking for a new signature style ahead of spring, there's one shape that's set to dominate for seasons to come — so early adopters, take note.

Allow us to introduce you to 'shield shades' — a more rounded, futuristic-looking version of the ever-popular aviators.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley wears shield-style sunglasses. Image: Instagram/@rosiehuntingtonwhiteley.

Luxury bands including Tom Ford, Loewe, Phoebe Philo and Bottega Veneta have all come out with similar styles and celebrities including Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Rihanna, Zoe Foster-Blake and Kris Jenner have all adopted the fashion-forward shape recently.

Shield-style sunglasses are featured in Phoebe Philo's new collection. Image: Instagram/@phoebephilo.

The good news is, this style suits everyone — although it looks bold (and that's the point), the shield is surprisingly wearable. Like the aviator, it works for all face shapes and looks good with any outfit, from activewear to more formal fits.

And while a Loewe or Tom Ford style will set you back around 500 bucks, local brands like Le Specs and Quay Eyewear have jumped on the trend and come out with their own more affordable versions, while Melbourne influencer Rozalia Russian has designed a sleek $189 pair in collaboration with Soda Shades.

We tracked down the chicest pairs starting from just $26.

Shop shield sunglasses styles.

ASOS Design Chunky Aviator Sunglasses, $26.

Image: Supplied.

ASOS Reclaimed Vintage sunglasses, $34.

Image: Supplied.

NA-KD Oversized Acetate Sunglasses, now $34.38.

Image: Supplied.

Bershka Tortoiseshell Effect Shield Sunglasses, $35.99.

Image: Supplied.

Le Specs Drizzle Sunglasses, $80.

Image: Supplied.

Rozalia Russian X Soda Shades - Shade 004, $189.

Image: Supplied.

Quay Chart Topper, $124.

Image: Supplied.

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Feature image: Instagram/@rosiehuntingtonwhiteley; @rozaliarussian.