Wearing sunglasses indoors does have its valid reasons. We're talking about our blind friends like Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder, who effortlessly rock shades wherever they go. And let's not forget those with light sensitivity or migraine sufferers who find relief in wearing sunglasses, as explained by Karen Sparrow from the Association of Optometrists.
But for the vast majority of us, it's all about making a fashion statement and, well, perhaps drawing a strong reaction from the people around us.
Sure, a quick Google search on "sunglasses indoors" will unleash a wave of criticism. Even the hilarious Larry David once pointed out that only the blind and those he didn't quite approve of would dare to pull off this style.
But hey, take a look at our beloved celebrities. Jack Nicholson, Bono, Lady Gaga, Victoria Beckham, Kanye West, Bob Dylan—they're all known for rocking tinted eyewear indoors. Of course, it's easier to defy ridicule when you're an Oscar-winning actor, a chart-topping superstar, or the influential editor-in-chief of American Vogue. It's a whole different story when you're attending a foam party in Nelson and decide to keep your shades on.
So, what's the deal? Why is wearing sunglasses indoors met with such disdain? Well, it's often seen as trying too hard, the exact opposite of cool. Plus, unnecessarily hiding your eyes from others is considered rude, to the point that Debrett's, the etiquette guide, issued an injunction against wearing dark glasses inside. An author, even argued that it's like physically shutting off the windows to your soul. Deep, right?
And let's not forget the prevailing notion that wearing sunglasses indoors is just plain gauche and pretentious. It's the choice of people who want to look like Jack Nicholson or pay their way into the VIP section of a nightclub. It's as if they're sporting a pullover knotted around their chest or rolling up their jacket sleeves—a fashion faux pas.
But hey, there was a time when wearing sunglasses indoors was the epitome of sophistication. Think back to the glamorous days of Hollywood starlets avoiding the flash and pop of paparazzi cameras, all while donning their shades indoors. And let's not forget the rebellious jazz musicians who used sunglasses to signal their refusal to conform to societal norms.
However, times have changed. Wearing sunglasses indoors has acquired shabby, unwholesome connotations. It's become synonymous with dingy nightclubs, soulless encounters, and the likes. The Arctic Monkeys' Alex Turner even sings about it, capturing the essence of shady nightclubs with "lights on the floor and sweat on the walls." But it's the shades that speak volumes about the ambiance.
Yet, in this ever-evolving world of fashion, what was once uncool might just become cool again. Some argue