How to get away with wearing sunglasses indoors

Nobody can argue with the need to wear sunglasses on a bright day, but wearing them indoors is a look that requires careful consideration.

X Factor contestant Nicolo Festa divided opinion when he wore sunglasses to perform on stage during the 2010 live finals in October. He donned pink shades to perform Lady Gaga’s Just Dance and was unceremoniously booted off after the judges and fans said the dark tint prevented them from making eye contact and made the performance seem off-hand and removed.

Ironically, Lady Gaga is one of those love-to-hate-them people who can make the uncool, cool, and seeing her wearing sunglasses indoors is completely normal on her scale of wackiness.

So, how can normal people wear shades indoors without looking like desperate wannabees?

The trick is to opt for a stylish frame and lenses with a gradient of colour. Geek chic is still all the rage, so try thick plastic rims in bright colours so it is obvious you’re being ironic. Or go for the very latest designer styles and make a fashion statement.

Dark black lenses are a no-no for two good reasons. Firstly because you’ll end up bumping into everything and secondly because they completely remove the ability to make eye contact. Being able to see properly and engaging with others are the key elements of making wearing sunglasses indoors cool. Of course, if you’re going for the ice cool diva style, darker tints are better as they give off the “don’t talk to me, I’m far too important” vibe, but bear in mind this means any object of your desire in the room will be put-off as well and you could spend your time being ignored.

It’s probably safer to save the sunglasses for outside, but if you are going to wear shades indoors, be dedicated to the cause and prepare to keep them on for the duration and be confident in your decision.