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Yoliswa Dube

MY mornings are very thoughtful.

I think about a lot of random things and make the most important decisions in the morning, for some reason.

As I was going through my regular morning routine the other day, I just wondered why people think it’s cool to wear sunglasses indoors or at night.

The thoughts were triggered by a conversation we’d had the previous day – of course we’d agreed sunglasses indoors are unacceptable.

But out of interest sake, I asked my brother whether or not he thought wearing sunglasses indoors; particularly at the club, is a thing.

I got a surprisingly passionate response! He even logged us onto Google to validate his assertions. Apparently, since the first mass-produced sunglasses were sold in Atlantic City, in the United States, by Sam Foster 85 years ago, darkened spectacles have been widely considered stylish.

In the early days, wearing sunglasses was a privilege limited to explorers, military heroes, and celebrities.

They’re considered the early 80s idea of sophistication. And now, someone wearing a good pair of sunglasses does seem sophisticated — they appear somewhat hotter.

Even when the sunglasses are hung on the front of their shirt or blouse or perched on the crown of their head — they just look more fashion savvy.

It’s a great accessory, that’s unquestionable. I recently got my first designer sunglasses by Marc Jacobs and I absolutely love them. They’ve mirrored lenses, which are trending right now.

Sunglasses make people look more attractive for a whole variety of reasons. They are a tease — they invite someone looking at you to speculate, to think about what might be going on underneath them. Are you looking back at them? They can’t tell. That means you might be looking right at them, or you might be totally uninterested in them.

They also cover up the emotional expression of the eyes, which makes a person look less anxious, less care-worn and less needy.

Now, of course, even children wear them for different reasons such as eye health.

Sunglasses do more than “dim” the light on sunny days. The primary reason anyone should wear sunglasses is to protect one’s eyes from harmful UV light.

UV light is damaging us on cloudy days and even more so on sunny days.

Polarised lenses that are used in most “good” sunglasses allow the user to see clearly even when it may not be very bright outside.

People wear sunglasses when they are hung-over or when they’ve been crying. They wear them so they can stare at hot men or women in them without being noticed.

Sometimes it’s because they didn’t notice it wasn’t quite as sunny as the previous day and are wearing them out of habit. The reason could be as simple as them thinking they look good in them.

The problem, for me, and many other like-minded people is when sunglasses are worn indoors, especially at night — at the club or anywhere else.

I personally think it’s absurd — why are you wearing sunglasses where the sun doesn’t shine? But my brother thinks I don’t know the half of it.
Sunglasses, especially at the club are a thing, he says. They “complete” a look and make you look fresher than fresh. He says sunglasses have a way of bringing the pizazz to any outfit. I agree, but must they REALLY be worn indoors?
Apparently lots of celebrities do it.

The likes of Lady Gaga, Victoria Beckham and Kanye West each rock tinted eyewear in all conditions. Only they know why they do it. Maybe it’s to evade camera flashes from paparazzi. But who’s flocking to take pictures of you?

Feedback from “Give it about seven days”

I’m the worst. I’m always repeating clothes several times during the same week thinking no one ever notices. It’s about time I made some changes.

Thanks for the article — Nancy.

Summer is officially here and I’m irritated by women who wear see-through blouses over bright coloured bras, do you think that’s acceptable? — Eve.

Learning the art of rotation could be the solution to solving a lot of people’s wardrobe crises. — Thandie

Until next week, flaunt your pattern and style and don’t forget to catch up with me on Twitter handle @Yolisswa, visit my blog, www.stayera247.blogspot.com or like my Facebook page Pattern & Style.