“With my sunglasses on, I’m Jack Nicholson,” Mr Jack Nicholson famously once said. “Without them, I’m fat and 60.” He shouldn’t body shame himself, and he’s also 87 next week, but has he got a point? He’s not the only one – Ms Anna Wintour, Mr Karl Lagerfeld and Sir Elton John have all turned dark glasses into a sartorial trademark. So, what are they hiding? Or, rather: what’s the secret to wearing sunglasses at night or inside? Could you – should you – try it yourself? We guess what we’re really asking then is if it’s a strong look or if it just makes it difficult to see… Below, our editors make their case. Which side are you on?

Not too long ago, I visited a newly opened wine bar in one of Rome’s buzziest neighbourhoods. Set within a burgeoning oenological and culinary scene, everything about the space and furniture looked effortlessly cool. The waiters were equally stylish, exuding an if-you-know-you-know scruffiness that perfectly suited their surroundings. Which is nothing surprising for a trendy, natural wine bar in one of the world’s most visited capitals.

What I noticed, however, is that the waiters were all wearing sunglasses. Every single one. Indoors. At dusk, may I add. And while I was slightly taken aback by the bold, and completely unexpected, sartorial move (we all know that Italians are a little stricter with their faux pas), I thought it bespoke freedom, playfulness and a little healthy carelessness.

Never before that point had I asked myself if it was ever acceptable to wear sunglasses indoors, and neither did I struggle to give myself an answer thereafter. However curated their work attire might have been, their choice felt spontaneous and refreshing. The sunglasses were just the finishing touch to an already well put-together outfit, but they seemed no less important than its other components.

Now, if you don’t own a buzzy wine bar in Rome, the answer is yes, you can still wear sunglasses indoors. No matter where, or whether it’s daytime or evening, a carefully selected pair will instantly confer a distinct presence – and subsequent pseudo confidence – yet an aura of mystery that won’t go unnoticed in any room you walk into.

Sunglasses are also an easy way to channel any longed style personas – and luckily, we have plenty of options on the MR PORTER shelves. There are Jacques Marie Mage’s frames for the 1970s-inspired dandy, Rick Owens’ pairs for the glam goth or LOEWE Paula’s Ibiza colourful styles for the bohemian adventurer. As the sunny weather approaches, you have even more reasons to keep yours on.

I have long had a disdain for “unnecessary” or “useless” or “wrong season” fashion items. Cowboy boots or Uggs in the summertime. A belt over a dress that already has a cinched waist. Fake pockets that don’t open. The list goes on and on, the pointlessness compounding. I’m not saying that every item we wear must be only utilitarian, but there’s line that some articles of clothing cross and, frankly, they know who they are.

One of the worst offenders by far is the sunglass inside and at night. On a very basic level, it makes absolutely no sense – is the human eye even designed to be able to see in such conditions? Unless you live in a glass house into which sunlight pours unfettered, I am throwing stones at you and your ridiculous choices.

But I think the main reason that I find the practice of wearing sunglasses indoors or at night so incredibly dumb is that when you do so you are breaking the fourth wall of fashion, so to speak. Fashion and style are, at their best, personal expressions of taste and preference. The clothes we put on our body should express something essential about ourselves, and I think that people should (and can) be able to tell what kind of person you are by how you dress. Maybe you’re an artistic type, maybe you’re a banker and simply live to make money – generally these things are obvious from our garb.

When you accessorise with something that has no function at all, you are openly acknowledging that you’re wearing something for clout. It’s like watching someone put makeup on during their commute (doesn’t allowing people to see the makeup application defy the point of the makeup, ie, to make people think you’re naturally that gorgeous). Likewise, wearing sunglasses at night says: I’m aware of “coolness” and wearing sunglasses is “cool”.

Effortless cool is not for everyone, and it might not even be something to which you aspire. But hopefully you’re not aspiring to being uncool, either. And I’m sorry to say wearing sunglasses inside is categorically uncool. Sorry.