Anna Wintour wears sunglasses primarily as a kind of "prop" that helps her control how much people can read her emotions and thoughts. She has explained that the sunglasses help her avoid others knowing what she's thinking and give her a degree of privacy and emotional distance. Additionally, she has mentioned they are useful when she feels tired or sleepy, and they help her "be seen and not be seen." The sunglasses have also become part of her iconic style and personal brand, acting like an armor and a power accessory that allows her to maintain control and a sense of privacy in high-pressure situations.