ELEANOR DOUGLAS-MEYERS
When it comes to fashion, Gqeberha has always been known for its laid-back, effortlessly cool style. So, it’s no surprise that the city’s style-savvy residents have embraced the flat shoe trend with open arms (and feet!).
Forget sky-high stilettos and teetering platforms; it’s all about keeping things grounded with stylish yet comfortable flats. From ballet flats to embellished slides, Gqeberha’s fashionistas are proving that you don’t need to sacrifice comfort to stay chic.
Flat shoes have made a huge comeback on the global fashion scene, with designers showcasing thousands of flat shoe styles on runways from New York to Paris. According to Vogue UK, “Designers debuted 9,584 looks across 230 shows and presentations in New York, London, Milan, and Paris during the spring/summer 2024 season… almost all of which included shoes. The great minds at Vogue House have thought long and hard about these statistics, and the official prediction is thus: people will almost definitely be wearing things on their feet when spring arrives.”
Fashion is currently obsessed with ladylike shoes, especially ballet flats, which are here to stay. SS24 collections featured these flats in high-shine metallics and with attention-grabbing embellishments.
Think crystal-encrusted details at Loewe, Burberry, and Chanel, or mirror-like surfaces at Versace, Alaïa, and Christian Louboutin. Initially, they may seem a bit quirky, but like all great shoes, they quickly become a must-have.
Here in Gqeberha, the appeal of flats is obvious. The city’s relaxed vibe and love for easygoing fashion make flats the perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you’re strolling down the Boardwalk, hitting the local markets, or meeting friends for a laid-back lunch, flats offer the perfect blend of comfort and style.
Local fashionistas are finding creative ways to incorporate this trend into their wardrobes. Pairing metallic ballet flats with breezy summer dresses or rocking embellished slides with cropped jeans and a casual tee, Gqeberha’s trendsetters are proving that flats can be just as stylish as their high-heeled counterparts. And with so many options to choose from—ranging from minimalist to highly decorative—there’s a flat shoe for every outfit and occasion.
We spoke to some of Gqeberha’s most stylish locals about their favourite flat shoes for the season:
Eridene Coltman, a local singer and fashionista, shared her go-to choice: “I’d say a nice black loafer – perfect for a corporate look but also great if you want to just elevate your weekend jeans and t-shirt look.” Eridene’s love for loafers highlights how versatile flats can be, effortlessly shifting from professional to casual settings. Follow Eridene on Instagram
Alethea Ross, a mom content creator, is all about comfort and practicality: “Sneakers are the most dynamic shoe and win hands down for me. You can dress them up or down, and let’s not forget, comfort is key. Plus, I drive a lot, so they just make sense for a busy mom. I’m at the stage of my life where comfort is key, but keep it cute.” Alethea’s preference for sneakers shows that practicality doesn’t mean compromising on style. Follow Alethea on Instagram
Zenizole Gqada, a globe-trotting travel content creator with a passion for South Africa, keeps it sporty yet stylish: “My take might be a little boring, but as a fitness girl, I’ve always gravitated towards running shoes and sneakers. This season, they’ve become my flat shoe of choice. What I’ve done, though, is instead of gravitating towards neutral colours (which is normally my go-to), I’ve started exploring bright, fun colors.” Zenizole’s move towards colourful sneakers brings a vibrant twist to everyday outfits. Follow Zenizole on Instagram
Tanya Lilley, a local content creator, is embracing the retro vibes: “Trending this season are the throwback 90s flats! And I’m here for ballerina pumps in all colours! My fave spin has to be the square toe you’ll find at Cotton On … or the mesh fabric version to elevate your planned Spring look!” Tanya’s excitement for ballerina flats adds a nostalgic touch to modern fashion. Follow Tanya on Instagram
One of the great things about the flat shoe trend is its versatility. Flats are not just for casual days; they can easily be dressed up for a night out or even a more formal event. A pair of sleek, pointed flats can be the perfect complement to a tailored suit, while embellished or metallic flats add a touch of glam to any outfit without the discomfort of a heel.
So, to all the style-savvy individuals of Gqeberha: keep embracing those flat shoes! Not only are they practical and comfortable, but they also show that you can be fashionable without sacrificing your comfort. After all, fashion should be fun, functional, and fabulous—just like our city’s unique style.
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