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Zanele Kumalo, editor W24
Describe how your style changed when you moved cities.
I wore flats more often in Cape Town because I’d walk around the city or neighbourhood more regularly. The dress codes are less formal and the lifestyle is more active, i.e. hitting the beach or mountain, and you need your car less.
Read more: We challenged a Capetonian to wear Joburg style for a week…
Which city’s going-out/party style do you prefer? Why?
Jo'burg. I love getting dressed up and making an effort.
Which item of clothing/accessory/shoe is an absolute must-have when living in Cape Town? And which one for Jozi?
In Cape Town, a beautiful formal pair of brogues or sandals or sneakers plus a great lipstick to lift any look. In Jo'burg, a fantastic evening coat and a hot hairstyle.
Marishka Denicker, digital content producer
Describe how your style changed when you moved cities.
I think my style became a bit more sophisticated when I moved to Jozi. I still like to keep things quirky and interesting but I think I have become a bit more polished since living here.
My choices in colours have also changed. I opt for more autumnal tones with splashes of fun colour where I think in Cape Town I would go for brighter colours and also more prints.
Which city’s going-out/party style do you prefer? Why?
I've always preferred an alternative kind of party look which I think can fit in with either city. At 5'11 I never really wear heels and while I love a bit of shine I will always style it in an edgier way which feels like it works in both cities.
Which item of clothing/accessory/shoe is an absolute must-have when living in Cape Town? And which one for Jozi?
A comfortable pair of simple sandals is essential for Cape Town, while I believe an epic pair of sneakers is what you need for Jozi.
Noxolo Mafu, deputy editor at The Huffington Post
Describe how your style changed when you moved cities.
Johannesburg has incredible energy that translated into my style almost immediately. I found that a lot of my choices in Cape Town were safe but important basics. Since moving to Johannesburg I have been more experimental with my clothes. I have also bought more local designers and streetwear brands that are intrinsically unique to the city.
I have also been able to dress up a whole lot more because somewhere in the city there is a reason to wear heels. I guess I have become a whole lot more playful which I am enjoying. But Cape Town has taught me the golden rule: less is more.
Which city’s going-out/party style do you prefer? Why?
Oh man, this isn’t fair. I guess Johannesburg trumps Cape Town now because of the rooftop parties and innovative party styles, and I love me a good rooftop party. I miss Cape Town summer parties just because of the view, but I find Johannesburg offers a little something for everyone and the diversity at events is always energising.
Read more: #FashionFriday: Two ways you can copy French girl chic
I love experiential parties and I find I go to a lot more in Johannesburg. I guess I just love that you can get a range of experiences in Johannesburg and meet so many people on a night out. Cape Town can get a little cliquey but nothing beats the Mother City’s views.
Which item of clothing/accessory/shoe is an absolute must-have when living in Cape Town? And which one for Jozi?
Cape Town – A beautifully tailored dress.
Johannesburg – A good pair of block heels.
Foyin Ogunrombi, blogger and makeup artist
Describe how your style changed when you moved cities.
When I moved down to Cape Town, I noticed that I had to adapt to the more languid pace - not only in how I worked, but how I dressed, too. In Johannesburg, things tend to be a bit more formalised, but in Cape Town, it’s very much a relaxed environment.
Trends feel more organic and easy this side, even when you see the ‘cool kids’ managing to wear every single trend at once. So when I was exploring my own style this side, I felt a bit more inclined to learn about streetwear brands and move in a less glamorous direction.
Which city’s going-out/party style do you prefer? Why?
Definitely Johannesburg, because they like the glitz and glamour of dressing up. Naturally, being forced to wear high heels as a part of the dress code is frustrating, but sometimes I enjoy it because that’s the only time I would wear my high heels. The party scene has people - women in particular - experimenting with trends and feeling free to wear whatever they want.
They can dress up as much as they want and go to the club in sky high heels and fur coats while wearing sunglasses the entire night and it’s completely normal. It’s over the top, a little pretentious, and completely ridiculous but I love it. It’s difficult to find more than one or two places in Cape Town where you can dress up to that degree.
Which item of clothing/accessory/shoe is an absolute must-have when living in Cape Town? And which one for Jozi?
Moving down to Cape Town definitely inspired me to up my sneaker game. And my flip-flop game. If you don’t have a pair of Old Skool Vans or Havaianas, what are you even wearing outside?
And in Johannesburg, if you’re a woman without a pair of sock boots, you need to play a bit of catch up.
Kelly Fung, fashion director at Superbalist.com
Describe how your style changed when you moved cities.
I have always been minimalistic in my approach to dressing and have never been about over-complicating anything. Since moving to CT, however, I am now living the cliche of a more laid back style. I've packed away my heels, pushed my Margiela boots to the back of the cupboard, I haven't completely changed who I am, and I have definitely not adopted the typical Capetonian way of dressing, but I'm now totally okay with wearing Birkenstocks to the office.
Which city’s going-out/party style do you prefer? Why?
Both cities have their unique details; that's what makes each so special. Johannesburg boasts a finessed appeal, girls are dressed up, branded, detail-orientated and significantly bolder. Cape Town, while more laid back, simultaneously poses an effortless cool - a mix of vintage, small boutique and niche finds. Which do I prefer? I lean toward my home city of Jhb for its unashamed, risk-taking experimentation.
Which item of clothing/accessory/shoe is an absolute must-have when living in Cape Town? And which one for Jozi?
In CT - you have to have a pair of statement, the-bolder-the-better sunglasses to see and be seen in.JHB - A power suit, in whatever works for you.
