South African singer Kelly Khumalo found herself under fire this past weekend as social media users and fashion critics alike labeled her one of the worst-dressed celebrities at the Durban July 2025 event. The prestigious horse racing and fashion affair, known for glitz, glamour, and head-turning ensembles, saw local stars pulling out all the stops—except, according to many online, Khumalo.
The award-winning singer walked the red carpet in a plain black outfit that left fans and fashion watchers disappointed. Instead of the daring, creative, and colourful looks the Durban July is known for, Kelly opted for a dark, conservative look that some described as more suitable for a funeral than a fashion-forward event. Her choice sparked a wave of criticism online, with many questioning whether she understood the assignment.
“She looked like she was attending a memorial service, not the Durban July,” one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter), echoing dozens of other comments ridiculing the ensemble. Others accused her of putting in no effort at all, claiming she “just threw something on” and walked out the door.
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Kelly Khumalo has always been known for making bold fashion statements, whether on stage or at public events. But this time around, fans say she missed the mark completely. Fashion blogs and social media influencers gave her outfit a big thumbs-down, saying it lacked personality, creativity, and flair. In an event that celebrates high fashion and individuality, Kelly’s choice came across as flat and uninspired.
Comparisons to other celebrities at the event only made matters worse for her image. MaWhoo, for instance, stunned crowds in a bold blue dress that earned her praise across fashion pages and hashtags like #HDJMarvelsOfMzansi. Even lesser-known guests managed to stand out with elaborate hats, dramatic silhouettes, and eye-catching colour schemes. Kelly, however, failed to match the energy.
Fashion critics have pointed out that while black can be a powerful and elegant colour, it must be styled well and accessorized to fit such a vibrant event. In Kelly’s case, her outfit was described as “too simple” and “poorly styled,” lacking the wow-factor expected at Durban July.
Despite the backlash, Kelly Khumalo has yet to respond to the criticism. Some fans defended her, arguing that personal comfort and expression should come before public approval. Others suggested that her choice may have been symbolic or intentional, although no such message was made clear.
Still, in a space where fashion often speaks louder than words, silence can sometimes be taken as surrender. Whether Khumalo will address the reaction or redeem herself at future events remains to be seen.
For now, it seems the Durban July 2025 fashion crown belongs elsewhere—and Kelly Khumalo’s black outfit has become a cautionary tale in the world of celebrity style.
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