I think there are such a lot of pretty flat shoes out there though, now. There are some really nice flats in Whistles at the mo (jewelled ones).
If you work in an office envioronmeny and have to look smart, it is difficult to find decent shoes, ballet shoes are inappropriate, and most other flat shoes are frump city. Plus, if you have big feet (mine are size 9) if you wear flat and inelegant shoes you can look like a bloke!)
Mind you, on the subject of inelegant, walking across very busy junction this morning, tripped over my own feet and one of my shoes fell off. All in front of a line of waiting traffic. I felt like such an arse!