If you scroll through Instagram on any given day, you’ll notice that one It item that every influencer is wearing. Sometimes, it’s balaclavas; other days, it’s berets. But there’s always one piece that’s got a gorilla grip on the gorgeous, gorgeous girls. Lately, that just so happens to be platform heels. Considering that we’re still amid a pandemic, it doesn’t seem like the most practical heel trend to arise. But as fashion history informs us, when things get bad, the heels get higher. (Consider the most recent example of this in the form of revenge heels.)
Of course, it’s not just where the world is at large that makes the idea of levitating above it all in some platform shoes lust-worthy. It’s also the dreamy designer heels that have dominated the runway. From Versace’s Medusa Aevitas Platform Pumps to Valentino’s Garavani Tan-Go Platform Pumps, platforms have made their way back into fashion’s zeitgeist and our hearts. But if you’re still unsure if this silhouette can move beyond being party shoes, keep reading. Ahead, you’ll find 19 outfit ideas that will show you how to wear platform heels beyond the runway or the dance floor.
WEAR: Knit Set + Platforms
Platform heels may have the reputation of being harder to style, but that’s just because we overthink how to wear them. Our tip? Dress them down for everyday wear by pairing them with that knit set you’re obsessed with.
Shop the look:
WEAR: All-Black Outfit + Platform-Heeled Boots + Statement Scarf
An all-black outfit is nothing groundbreaking, but if you add a colorful statement scarf and a pair of platform ankle boots into the mix, you’ll be taking this tried-and-true look to the next level.
Shop the look:
WEAR: Cardigan + Tank + Biker Shorts + Platform Boots
Who said platforms couldn’t be worn for a stroll around the park? Pair your favorite cozy tank, cardigan, and biker shorts with platform boots, and you’ve got the perfect balance of casual and dressed up.
Shop the look:
WEAR: Puff-Sleeve Blouse + Dress + Platform Heels
Does the thought of styling platforms overwhelm you? When in doubt, keep it simple. Pair your favorite puff-sleeve blouse with a printed dress and platform heels. This fail-proof look will last long past any trend cycle.
Shop the look:
WEAR: Pleated Top + Pleated Skirt + Platform-Heeled Boots
Platform shoes can be professional. Case in point: the outfit above. If you pair a conservative pleated blouse with a pleated skirt and platform-heeled boots, your work wardrobe will reach whole new heights.
Shop the look:
WEAR: Statement Coat + Button-Front Dress + Knee-High Platform Boots
When it comes to making platform heels work in the winter, the key is to embrace how extra this shoe style is. Why not pair knee-high-platform boots with a colorful statement coat? The sky is the limit with this style, so don't be afraid to do the most.
Shop the look:
WEAR: Sweater + Miniskirt + Tights + Platform-Heeled Boots
For heel lovers, the prospect of spending the winter in flats is abysmal. Luckily, platform-heeled ankle boots exist. Simply styling them with a sweater, a miniskirt, and tights is the perfect way to make this shoe style a staple year-round.
Shop the look:
WEAR: Suede Jacket + T-Shirt + Leather Pants + Platform Heels
Whether it’s a warm winter day or a cold spring day, platform heels are the perfect shoes for the occasion. For those mild-weather days, pairing your platform shoes with a pair of leather pants, a T-shirt, and a suede jacket is the perfect way to get more wear out of this shoe style.
Shop the look:
WEAR: Minidress + Tights + Platform Heels
Platform heels are prime for a night under a disco ball. How to pull off this shoe style on a night out? Let the shoes do the talking by keeping your styling simple. Wear a black minidress and tights so you can levitate on the dance floor.
Shop the look:
WEAR: Bucket Hat + Black Dress + Faux-Fur Coat + Tights + Platform Knee-High Boots
If you’re searching for a simple way to style platform knee-high boots, look to what you already own as inspiration. That black dress you love would look perfect with platforms, a jacket, and tights.
Shop the look:
WEAR: Suit + Second-Skin Top + Sweater + Platform-Heeled Boots
Want to elevate your favorite suit? Add platform heels into the mix. Just be sure to opt for a closed-toe platform, and layer on a second-skin top and sweater to ensure the look stays work appropriate.
Shop the look:
WEAR: Denim Jacket + T-Shirt + Oversize Statement Trousers + Platform Heels
Was it just us, or did your jaw drop when you spotted this outfit? It goes to show that platform heels can make any basic wardrobe piece (e.g., a denim jacket and a white T-shirt) all the more special.
Shop the look:
WEAR: Button-Down Shirt + Blazer + Miniskirt + Wool Coat + Platform Loafer Heels
The fashion set has been buzzing about prep-inspired things for spring, so this outfit idea is right on-trend. Platform loafers paired with a miniskirt, trench coat, and button-down? It’s an A+ plus in our grade books.
Shop the look:
WEAR: Matching Coat and Trousers + Contrasting Platform-Heeled Boots
Not to sound like a broken record, but the benefit of wearing platform boots (besides the added inches) is their ability to be styled with just about anything. We recommend opting for a tonal tailored look with contrasting heels.
Shop the look:
WEAR: Tulle Dress + Sheer Socks + Platform Sandals
We may not be making major plans these days, but that doesn’t mean you can’t dress up. Pair that full puff-sleeve or tulle dress in the back of your closet with sheer socks and platform sandals and head out. You may only be going to the bodega, but your platform heels deserve a walk around the aisle.
Shop the look:
WEAR: Sheer Cardigan + Bikini Top + Maxi Skirt + Platform Sandals
Are you dreaming of far-off destinations or balmy summer nights? Then, you’ll want to bookmark this outfit because come summertime, you'll need an outfit idea as hot as the new season. Swap your platform booties for platform sandals, and style them with a maxi and cardigan to really raise the temperature on this shoe trend.
Shop the look:
WEAR: Sweaterdress + Platform Heels
For those who prefer to have an easy outfit you can throw on and go, the simplest way to style platform heels is by pairing them with your favorite sweaterdress. It will add an element of surprise to this wardrobe staple.
Shop the look:
WEAR: Tweed Jacket + Shorts + Tights + Platform Heels
Another fail-proof way to ground this oh-so-high heel trend in reality is by pairing it with classic pieces. A tweed jacket, shorts, and tights styled with platform heels strike the perfect balance between casual and formal so that you can focus on more important things (like keeping your balance).
Shop the look:
WEAR: Sweatshirt + Shorts + Platform Heels
If you’ve made it this far, you hopefully have come to the conclusion that platform heels can be practical and that you don’t need big plans to wear them. Heck, there’s nothing wrong with pairing them with a sweatsuit and strutting around in your living room if that’s your prerogative. No matter where or how you choose to wear these shoes, you can’t go wrong.
Shop the look:
Next: These 5 Trending It Shoes Are the Opposite of Casual