Every fashion editor can tell you that shoes are arguably the most important (and often overlooked) part of what makes or breaks an outfit. We scour through Instagram and watch endless looks come down the runway, but if the shoes aren't right, it's lost its luster in a matter of seconds. Call us extra if you will, but I know that we aren't the only shoe-obsessed people out there—the fashion set and our dear readers (yes, you) are known to love a good pair of shoes just as much as we do. So when it comes to shoes that have our stamp of approval, which ones are currently top of mind for us? While there's always a roaster of great shoe trends worth mentioning, none have held our attention as much as the return of platform sandals.
Platforms made their triumphant return over the past two seasons impart due to cult-favorite brands like Versace and Staud championing the style. But upon further inspection, you can see that the rise in popularity of this shoe can be attributed to its versatility and variation. Unlike other shoe trends, there's more freedom to make this style work for you—albeit opting for a pair of sky-high platform heeled sandals or chunky platform thong sandals. On top of that, you can style them with just about anything, making it arguably one of the best shoe trends to buy right now. But you don't have to take my word for it—ahead, you'll find 19 platform sandal outfits that can be worn this summer and some that are even great for colder weather. Plus, we've shopped out the key pieces you'll need to re-create the look for yourself.
Halter Top + Shorts + Platform Sandals
If you're planning on traveling soon, there are no better shoes to pack than a pair of platform sandals. Hear me out on this. Imagine how you feel after a long day exploring: Exhausted but excited to go out to dinner (perhaps a reservation at the best restaurant in town?) while looking cute and comfortable. Enter the ensemble above. Styling a pair of shorts and a halter top with platform sandals is an effortless evening look that won't fail you.
Pro tip: Pack a pair of neutral platforms, so it matches multiple outfits.
Printed Minidress + Shoulder Bag + Platform Sandals
The easiest way to take a simple summer dress to new heights is by styling it with a pair of platform sandals. Trust us when we say this is the ensemble you didn't even know you needed in your life.
Imagine how cute this dress would look with white platform sandals.
Micro Cardigan + Maxi Skirt + Platform Sandals
Consider this further proof that all holidays require you to pack a pair of platform sandals. Of course, the key to taking this popular shoe to the height of style is by being unafraid to walk on the risqué side of things. Why not pair your heeled platforms with a micro cardigan and maxi skirt? You're on vacation, so you might as well do the most.
They also come in four other colors if you're looking for a pop of color.
Corset Top + Linen Pencil Skirt + Platform Sandal
Just when you thought platform sandals couldn't get any hotter, this outfit exists. If you really want to level up this style, you must pair it with a linen pencil skirt and corset top for a hot summer outfit.
You can also style this corset with relaxed trousers and platform thong sandals for a more casual vibe.
Who said platform sandals were just for warmer months? You can get more wear out of this style by pairing it with a matching tweed set in the fall or spring.
Wearing platforms to lounge by the pool is the embodiment of main-character energy.
Have an upcoming wedding or vacation on the calendar but dreading what footwear to wear? Enter platform-heeled sandals. They're ideal for any special occasion, as they'll give you the height you're craving without the potential blisters.
Guaranteed you'll be the best-dressed guest in this frock.
If you love the idea of platform sandals but want a more functional way to style this trend, look no further than this outfit. Opting for a platform flip-flop with jeans, a tank, and a blazer is the perfect way to embrace this style sans effort.
You'll wear these with everything.
Another effortless way to incorporate this shoe trend into your life is by styling it with a button-down and slip dress. It's the perfect look for a warm summer day if I say so myself.
Pro tip: Style this dress with heeled platform sandals for a day-to-night look.
Platforms really can make any look 10 times cooler. Case in point? The outfit above. If you find that you want to switch things up, pairing a colorful pair of platform sandals with your go-to oversize button-down and printed pants will make your precious pieces feel fresher than ever.
These platforms are single-handly bringing cool back.
Not to sound like a broken record, but you can wear your platform sandals long past the summer. Need proof? See the outfit above. Styling platform flip-flops with trousers and a cardigan is ideal for transitional weather.
This cardigan will match any pair of platform sandals perfectly.
Wearing a crop top and jeans in the summertime is nothing new, but fellow editor Anna LaPlaca shows that by adding a pair of platform thong sandals into the mix, you can serve up a look.
Flip-flops have never been more fun.
Looking for another way to wear your platforms long past summertime? Pair them with your go-to pair of jeans, a tank, and layering a denim button-down on top. It's an effortless look that embodies cool-girl energy. Plus, it gives you an excuse to wear platforms more. Who wouldn't want that?
You can also pair these jeans with heeled platform sandals, a tank, and a bomber jacket for a going-out look in the fall.
Everyone knows that a great beach-ready outfit requires at least one element of surprise, so why not make it a pair of platform sandals? It's arguably the easiest way to make your bikini feel brand-new without buying a whole new look.
These will add the breath of fresh air you're looking for to all your outfits.
Reminder: These shoes aren't just for days spent by the water. You can wear platform sandals daily, and well past the summertime—all you have to do is style them more fall-ready pieces (think a denim dress). Pairing your platforms with your favorite fall staples is the easiest way to take these sandal slides into another season and still look good.
This dress is begging to be worn with platform sandals.
What's another fail-proof way to style this shoe beyond the summer? By adding layers, of course. Pair your flatform sandals with a maxi dress and moto jacket, and suddenly you've got the perfect outfit for a crisp fall day.
The two-tone strap on these platform sandals is everything.
It's not just the fall that you can wear this style—it's a year-round shoe if styled correctly. Just look at the outfit above as guidance. Pairing a flatform sandal with a shearling jacket and sweater dress is ideal for looking cool on chillier days without freezing.
The perfect transitional weather piece to take your platforms into another season.
For a more formal way to style this platform sandal in colder months, you'll want to let the look above be your guidepost. Pairing heeled platforms with a bodycon sweater dress and chunky chain necklace is the perfect look for a night out.
Here's a pair of platform sandals that can be worn for a balmy night out in the summer or to holiday parties in the winter.
By now, you may be thinking that this shoe style airs on the casual side, and while it mostly does, there are ways you can work to dress this style up a bit more. For example, you can pair platform shoes with a waistcoat and relaxed trousers, and suddenly the shoes will feel like they've gotten a little promotion of their own.
You'll love this waistcoat just as much as your platform shoes.
You've made it to the end of this story, and hopefully, you've concluded that no matter what type of platforms you prefer, this style can be worn anywhere and any time of the year. But should you still doubt how to style this popular shoe, we recommend always keeping it simple. You can't go wrong with pairing platform sandals with a wrap dress and shoulder bag (it works every time).
The lesson here? Wearing platforms is about letting the shoe do the heavy lifting. These shoes will elevate everything you already own simply by just wearing them.
Style tip: To really make your platforms pop, don't be afraid to pair them with contrasting colors.
This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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