The Shoe Trend Everyone's Wearing With Jeans, Dresses, and Bikinis

A gif showing multiple images of women wearing outfits with platform sandals.

Every fashion editor can tell you that shoes are arguably the most important (and often overlooked) part of what makes or breaks an outfit. 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 platform sandals.

Platforms made their triumphant return over the past few years in part due to cult-favorite brands like Versace and Valentino championing the style. But upon further inspection, you can see that the rise in popularity of this shoe can be attributed to its versatility. Unlike other shoe trends, there's more freedom to make this style work for you whether you choose sky-high platform heeled sandals or chunky platform flip flops. On top of that, you can style them with just about anything, making them 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

a woman's outfit with platform sandals, black shorts, and halter top

(Image credit: @cassdimicco)

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.

Printed Minidress + Shoulder Bag + Platform Sandals

A woman wearing tan platform sandals with a plaid minidress and a white handbag.

(Image credit: @xo.shru)

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.

Micro Cardigan + Maxi Skirt + Platform Sandals

A woman wearing platform sandals with a black maxi skirt, a cropped cardigan, and a black bag.

(Image credit: @emmaleger)

Consider this further proof that all vacations require a pair of platform sandals. The key to taking this popular shoe to the next level is 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.

Corset Top + Linen Pencil Skirt + Platform Sandals

Ellie Delphine wearing a printed corset top with a linen pencil skirt, teal satin platform sandals, and an orange mini bag.

(Image credit: @slipintostyle)

Just when you thought platform sandals couldn't get any hotter, this outfit entered the chat. If you really want to level up this style, pair it with a linen pencil skirt and a corset top for a hot summer outfit.

Matching Tweed Set + Sunglasses + Platform Sandals

A woman wearing a light blue tweed skirt set with tan Loewe sunglasses and green platform lace-up heels.

(Image credit: @lefevrediary)

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 fall or spring.

Maxi Dress + Platform Sandals

Jeannine Roxas wearing a black ruffled maxi dress with black platform sandals on a stone balcony.

(Image credit: @jeannine.roxas)

Have an upcoming wedding or vacation on the calendar but can't figure out what footwear to wear? Enter platform sandals. They're ideal for any special occasion, as they'll give you the height you're craving without the potential blisters.

Blazer + Tank + Jeans + Platform Flip-Flops

Marina Torres wearing a linen blazer, jeans, and platform flip flops with a green bag and cat-eye sunglasses.

(Image credit: @marina_torres)

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 platform flip-flops with jeans, a tank, and a blazer is the perfect way to embrace this style sans effort.

Button-Down Shirt + Slip Dress + Platform Sandals

A woman a white button-down with a green mini slip dress, platform black slides, and a black '90s purse.

(Image credit: @ironnsalt)

Another effortless way to incorporate this shoe trend into your life is by styling it with a button-down shirt and slip dress. It's the perfect look for a warm summer day.

Button-Down Shirt + Printed Pants + Platform Sandals

Rachel Nosco wearing a yellow button-down shirt with printed black pants, green platform sandals, and a matching bag.

(Image credit: @rachelnosco)

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 colorful platform sandals with your go-to oversize button-down shirt and printed pants will make your precious pieces feel fresher than ever.

Cardigan + Trousers + Platform Sandals

A woman wearing a tan cardigan, black trousers, and black platform sandals in London.

(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

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.

Crop Top + Jeans + Platform Sandals

Anna Laplaca wearing a green bag and top with white jeans and black platform sandals in Mexico City.

(Image credit: @anna__laplaca)

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.

Denim Button-Down Shirt + Tank + Jeans + Platform Sandals

A woman wearing a denim shirt and jeans with a white tank top and brown platform flip flops.

(Image credit: @devapollon)

Looking for another way to wear your platforms long past summertime? Pair them with your go-to jeans and tank, and layer a denim button-down on top. It's an effortless look that embodies cool energy. Plus, it gives you an excuse to wear platforms more. Who wouldn't want that?

Oversize Button-Down Shirt + Bikini Top + Pants + Platform Sandals

A woman wearing a bikini top with a white button-down shirt, stretch pants, and black platform sandals.

(Image credit: @andi_mun)

Everyone knows that a great beach outfit has 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.

Kerchief + Denim Dress + Platform Sandals

Alyssa Coscarelli wearing a. denim minidress with a green bag, headscarf, and black platform sandals.

(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

Reminder: These shoes aren't just for days spent by the water. You can wear platform sandals daily—all you have to do is style them with 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.

Leather Moto Jacket + Maxi Dress + Platform Sandals

Danielle Jinadu wearing a leather jacket, black maxi dress, and white platform flip flops with a matching white bag.

(Image credit: @daniellejinadu)

What's another foolproof 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.

Shearling Jacket + Sweaterdress + Platform Sandals

A woman wearing a shearling jacket with a printed midi dress and tan shearling slides.

(Image credit: @venswifestyle)

Pairing flatform sandals with a shearling jacket and sweaterdress is ideal for looking cool on chillier days without freezing.

Body-Con Sweaterdress + Chunky Chain Necklace + Platform Sandals

A woman wearing a printed maxi dress with a chunky necklace and platform heels.

(Image credit: @fisayolonge)

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 body-con sweaterdress and chunky chain necklace is the perfect look for a night out.

Vest + Track Pants + Platform Sandals

A woman wearing white sunglasses, a white vest, green pants, and platform black slide sandals.

(Image credit: @shhtephs)

By now, you may be thinking that this shoe style errs 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.

Wrap Dress + Shoulder Bag + Platform Sandals

A woman wearing an orange wrap dress with green platform sandals.

(Image credit: @laurennicolefk)

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.

This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Jasmine Fox-Suliaman
Editor

Jasmine Fox-Suliaman is a fashion editor living in New York City. What began as a hobby (blogging on Tumblr) transformed into a career dedicated to storytelling through various forms of digital media. She started her career at the print publication 303 Magazine, where she wrote stories, helped produce photo shoots, and planned Denver Fashion Week. After moving to Los Angeles, she worked as MyDomaine's social media editor until she was promoted to work across all of Clique's publications (MyDomaine, Byrdie, andBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing ) as the community manager. Over the past few years, Jasmine has worked onBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing 's editorial team, using her extensive background to champion rising BIPOC designers, weigh in on viral trends, and profile stars such as Janet Mock and Victoria Monét. She is especially interested in exploring how art, fashion, and pop culture intersect online and IRL.