10 of the best platform shoes

Ever since their first outing in Ancient Greece – worn by actors who used height to differentiate the importance of their characters – platform shoes have been a permanent fixture in fashion history. In the ’70s, they were championed by David Bowie and Elton John; in 1993, Naomi Campbell took her infamous tumble on the catwalk wearing a towering pair by Vivienne Westwood; and more recently Lady Gaga has been seen in designs including Alexander McQueen’s 10-inch-high ‘Armadillos’. But how should you wear platforms now?

If you’re trying to incorporate towering platforms into your everyday look, socks are your secret weapon (bonus point: you can skip the pedicure). Sparkly pop socks or sporty styles look great with chunky, colorful platforms. Plus, while thick ankle straps can be tricky to wear, socks take the emphasis up the leg and away from this common problem area.

Meanwhile, Jimmy Choo or Prada’s suede sandals look great with frayed jeans (hi/lo dressing at its coolest), or pair buzzy new label Sies Marjan’s updated mules with a pencil skirt for effortless desk-to-dinner attire.

There’s a reason that platforms are synonymous with the heady days of disco – they’re the ultimate dancing shoe. Sturdy, comfortable and incredibly versatile, they make legs look slimmer, particularly if you opt for styles with a thin ankle strap, such as Aquazzura’s metallic showstoppers. Optimize their leg-lengthening powers by wearing them with a micro-mini and sheer tights, or indulge your nostalgia and channel Bianca Jagger by wearing yours with suiting for a resolutely out-of-office look.