How to Style Platform Boots Like a True Style Pro

The best jeans to wear with platform boots are slightly cropped (they should hit just above the ankle) and a little loose. Think straight legs or a slight kick flare rather than wide legs or skinnies. From there you can opt for just about any top you’d like, although we’re partial to the classic cropped knit-and-blazer combo.

Shop similar styles: Free People blazer ($168); Cotton Citizen top ($90); Levi’s jeans ($98); Street Level bag ($45); Impo boots ($60)

A pleated plaid midi and tweed blazer with loafers may wind up looking a little dowdy, but add a pair of black patent leather platforms into the mix and suddenly your outfit has taken on a very high-fashion edge.

Shop similar styles: GibsonLook blazer ($98); The Great skirt ($295); See by Chloe bag ($350); Steve Madden boots ($170)

Of course, you could also stay true to the ‘90s punk origins of grungy leather platforms (especially Dr. Martens-inspired silhouettes with exaggerated lug soles), albeit with a 21st century twist—swap holey flannels for mix-and-match plaids and keep basics (like T-shirts and sweatshirts) sleek and minimalist. Finish by adding in a sleek handbag for a last bit of polish.

Shop similar styles: ALO sweatshirt ($118); Miss Selfridge skirt ($37); JW Pei bag ($79); Looks Like Summer boots ($286; $127)

If rock-inspired platforms aren’t really your style, try a pair of hiking boots with a pumped-up sole instead. They’re just as trendy, but the cabincore spin feels much more modern and won’t leave you at risk of looking like a Spice Girl costume. Play up those hiker vibes with jeans and a schaket, or go for a more city-approved look with a fitted sweater dress or floaty mini.

Shop similar styles: Staud dress ($275; $193); Coperni bag ($530); Paloma Barcelo boots ($380)

Platform boots are a bit unexpected themselves, so why not pair them with other slightly unexpected wardrobe staples? Think denim jackets with shearling lining, jeans with an exaggerated cuff, white button-ups with lace collars or trench coats with lots of embellishment.

Shop similar styles: Levi’s jacket ($128); Polo Ralph Lauren shirt ($168); Rivet & Thread jeans ($218); Topshop boots ($93)

A luxe trench coat, slick silk midi and black leather mini bag are the perfect partners for rugged platforms if your goal is to look posh and grown-up while still rocking trendy footwear. Keep any jewelry to a minimum and avoid anything too brightly colored for maximum chicness.

Shop similar styles: Avec Les Filles coat ($299; $200); Cuyana dress ($125); House of Want bag ($78); Vagabond boots ($210)

Mixing high heels and short skirts is a tricky business, especially for daywear. But flatforms are a different story. Opt for boots with a thick, uniform sole and more of a sportier vibe than a rock star one, and stick with skirts that aren’t too fussy or flouncy for a chic overall effect.

Shop similar styles: French Connection cardigan ($158; $119); Lucky Brand T-shirt ($15); Free People skirt ($80; $30); Vince Camuto bag ($70); Gia Borghini boots ($669; $468)

Channel your inner Prue Leith and layer on a colorful, oversize necklace and stand-out glasses to balance out your pumped-up footwear. (P.S. Adding a dramatic sleeve isn’t such a bad idea either.)

Shop similar styles: Kendra Scott necklace ($228); Paige sweater ($179); Rolla’s jeans ($129); Jeffrey Campbell boots ($220)

Gray, beige and even navy blue are all just as versatile as black or brown, but feel much fresher and more fashion forward. You can wear them exactly as you would any other neutral (trust us, they go with everything), but if you’re feeling a little wary, try repeating your new neutral by way of a blazer, blouse or handbag to help tie things together.

Shop similar styles: Favorite Daughter blazer ($298); Krisa dress ($209); Elleme clutch ($445; $223); Stella McCartney boots ($895)

We love groovy throwback shoes, but we love them even more when they’re worn with brand new trends, like cabincore flannels. Curved platforms take on a whole new vibe when paired with a casual plaid mini dress and cozy turtleneck sweater.

Shop similar styles: Lipsy dress ($87; $61); Uniqlo turtleneck ($20); Stella McCartney boots ($895)

Of course, you can’t go wrong by taking inspiration from the OG platform outfits of the ‘60s and ‘70s, but there are a few tweaks that will ensure you don’t look like you’re sporting a Halloween costume. First, opt for grounded materials like denim or leather (matte, not patent) over Lurex or other shiny fabrics. Second, be sure to add in a few modern accessories, like baroque pearl earrings or a baguette shoulder bag.

Shop similar styles: Cider top ($19); ASOS Design jumpsuit ($68); ASOS Design boots ($57)

Mixing bright color combos and dopamine-inducing prints are a major trend for 2022. Even if you opt for a pair of boots in a neutral hue (like gray or navy blue), pairing them with a vibrant yellow coat, green sweater and hot-pink handbag will make them feel far more interesting overall.

Shop similar styles: Apparis coat ($350; $245); Staud bag ($295); ASOS Design boots ($60)