15 Platform Sandals to Level Up Any Outfit

By Halie LeSavage and Jaclyn Alexandra Cohen

It was only a matter of time before sky-high platform sandals took their rightful place at the top of the footwear pyramid. "We have witnessed a shift away from comfort and practical footwear over the past few months and toward heels which are, quite simply, 'the higher, the better,'" Net-a-Porter senior market editor Libby Page tells BAZAAR.com.

Runway pairs like Versace's Medusa heel and Valentino's Tan-Go pump accelerated fashion's growing fascination with skyscraper heels and pumped-up platforms. Then, warm-weather collections introduced platform sandal spin-offs for every moment and dress code: denim and raffia for weekday casual, mixed metallic leathers and lace-up accents for wedding invites or general formality. Page tells us Net-a-Porter invested in more than 50 platform styles for the current season, with another 90-plus on deck for the upcoming fall.

Whichever platform speaks to you, wearing one is all about emphasizing the leg. "Platform heels are the perfect finale to any minidress, or they can be effortlessly styled with stonewashed denim for a more casual take on the trend," Page advises. The higher your heels, the more practical considerations there are to at least consider: look for ankle straps for extra support and wide, sturdy platforms to avoid any Bambi-like wobbling. For the most part, these shoes are all about frothy aesthetics and a dose of disco-infused fun.

Dolly Sandal

The Dolly platform sandal is the pièce de résistance of Larroudé's lineup, with a towering heel, open toe, and hold-you-in strap. Of the many platforms worn by this editor, the Dolly has the most secure straps and a blip of a break-in period. You won't wobble while trying them on nor while wearing them out. Raffia belongs with any and all summer denim; for dancing with friends or going to one of dozens of weddings, try a suede pair stamped with crystals.

As seen in Harpers Bazaar.