Fashion Shoes 4 Easy Outfit Ideas That Look Infinitely Cooler With a Pair of Platforms Chunky boots, loafers, heels — no matter your preference, this footwear choice instantly elevates whatever you have on (literally). By Samantha Sutton Samantha Sutton Instagram Samantha is InStyle's senior fashion editor. She joined the brand in 2019 and oversees the site's fashion coverage, including trend reporting, fashion exclusives, celebrity style interviews, and Fashion Week coverage. InStyle's editorial guidelines Updated on December 9, 2022 @ 05:30PM Pin Share Tweet Email Aritzia Hoodie, Tanya Taylor Coat, & Other Stories Trousers, Dr. Martens Platforms, Mango Handbag. Photo: Photo: Louisa Wells A few months ago, a group of celebrities seemingly grew in height as sky-high platforms became their shoe of choice. On the red carpet, Barbiecore pieces were paired with clunky Valentino pumps, while models walked the streets in lug-soled boots to toughen up sleek, wide-leg trousers. We, too, fell in love with this fun fashion trend, which has managed to stick around for multiple seasons and continues to rise in popularity. And while styling platform shoes for everyday life might have felt tricky at first, the truth is that many pairs are actually pretty versatile. Platform boots or loafers, for instance, can act as a statement piece in just about any outfit, amping up everyday basics. At the same time, they can also be used to balance out voluminous clothing. If you're still feeling iffy about leaving your sneakers behind, check out the four platform shoe outfit ideas, ahead, which prove that this small swap can have a major impact on your overall look. 5 Combat Boots Outfits That Prove These Shoes Go With Everything in Your Closet Platform Loafers and Jeans & Other Stories Top, Levis Jeans, Steve Madden Platforms. Photo: Louisa Wells Complete a collared top and jeans outfit with a pair of platform loafers, which will give things a preppy twist. Platform Boots and Trousers Artizia Hoodie, Tanya Taylor Coat, & Other Stories Trousers, Dr. Martens Platforms. Photo: Louisa Wells If you still associate structured trousers with workwear, ditch the heels and ballet flats for bulky platform boots, which will help these pants feel dressed down and more casual, just like jeans. Our favorite pair is Dr. Marten's 2976 Platform Chelsea Boots in white. 13 Black Work Pants That Will Elevate Your Back-to-Office Wardrobe Platform Loafers and Dresses & Other Stories Coat, Tanya Taylor Dress, Steve Madden Platforms. Photo: Louisa Wells Platform heels mean extra padding and support, so they're a smart alternative to classic stilettos — especially if you anticipate lots of walking or standing throughout the day. Platform Boots and Wide-Leg Pants Farm Rio Sweater, Levi's Jeans, Dr. Martens Platforms. Photo: Louisa Wells If the rest of your outfit is baggy and oversized, balance out the look with an equally voluminous shoe, such as a platform boot. Photographer: Louisa Wells, assisted by Ariana Rodriguez. Styling: Amanda Lauro. Hair: Madison Sullivan. Makeup: Hiro Yonemoto. Fashion Direction: Samantha Sutton. Retouching: Kevin Lee. Production: Kelly Chiello.