The holiday season is about to hit us hard, which got us thinking about the anatomy of the perfect party shoe. First of all, it has to be exciting enough, slightly off-kilter. The whole point of a party shoe is to be the complete opposite of our trusty functional, everyday shoe: Loud, eyebrow-raising, attention-demanding. Secondly, it has to have the right amount of comfort-to-glamour ratio. Meaning, it has to look so ridiculously good on, such that we’ll be willing to sacrifice a certain amount of comfort throughout the night (RIP, our blistered feet – you’ll just have to understand, mama needs to shine).
What comes to mind immediately is one of the biggest shoe trends of the year: The platform boot. Set atop a chunky, elevated sole and completed by altitudinal heels that sometimes sport retro angular shapes, platform boots as seen from the ‘60s, then ‘70s, and even ‘90s are once again officially given the fashion world’s thumbs up.
The platform boot itself inspires tonnes of promising party outfits we can’t wait to pair it with, mainly by dint of its close association with the most heavily party-infused decade: The disco era. Also, because it’s set on a tall sole, you’ll get all the extra boost of height you’d want without putting too much strain on the arc of your feet. Exciting? Check. Comfort-to-glamour verdict? 100% worth it.
If you’re with us, go ahead and shop our favourite picks of high platform boots of the season. With Christmas and New Year’s soon to be approaching, these dazzling showstoppers will help you paint the town red and make a smashing statement.
Photo: Luisaviaroma
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Crafted from charming dusty blue suede, Sies Marjan’s Gretta ankle boots pack a delightful retro punch. Set on an angled heel which creates a groovy curve silhouette along the sole, these soft suede boots will evoke serious ‘70s nostalgia. Pair these with flare-leg trousers and a brightly coloured tube top.
Photo: Mytheresa
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Having caught our eye during Jacquemus’s Fall 2019 collection, these stunning over-the-knee boots sit on platform wooden soles that directly complement the rustic feel of the contrasting top-stitched burgundy leather. The heel and soles are edged with antique-looking gold-tone metal studs. We’re styling these with a neutral colour palette; a tan coloured blouse with a khaki green slip skirt.
Photo: Matchesfashion
ALSO READ: YOU ONLY NEED THESE 3 PAIRS OF SHOES TO BE TOTALLY ON-TREND THIS SEASON
Channeling the ‘60s, Stella McCartney conjures her own contemporary reimagination of the platform boot with this patent faux-leather rendition. Featuring smooth caramel coloured patent leather that’ll stretch to hug your ankles just like a sock boot, these boots are finished with a square toe and a textured crepe sole. Team yours with a mini knit dress and an oversized slouchy bag.
Photo: Matchesfashion
ALSO READ: THE TOP THREE HEAVY DUTY BOOTS FROM F/W ’19 THAT ARE PERFECT FOR YOUR WINTER HOLIDAYS
Giving the platform boot a modern minimalist twist, Loewe’s Platform 100s are set on a sculptural wooden heel resembling a chess piece of sorts. Made from smooth glossy leather with elasticated sides and a contrasting top-stitching along the soles, these statement boots are polished enough for the boardroom.
Photo: Mytheresa
ALSO READ: YOU ONLY NEED THESE 3 PAIRS OF SHOES TO BE TOTALLY ON-TREND THIS SEASON
Revisit the ‘70s disco era with these irreverent leather ankle boots from Vetements. Featuring metallic silver stars scattered across a canvas of black leather, these boots are set on a tall tube-shaped heel for an extra seventies flair. Team this with a metallic or sequin mini slip dress and a velvet minaudiere for a night out in town.
Photo: Mytheresa
ALSO READ: THE TOP THREE HEAVY DUTY BOOTS FROM F/W ’19 THAT ARE PERFECT FOR YOUR WINTER HOLIDAYS
Still can’t get enough of the animal print trend? We’ve got you covered. Made from orange-hued reptile skin-effect calf leather, these boots will get you to embrace your wild set. Anchor these statement-making shoes with neutral monochromatic look consisting of a satin brown top, beige mini skirt and a lightweight rust-coloured trench coat.
Photo: Luisaviaroma
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A standout number that has since captured our hearts (we’re counting down the days to payday), these Britney boots are covered in Gucci’s iconic GG emblem played out in an archival rhombus-style pattern. Staying true to the brand’s knack for maximalist designs, these grosgrain fabric knee-high boots will look spectacular next to a ‘90s-style straight cut midi skirt and a button-down shirt.
Photo: Luisaviaroma
ALSO READ: THE TOP THREE HEAVY DUTY BOOTS FROM F/W ’19 THAT ARE PERFECT FOR YOUR WINTER HOLIDAYS
Bringing the art of colourblocking to shoe design, Clergerie’s Bliss boots are crafted from lamb nubuck leather in a dark blue shade and set on a contrasting pastel sky blue wedge heel. Peek at the details of these boots, and the design starts to really come alive: Boasting of an extra stripe of white at the edge of where the boots meet the sole and jagged shark tooth soles, these boots captures a sense of polished luxury with a sportier vibe.
Photo: Farfetch
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Made in Italy, Chalayan’s magenta leather platform boots are as striking as they are chic. Featuring a block heel design in a juxtaposing tan shade, these boots also showcase a retro capped round toe design seen in a darker red. Team these with skinny jeans and your favourite shirt for a casual weekend outfit.
Photo: Farfetch
ALSO READ: THE TOP THREE HEAVY DUTY BOOTS FROM F/W ’19 THAT ARE PERFECT FOR YOUR WINTER HOLIDAYS
Practically made to be the ultimate party shoe, these glitter platform boots from P.A.R.O.S.H. will be an absolute spectacle to finish your holiday outfit with. Whether you’re making them the highlight of your look by teaming them with subtle separates, or choosing to go all out with an equally sparkling number, these boots will not fail you. We’re thinking of styling them with a sparkly cami top, classy high-waisted trousers in black just to anchor the look, and a feathery clutch.
Photo: Farfetch
ALSO READ: YOU ONLY NEED THESE 3 PAIRS OF SHOES TO BE TOTALLY ON-TREND THIS SEASON