How to Transition the Platform Shoe Trend into Spring

Spring into some chunky platform sandals, stat.

Practically speaking, the platform shoe trend just makes sense during winter. We'll take all the inches we can get to keep us above rain, slush, and the general muck that's ever-present on the sidewalks during colder seasons. Come spring, our love of platform shoes stays strong, but how we style them shifts dramatically as we say so long to bulky boots and hello to chunky platform sandals.

There are countless things to love about this shoe trend — seriously, we could write sonnets to flatforms, chunky high heels, and wedges — but they can also be a bit of a fashion conundrum. Of course, they can pair beautifully with a sundress, but there are many other spring style staples worthy of this inches-adding standout shoe without rushing head-first into warmer weather (global warming has us covered on that front anyway).

Before you start pairing your platforms with your favorite summer outfits, wear them out and about with an array of socks, separates, and knits tailor-made for spring. Ahead, you'll find ten ways to wear chunky platform sandals for spring that feel fresh, seasonal, and not too summery, too soon.

With a Crochet Dress

Ease into warmer weather by wearing long sleeves under a crochet dress — the trend is having quite the moment — and socks under your fave pair of chunky sandals. Formerly considered a fashion faux pas or a look relegated to the athleisure crowd, socks and sandals are on the trend train thanks to celebs like Bella Hadid, showing us just how fashion-forward socks and sandals can be.
Shop Similar: Zimmerman White Cira Fringed Crochet-Knit Midi Dress, $950, and Dolce Vita Amanda Heels, $140.

Related:Dua Lipa's Vacation Wardrobe Included a See-Through Crochet Dress and a Belted Bra

With Slacks & Socks

Another socks-and-sandals combination that's serving spring chic is this one, also starring tailored pants. We're all about playing up a menswear vibe by incorporating a collared shirt or even a sweater vest. The key here is to create a seamless look, almost as if you were wearing a chunky boot, by keeping the color of your pants, socks, and sandals as closely matched as possible.
Shop Similar: Urban Outfitters Helena Menswear Trouser Pant in Ivory, $55, and Tony Bianco Jaxon Platform Sandal in Ivory, $120 (Originally $200)

With a Sweater Dress & Knee Socks

Sweater dresses are normally thought of as a fall staple, but they can be seamlessly transitioned into your spring wardrobe when worn with a pair of knee socks and your chunkiest platform sandals. To keep things feeling firmly planted in spring, opt for lightweight socks and a sweater dress in a vibrant shade.
Shop Similar: Camila Coelho Raquel Cropped Sweater Dress, $135 (Originally $168), and SCHUTZ Lynda Nubuck Sandal, $79 (Originally $158)

With a Flowing Maxi Skirt

Add some structure to a boho flowy maxi skirt by slipping into a pair of flatform chunky sandals. This look begs for a played-up contrast: The more volume in the skirt, the more utilitarian the vibe of your flatform sandals can be.
Shop Similar: Alexander McQueen Asymmetric Draped-Bow Midi-Skirt, $2,750, and mou Japanese Two Band Upper Sandals, $350.

With Flare Jeans

One way to ensure that your sandals are serving spring and not jumping the gun to summer style is to simply wear them with long pants. Flares, either in trouser or denim form, are making a comeback this spring, and we wholeheartedly recommend leaning all the way into this flirty and fun silhouette with a pair of equally throwback-inspired platforms.
Shop Similar: Lee Vintage Modern High-Rise Flare Jeans, $80 (Originally, $108) and Melissa Becky Slide Platform, $90

With a Mini & Long Sleeves

Turn your fave strapless mini dress into a springtime staple by layering a lightweight long-sleeve knit underneath and adding a matching pair of chunky platform sandals. The vibe is flirty without being overtly revealing, and, depending on the shirt you choose, is a look you can wear into the summer months as well.
Shop Similar: Everland Pima Micro-Rib Long-Sleeve Crew, $50, and Cartolina Marrakech Dress, $478, and Steve Madden Darla Black Patent Heel, $140.

With a Tea-Length Statement Dress

A pair of chunky platform sandals in texture like suede or velvet is the ideal shoe for statement dress that might otherwise read too evening for daytime. Look for sandals that complement your statement dress — without matching — to keep it fun and unexpected.
Shop Similar: Self-Portrait Pleated Tiered Chiffon Midi-Dress, $545, and AQUA Women's Loryv Ankle Strap Platform High Heel Sandals, $104 (Originally $148).

With a Bold Matching Set

Vibrant shades that match your preferred highlighter color from high school are very much a spring staple this year. They also happen to be a great way to amp up jewel-toned chunky platform sandals. Suit separates work well here, but if you're daring, might we recommend a matching satin pajama set?
Shop Similar: Cosabella Bella Long Sleeve Top & Pant Pajama Set, $150, and Nine West Jerri Sandal, $47.

With a Floral Midi Dress

Floral dresses run the gamut from flirty to formal, with the overall impression largely dictated by hemlines. A midi- or tea-length floral dress paired with a trench coat and a pair of chunky platform sandals is a look that can be leveled up or toned down to suit your spring occasion.
Shop Similar: Christy Lynn Saphina Dress in Teal Vintage Floral, $625, and Marc Fisher Della Platform Sandal, $160.

With Lace Pants

Lace pants are spring's answer to the question, "How can I go sheer without technically showing a lot of skin?" A pair of athletic flatforms bring a casual air to this sultry trend, and create cohesion with the light jacket of your choosing, whether it's a classic bomber or good old-fashioned denim.
Shop Similar: H&M Straight-Leg Crocheted-Look Pants, $48 (Originally $60), and Vagabond Courtney Sandals, $140.

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