Platform sandals are having a moment. After years as a distant memory and on the shelves of vintage shops, they’re back with a vengeance and more attitude than ever. These are not shoes that seek to be discreet or even reinvent the wheel—they’re simply a reminder that fashion can, and should, be fun.
This spring and summer, platform sandals are the starting point for creating a look that feels intentional yet low-key. They instantly elevate any basic outfit in both height and style to create something put together and elegant. My favorite trick, however, is to wear platform sandals with jeans. Together, they create the kind of effortless style that’s always worth showcasing.
Keep reading for all the platform sandals + denim outfit inspiration on my mood board this spring.
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Light-wash jeans are the new favorite for those who like that sophisticated minimalist aesthetic. Combine them with black platform sandals for an outfit with a modern, almost architectural energy. The contrast between the dark shoes and the light denim creates a figure-lengthening balance that’s ideal for those who love basics with a street style star’s attitude.
Straight jeans evoke a classic ’90s feel that gets an instant upgrade when paired with platform flip-flops. There’s something that screams “main character” about this mix—maybe because it’s a combo that can easily be worn to brunch with friends or a night out, and everything in between.
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I love style that plays with contrast. Baggy jeans find their best counterpart in a pair of structured white platform sandals. This combo has a contemporary feel: clean, relaxed, but with the freshness of spring. The trick is to balance all that volume at the bottom with lightness at the top à la ruffles or other romantic details.
Old Navy Mid-Rise Wow Baggy Wide-Leg Jeans
A true tribute to the ’70s, with a modern sensibility. Platform sandals with natural fabrics—think espadrilles, raffia-weave soles, and the like—extend the silhouette when paired with wide-leg jeans. It’s the kind of look that feels as free as it looks, meant for walking around town with the same energy as a model on the catwalk.
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The capri is back and the perfect canvas to show off your most attention-getting shoes. Tall, shiny patent leather heels make for a striking partner with cropped jeans. It’s the surest way for your footwear to shine, and the combo instantly changes any daytime outfit into the kind of thing you’d wear on an unforgettable night out.
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The most powerful duo of the summer: A pair of disco-ready metallic platform heels evoke the sensuality and freedom of the ’70s, while dark denim grounds the look with modern presence. Black jeans always elongate the figure, while the shiny shoes will add a glam touch worthy of a cover. This is the kind of look that doesn’t go unnoticed.
