Since I stand at 5'3" tall, heels became part of my daily uniform early in my teens, and, as such, they're now my identifier. While the rest of my wardrobe remains pared-back and neutral, heels present an opportunity to let my fashion freak flag fly—bejewelled, bright, and the more extra, the better.
My height is also the reason I avoided wearing trainers for so long—I felt stumpy enough, but add flat soles into the equation, and in my mind I looked akin to pocket-sized Michelin Man. Ridiculous I know, but that's how I felt all the same.
That was until I tried the latest trainer trend the style squad are loving: platform sneakers. Okay, so I know what you're thinking—isn't that what Tom Cruise supposedly wears? I can neither confirm or deny this; what I can clarify, however, is that they're perfect if you're on the petite side.
I often find my teeny feet look out of proportion with the rest of my body. Platform sneakers solve that, as they tend to be longer and chunkier than the likes of plimsoles or skater kicks. Then, of course, the stacked sole adds extra inches where I need it most. In short (pun unintended but very much welcomed), I honestly don't know how I lived without them—and it seems some of my favourite influencers don't either.
Instead of wearing them Spice Girls-style with miniskirts and popper-side trackies, look to Monikh, Hannah, Aude and Rikke for luxe inspiration. Then, keep scrolling to see and shop the best platform sneakers around.
Aude pairs her Buffalo platform sneakers with chinos and a black tee.
Hannah gives her Ash trainers a chic spin with the addition of a camel coat.
Monikh effortlessly rolls up her jeans to allow her cult Eytys kicks to take centre stage.
Rikke makes her Balenciaga trainers look grown-up with ivory tailoring and directional accessories.
SHOP: THE BEST PLATFORM SNEAKERS
Related: I Live in Trainers—6 Chic Outfits I’ve Saved for When I Need Fresh Inspiration
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Related: Summer 2019 Fashion Trends: Looks You Need to Know
Now you've found the perfect pair of trainers, it's time to work out how to style them. Here are 27 foolproof outfits to try.
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I'm a New Shopping Editor in NYC—These 31 Gorgeous Summer Nordstrom Finds Have My AttentionPS: Everything's under $150.
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Red Who? Sorry, But Cool Fashion People Are Only Interested in Wearing Jeans With *This* Sneaker ColorIt's the new red (and yellow, green, and silver).
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Adam Sandler–Coded Outfits Are Still Going Strong—5 Ways to Style Baggy Shorts This SummerFashion icon first. Comedian second.
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It's Settled: This Is the #1 Sneaker Trend to Wear With Leggings This SummerConfirmed by Dakota Johnson.
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The Adidas and Liberty London Collab Just Dropped, and the Samba Sneakers Will Sell OutCall me obsessed.
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Not Skinny, Not Wide-Leg—the Specific Denim Trend Frequent Flyers Always Wear to the Airport With Sneakers"Just right" jeans.
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Confirmed: This Is the Sneaker Color Fashion People Are Swapping Their White Pairs ForIt's true.
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Anyone With Good Taste in Shoes Will Run to Order These New Adidas It SneakersDakota Johnson already did.
