As I'm sure you've heard by now, Hot Girl Summer is in full swing. With the country opening back up and everyone in the mood to celebrate, the Hot Girl Summer aesthetic is being embraced by the fashion crowd with open arms. This includes a carefree vibe, risqué outfits, and an overall spicy attitude. Allow our official Hot Girl Summer style guide to explain the background and idea a bit further.
The Hot Girl Summer aesthetic is accented by early '00s–inspired trends that are having a major resurgence as of late. Think low-rise pants, exposed G-strings, and belly chains. Thinking back to that era of fashion, there was one shoe style that reigned supreme: platform heels. Given that everything Y2K is cool again, it's only natural that the official shoe style of Hot Girl Summer would be one of early 2000s fame. So I'm calling it now—platform heels are it. To get you prepared, I've scoured the internet for the best platform heels for summer. Keep scrolling to check out all 28 pairs and to see how some of our favorite fashion girls are already wearing the trend.
I've never met a snake print I didn't like.
These add a pop of fun to any outfit.
Circa '00, in the best way.
The holy grail.
How fun is this color?
For a pop of color.
For your next getaway.
These pair perfectly with jeans.
The subtle texture makes these stand out.
The taller the better.
So sweet.
Instagram's favorite pair.
Barbie vibes.
Got a summer wedding?
Y2K trends are officially back.
This neutral pair feels grown-up but on-trend at the same time.
So chic.
Meet the centerpiece of your outfit.
You can't beat this price point.
I want to go on vacation just to wear these.
The Velcro straps are a nice touch.
I can't resist a good texture.
Leave it to Gucci to make the coolest platform heels I've ever seen.
For a polka-dot moment.
These have a night out written all over them.
Can you tell I'm a sucker for animal print?
Pink croc is the print you never knew you needed.
For Pride Month and beyond.
Next up: 10 Going-Out Outfits That Would Be Perfect for a House Party
-
If You're Going to Wear This Controversial Legging Color Trend, This Is the Sneaker Color to Wear With ItIf you only wear black leggings, these may stun you.
-
4 Years Later, This Chic Fall 2025-Coded Outfit From Zoë Kravitz Is Still On My Mind—Here's How to Re-Create ItShe's always ahead of the fashion curve.
-
All the Coolest Girls I Follow Are Wearing This "Dated" Shoe Trend With Jeans, Dresses, and SkirtsGive your pointed-toe heels a break, and wear this style instead.
-
Here It Is: The New It-Girl Way to Wear Jeans and a Pair of HeelsSofia Richie gets it.
-
These Are the Surprising Shoe Trends Gen Z Is Styling With Everyday Outfits for the Rest of 2025Niche, weird, and unconventional.
-
It's Here: The Elegant Shoe Trend Fashion People Are Trading Kitten Heels ForElizabeth Olsen is keyed in, per usual.
-
Forget Ballet Flats—Fashion People in Paris Prefer This Elevated AlternativeThe next It shoes are here.
-
Fashionable People Would Like These Fall Trends From Amazon's October Prime DaySee the affordable yet chic finds.
-
The New Prada It Shoes for Fall 2025 Are Here, and They're Vintagey Cool-Girl HeelsAs seen on Lily James in NYC.
-
This Classic Shoe Is Every Parisian's Secret to Making Jeans Look Elevated in FallAnd you probably already own it.
