Platform boots have been back in our regular wardrobe rotation for a while now, and we even had a warm-weather version in platform flip-flops. So it makes sense that something a little fancier would be next, especially since ’tis the season for nights out and parties. Platform heels are, it turns out, the perfect transitional shoe style to get us all used to dressing up again. But for 2022, it’s not the humble ‘70s platform that looks set for yet another comeback. It’s actually the stompy Mary Janes that have caught the attention of the coolest people around, and you can bet they’ll all be wearing them into next year.
Elif wears mary-jane platforms with a bandeau party dress.
In fact, many of our favourite fashion girls have been spotted in platform mary-jane heels, from Camille Charriere to Lucy Williams (keep scrolling to see exactly how they’ve been styling them so far). And the shoe’s popularity shows no sign of waning, having featured heavily on the SS23 catwalks, too. Given the style’s strong late nineties/early noughties aesthetic, it’s hardly surprising— Y2K fashion exploded this year, and although spearheaded by Gen Z, we’re definitely starting to feel its influence across all generations now.
The popularity of platform mary-janes may also have something to do with the meteoric rise of the (relatively) new footwear brand Nodaleto. We’ve previously reported just how much fashion girls love their chunky, curved heel shoes and their ‘Bulla Babies’ are definitely the insider style to be seen in right now (read: sold out almost everywhere). The label only launched in 2019 and already counts celebrities like Bella Hadid and Olivia Rodrigo as fans, not to mention an army of influencers.
Nodaleto’s mary-janes may be in excess of £600, but luckily the high street seems to have cottoned on to this trend pretty quickly too. So if you’re looking to invest for winter, keep scrolling to see and shop our edit of the best styles available now to suit all budgets. Plus, some extras for the party season because we’re still not over the Versace platform pumps…
Lucy proves the chunky style works well juxtaposed with a mini dress.
Bold as they may be, Adenorah shows the Versace Medusa platform pumps have a place in a Parisian capsule wardrobe.
Anna wears double-strap Mary-Jane shoes with a monochromatic party look.
Opt for a light-hued platform with tights for a pop of contrast.
Or with sheer stockings like Camille. Prada ones are a bonus.
Stylist Monikh pairs the edgy shoes with classic silhouettes, like the slip skirt.
Mark my words, these shoes will never date. Come winter, pull them out to elevate party looks.
An autumnal stomping shoe in a pecan hue. It’s the winter clog equivalent.
They may be a trend, but you can bring these out every single party season.
Roberta Festa is a brand to keep on your radar if you’re on the lookout for streamlined platform pumps. The squared-off toe offers a clean look.
A designer-esque offering courtesy of Steve Madden.
A chunky retro style in this year’s favoured cocoa hue.
Free People created a classic in the Ruby shoe. The double strap buckle is the feature most synonymous with the mary-jane shoe.
Nodaleto is the forerunner of platform pumps, so rest assured their styles are the very best.
The embellished buckle adds an element of intrigue.
The red-bottom connoisseur also creates the ultimate Dorothy slipper. Just look at the sheen (not to mention the angled heel)
Kurt Geiger is bringing the party this festive season with platform sandals. Add tights for a modern look.
Gianvito Rossi creates classic mary-janes for those of us wanting to dip our toes into this trend without the towering heights.
Classic, refined, and sleek. As seen on e-com, style this with socks for a preppy look.
The cognac hue with the gold buckle adornment is a match made in heaven.
Asos’ Sebi style is wearable for day-to-day jaunts.
These would have made school uniform days so much cooler.
So good it comes in two colourways to appease lovers of saturated hues.
One more Nodaleto. They’re just too good.
Maison Margiela’s cult tabi style also comes in a heeled version – there’s an undeniable Parisian lilt, here.
Gabriela Hearst’s perforated design may lend itself to summer, but you can wear this style with tights in the winter. The composition is leather, after all.
All that glitters is silver this season!
The sandal version of the chunky platform is apt for the party season.
This ecru snakeskin number brings a ’60s vibe.
This lug platform mary-jane is perfect if towering heights aren’t quite your thing.
