
{ a blog all about the love of shoes }
Flatforms have popped up in fashion magazines and on blogs. You’ve seen them. They’re those platforms with no heel (or a very subtle cutout at the sole). They add inches to your legs and work well for those wanting a trendy addition to their wardrobes this summer. If you’re a fan of tank tops and shorts, flatforms may be the answer for taking your look from drab to fab when the heat is on.
Tank Tops and Shorts
Flatforms are ideal if you want one pair of shoes that will update your summer wardrobe. (We like the Aviana style from Steve Madden.) Yes, you can rock flatforms with tank tops and shorts. Think about it! Flatforms aren’t fancy. They’re functional with an edge. Grab a pair in a colorblocked pattern to wear with neutral tops and bottoms. A flowing tank top and denim or twill shorts work well with flatforms for day, and if you’re looking for something a little dressier for night, opt for a printed blouse and dressy shorts with your flatform sandals.
Maxi Dresses and Skirts
Flatforms were made for maxi lengths, which are very popular this summer. There’s nothing like a little dramatic fashion in a sea of boring clothes in the summer. During the summer, everyone is all about comfort, and a maxi dress or skirt with flatforms is just as comfortable as a casual outfit or your favorite T-shirt and shorts–but more fashionable. You can inject a little fashion in your life without feeling fussy, and the ideal way to do it is with maxi lengths and flatforms.
Mini Dresses and Skirts
Flatforms are all about impact. They make the same dramatic impact with mini lengths as they do with maxi dresses and skirts. You don’t have to go super short, but mid-thigh is a good place for a pair of flatforms to work. Prints are adorable in a mini length and reduce the sexy feel, especially if you’re wearing a mini skirt during the day. Look for eyelet, seersucker, or madras for mini skirts to work with flatforms when the sun is up (check out the Dragon style from Juicy Couture). For evening, bring out a mini dress in hot pink or canary yellow. When worn with bronzer and flatforms, you’ll look hotter than the temperature feels.
Samantha Cabrera
Samantha Cabrera is a freelance writer who covers the best of fashion and beauty.
Chunky sandals are where it’s at this summer. Besides adding an architectural edge to your look, they’re also extremely comfy. The chunky heel distributes your weight evenly and is much easier on your feet and legs than a pointy stiletto. These chunky sandals will give you the trendy proportion you’re looking for without weighing you down.
Say Suede
Mix texture this summer with the Gamble2 sandals from Topshop. These gorgeous shoes have wide suede straps across the top of the foot and a slingback. The 4-inch heel may sound a little threatening (especially if you aren’t used to heels), but the chunky heels make them wearable. The Gamble2 sandals are available in black, but the brown version is a great look for hot weather, plus they can easily make the transition from summer to fall. Mix them with bright separates, print dresses, and other neutral shades, like whiskey and nude.
Wrapped Up
Over-the-top wedges, like the Wrap from Sam Edelman, are still holding strong this summer–and these funky wedges look fabulous with mini hemlines and skinny jeans. They have that fashion-forward look we all crave in a wearable color scheme that’s brought to you by a faux wood wedge heel as well as a leather strap over the top of the foot. These wedges have a 4-inch heel, but the platform makes them easy to get around in.
On a Flatform
As we’ve mentioned before, flatforms are hot for summer, but they can be a little tricky to wear. We love the Addidnton style from Rag & Bone because it incorporates the flat platform look, but with a subtle heel that breaks up the wooden sole. This is more flattering for those of us who don’t have ultra-long supermodel legs. (Flat platforms have a tendency to make us look a little stumpy.) But the Addidnton’s don’t only offer a very flattering look; they work well with your favorite skinny jeans or a maxi skirt.
Samantha Cabrera
Samantha Cabrera is a freelance writer who covers the best of fashion and beauty.
Flicking through the pages of my favorite fashion magazine, I couldn’t help but notice that “Flatforms” were mentioned not once, but three times, as the “it” item for summer. Flatforms are essentially the offspring of a platform and a flat and were first spotted all the way back in September on the runways of Alexander Wang and Derek Lam. They were also popular at the 3.1 Phillip Lim, Prada and Michael Kors shows (just to name a few!)
Following on from season after season of sky-high, vertigo-inducing stiletto heels, I find flatforms somewhat refreshing! I get to keep the height, which I love, while maintaining all the comfort associated with my favorite flats and those well-worn flip flops. My only concern? Some of the versions of flatforms that I’ve spied have come out looking a little…well, less than sexy. Some standouts that I did manage to fall in love with, however, include Derek Lam’s espadrille-inspired Akiko version and the cute Boca style from Elizabeth and James.
If you’re ready to get the most out of the last remaining days of summer, consider trying flatforms with a truly summer-y, barely there style, like the Betty from Delman. Pair it with a flirty summer dress and you’ll be on trend for the rest of the season.
Lianne Woolley
Lianne Woolley writes for the healthcare industry by day, and blogs about fabulous fashion and shoes by night!
We get it. Not everyone is on board with every trend. And that’s a good thing because not every trend suits every woman. It’s best to gravitate towards trends that truly catch your eye and make you feel confident. Forget about what everyone else is wearing and do what feels right for you. Flatforms are a hot trend right now, so if you’re feeling the shoe love here are our picks.
Flat and Fabulous
Marni was one of the first brands to make flatforms cool. The Italian brand has been doing it for years, well before it became a trend. These Marni Wooden Flatforms have a thick wooden platform that’s surprisingly comfortable, and dark army green leather straps. Army green is being regarded as a new neutral in the world of fashion. There’s nothing wrong with a pair of black or brown sandals, but there’s a good chance you already have those. Instead of reaching for another pair of boring neutral sandals, consider this trendy silhouette in a shade that’s just as versatile but not as basic.
Sky High
Joe’s Jeans brings you the Brenda V. Thanks to its hefty 5-inch platform these shoes toe the line between flatforms and wedges, but they’re so fabulous we just had to tell you about them! These flatforms will have you towering over everyone and make you look stunning in the process. White and light denim will add to the bohemian flavor of these sandals. Also try pieces that flow, such as maxi dresses and skirts. And if you want to get funky, mix prints with these chunky, fabulous flatform sandals.
Creamy Hues
For those with short legs, a nude pair of flatforms is the way to go (the nude color helps elongate the leg). Check out the Canvas Flatforms from Chloe. The shoes are summery and stylish and feature a rounded toe, sling-back, and ankle straps. We love these flatforms because they go from day to night. For day, try them with an airy tank top and shorts, and at night, slip on a black maxi dress and hoop earrings for a look that’s trendy, but comfortable.
Samantha Cabrera
Samantha Cabrera is a freelance writer who covers the best of fashion and beauty.