When the economy goes low, the heels go high.
Towering platform pumps serve as both a sartorial trend and a warning sign of financial hardships to come, according to a new post by influential fashion news Instagram account @diet_prada, which boasts 2.4 million followers.
The Insta post walks through historical recessions, step-by-elevated-step, and how they were hallmarked with higher and higher heels.
“‘We have entered a moment of heightened impracticality in footwear,” Elizabeth Semmelhack, the author of “Heights of Fashion: A History of the Elevated Shoe,” said in 2010, according to Diet Prada. “Heel heights noticeably grew during the Great Depression of the 1930s, the oil crisis in the 1970s, and when the dotcom bubble burst in the 2000s.”
If the economy is going down, we may as well stand tall as it happens — and apparently, that’s what history dictates we do anyway. The new Valentino spring 2021 collection referenced in the Diet Prada post embraces this, showcasing outlandishly high heels on the runway, with glitter, metallics and neon also making many appearances.
This trend stands out among the other current fashions amid the pandemic, and it’s not just because of the outlandish height. Spurred by COVID-19 lockdowns, fashion in 2020 is much more comfortable, with a surge in loungewear, pajama sets and Converse and even bedding as clothing. However, as the post also touches on, hard financial times make some turn to shopping as a way to cope, which also rings true for pandemic shoppers this past year.
While the Valentino spring 2021 collection isn’t yet available to purchase, there are plenty of other platform shoe options to try. Take a look below for how you can rise above this recession, giving both yourself and the economy a boost while you’re at it.
Available for pre-order now, this is one of the few Valentino platform shoes out now, ahead of the spring 2021 collection.
The platform mule comes in both black and brown suede, with metallic pyramid studs on the toe for an added element of punk rock for your platforms. The 4.5-inch heel is a bit lower than those from the new collection, but still pack the platform punch when strutting down the street or the halls of your apartment. Make sure to get your name on the Nordstrom pre-order list now to grab a pair before they’re gone.
From aptly named brand the Highest Heel, these platforms are as close as it gets to the ones seen on the Valentino runway.
Towering above all else, these heels measure a whopping 8 inches, and thankfully feature an ankle strap in an attempt to keep you stable and upright. They also have some glitz to them, with a black glittery band across the toe. Sold on Amazon, they are also available to try risk-free with Amazon Wardrobe in select sizes.
Leave it to J.Lo to have the tallest platform boots around.
Get yourself a pair from DSW, now on sale for $69.98, down from the original $100. The off-white boots are made of faux leather with a substantial 1.5-inch platform and a 5.25-inch covered block heel. They range in size from a women’s 6 through 11 on the site, with select sizes already sold out.
Guess what? You can absolutely wear platform boots in the winter, thanks to Guess.
These platforms mimic a winter boot and a combat style while towering above your usual booties and sneakers. They are made of an off-white faux-leather upper and have a 1-inch platform and a 4.75-inch molded block heel. Available at DSW in select sizes from a women’s 5.5 to an 11, they qualify for both free standard shipping and free in-store pickup at select stores.
Jessica Simpson has something to say about bringing the platform trend back around, recession or not.
New for the 2021 season, these woven platform pumps come in three different colors to fit every mood, including tan (pictured above), wine red and a black-and-brown combination. No matter the color, elevate your wardrobe to insane heights with these shoes, as they have a 5.5-inch heel with a 2-inch platform base. Sold at Nordstrom, they currently come in sizes ranging from a women’s 5 to a 12.
These black platforms are anything but basic.
From Nasty Gal, rise to great heights in these 5.5-inch heels, with a 1.5-inch platform. Made of faux suede, they feature a wrap and tie closure, elongating legs to even higher heights, as well as a skinny block heel and open toe. They currently come in sizes 5 through 8 and are 50% off for a limited time, marking the price down from $63 to a much lower $31.50.
It’s clear; you need these platforms.
These clear wedge shoes from ASOS come with an adjustable ankle strap and a wide fit, to hold you in as you tower above everyone else. They are made with a patent faux-leather upper and have glittering diamante embellishments along the straps.
If a more simple and elegant platform is what you’re after, look no further than Lulu’s.
The much lower 4-inch platform heel comes in a silky satin material with an ankle strap to hold you in place. They come in a bridal ivory color, as well as a nude, black and emerald green. They currently range in size from a 5 to a women’s 11 on the Lulu’s site.
These Kat Maconie Pammy Greek Pattern Platform shoes are stunning and unique, with vivid colors and fun patterns adorning the ankle strap and box heel. The heels in question measure just shy of 5 inches. Made of 100% leather, the shoes will have you turning heads wherever you go. They are now on sale as well, down from the original $390 to $230 on the Kat Maconie site.
Recession who?
Wear your pocketbook on your boots this season, with these outrageous platform boots featuring an all-over money print in a bright green hue. The bill-print boots come with a side zipper closure, a rounded toe and, of course, a super-high wedge heel.