It takes a lot to shock me in the fashion department. I tend to wear unexpected things at times, so when other people do it, I’m rarely phased. That being said, shocked is the only word I can think of to adequately sum up my reaction to finding Angelina Jolie, the celebrity I associate most with anti-trend dressing, wearing one of the Y2K era’s most divisive shoe trends, platform slide sandals, in New York City yesterday—and not just because it was 30ºF out.
At first glance, Jolie’s chunky mules took me back twenty years to my childhood, when stars like Britney Spears, Posh Spice, and even the animated version of Lizzie McGuire frequented similar pairs. But after further inspection, I realized that while her shoes might be reminiscent of a kitschier time in the world of fashion, the way she styled them was anything but. Jolie did what I never thought was possible: make platform slide sandals feel timeless and elegant. It helps that her exact pair is made of luxe velvet and printed with Celine’s signature CC logo. I should’ve known it’d only take a French touch to completely revitalize the shoe trend that peaked in the 2000s.
(Image credit: The Image Direct)
On Angelina Jolie: Celine Elena Mules ($1100)
celine
Elena Mules in Velvet
celine
Elena Mules in Shearling
Given the statement-making nature of her footwear choice, Jolie kept the rest of her look fairly understated, styling the platforms with a black jersey maxi dress and a slouchy gray cardigan. On the accessories front, she added black sunglasses and a navy blue wristlet.
Earlier the same day, the Maria actress was spotted wearing the same shoes in brown shearling, styled with black trousers and the same gray knit, further proving that platform slides are en route for a comeback. If you agree, scroll down to shop some of our newfound favorite pairs.
Shop platform sandals:
Steve Madden
Slinky30 Black
Talk about a throwback.
ugg
New Heights Cozy Clog
Vagabond Shoemakers
Courtney Flatform Slide Sandal
I suddenly have so many ideas about how to style these in a modern way.
H&M
Chunky Platform Sandals
You can’t beat this price.
STEVE MADDEN
Altitude Black Leather
When you need an extra three inches of height, pick these.
Kurt Geiger London
Chelsea Flatform Slide
The best thing about platforms is how comfy they are.
ZARA
Platform Sandal With Ties
The little ties are adorable.
Vince
Margo Crochet Leather Platform Sandals
The second warm weather returns, I’m breaking these out.
