Flatforms: fad or future?

For those of you who’ve had your heads in the sand for the past year, flatforms are a new style of shoe and the latest craze hitting celebville. Rihanna, Jessica Alba and Kirsten Dunst are all fans of these flat platform shoes. They are defined by a two to three inch flat wedge with the actual styling of the shoe, whether it’s a sandal or a shoe, is flexible. Basically, these shoes are elevated flats. 

Volleyball Flatforms: ASOS, £38

Prada launched a pair that has been adored by Rihanna. They are basically a flatform brogue, other brands such as Irregular choice have gone for strappy sandals more like espadrilles. However, they have not really caught on on a mass scale. Uber trendies have lapped them up, but are they really wearable for the rest of us? Aren’t they just glorified flats that do little to lengthen and slim legs? 

 Vancouver Brocade Flatforms: ASOS, £45

Another problem is styling. People are styling them as a heeled shoe, but they should be viewed more as a casual flat. Wearing them with short skirts and dresses will do little to flatter legs, but wearing them with casual shorts and tees looks modern and cool. 

Eva Ballerinas: £30, Next

So, what’s the deal? For people new to the flatform trend a great way of embracing it is will low-wedges. Next has a great selection of shoes in this style. We really like the Slingback Glitter Peep Toe Sandals.

Glitter Wedges: £26, Next

New flatform wearers should stick to styles that aren’t completely flat. This wear they benefit from some leg lengthening and they can still wear them as a dressier shoe. Styling will also be made a lot easier. 

For people that are aux fait with the trend already, crank up your fashion style with quirky colours and prints and more masculine styling. These shoes go against the grain so continue this theme throughout your outfit. 

Eva Ballerinas: £30, Next

But are flatforms a thing of the future or just a fad? Well judging by the fact they have already been around for a year means they aren’t just a fleeting fashion faux pas. However, taking into account the sheer lack of fans you could argue that they won’t be around for long as they haven’t ever really entered the mainstream. The jury is still out, but if you want to score maximum fashion points this summer, you need to at least give flatforms a try. Rihanna should be your style inspiration as she gets it right every time and she was way ahead of the game; this picture was taken last summer.   

The editorial unit