These Boots Were Made For Walking: The Platformed Past

I've noticed something about myself. Actually, many things about myself. But we won't get into that now.

I have two main interests: Music and clothes.

Those combine to create my ultimate fascination: Musical clothes.

There's something so special about the style choices musicians choose., don't you think? Whether it's skin tight leotards, or cowboy boots and flannels, artists always seem to inspire the world of fashion. But maybe that's just me.

This is all to say that I found something special the other day.

After doing some much needed therapeutic black-holing on Pinterest, I came across a series of photos. On each slide, huge musicians (Marvin Gaye, David Bowie, Dave Evans, Elton John) were wearing the most glamorous boots I had ever seen. It occurred to me that these boots are extremely coveted today by teenagers. And that fascinated me.

The thing that really struck me was that these star-studded booties, these sky-high kicks, aren't in anyway new. They've been around for decades upon decades; most often worn by musical men.

How can something every teen girl has on their wishlist, originate from lead singers of bands these same girls don't even know the names of? It's baffling. These same girls are the ones wearing Urban Outfitters band tees, dawning smiley faces with x's for eyes, not having a clue who Kurt Cobain is.

Regardless, I am a teen girl, contagiously obsessed with platforms. Here's 5 of my personal favs from music legends, accompanied by some commentary describing how I would wear them in 2021.

Marvin Gaye:

Let's talk about the sheer power of this photo.

These might be some of the coolest boots I have ever seen. And that's coming from an UGG girl. But honestly, these are sick. To make them even more sick, these exact boots were actually made by Gaye's wife, Janis Hunter.

Today, I would probably style them with a midi dress of some sort, most ideally a red or black, spaghetti strap situation. Minimal jewelry.

David Bowie:

Fun fact: I have this picture hanging up in my room alongside some really niche pictures of fetus One Direction.

Although his outfit is truly spectacular, I would make slight adjustments if I were to be seen walking in and out of my usual spots (Barnes & Noble, Trader Joes, etc.)

In order to make it less flashy, I would swap out the shoulder-padded set for a white flare pant and any black tank of your choosing. Don't forget the obnoxious sun glasses and some random vintage purse that smells like my grandmother.

Elton John:

These may not be boots, but they are still one of my absolute favorites. I would kill for these. Literally kill. Remember that.

Pair it with gray True Religion jeans and a white button-up blouse. Don't forget to French tuck.

Gene Simmons:

I'm completely obsessed with every single thing about this picture.

The kids: adorable.

The face paint: cult-like.

The boots: heaven sent.

In all seriousness, these boots don't need much to make them look great. I would wear some sort of tight, maybe a mesh polka dot? Then just slip on an oversized button-up blouse, preferably a deep, vibrant blue. Accessorize with a baguette bag and big earrings.

Freddie Mercury:

How dare you assume I would discuss male musician fashion without mentioning Freddie Mercury. How dare you.

As far as platform boots go, these are relatively understated. Especially for Mercury. If anything, these boots seem quite practical, perfect for stomping around on stage, yelling "ay! oh!"

In regards to styling the booties, there are approximately no changes I would make to this pre-exsisting outfit. Just wear this. Please wear this.

In conclusion to my platform boot rant, I like musicians and their fashion sense. And you really should too. So please, please, please ask the Urban Outfitters cashier what band is on the shirt your buying. Maybe even ask them for song recs?

Also: please invest in some groovy platform boots. Don't worry if you feel like you're getting judged. We're all too focused on ourselves anyway.

p.s. I've linked the article I gathered both inspiration and some pictures from. Check it out ;)

https://dangerousminds.net/comments/sky-high_boots_and_platform_shoes_worn_by_david_bowie_marvin_gaye_ac_dc_kei