How to Style “Ugly” Sandals: 8 Lessons From the Chunky Shoe Blueprint

The shift toward unconventional footwear—often labeled the “ugly shoe” trend—marked a significant turning point in how we approach formal height.

While stilettos were once the undisputed standard for evening wear, the mid-2010s saw a permanent move toward more utilitarian silhouettes. Industrial lug soles, architectural blocks, and heavy hardware began to replace the delicate, slinky straps of the past.

By anchoring outfits with a heavier base, these designs offer a visual weight that balances out feminine silhouettes. Whether it is a platform adorned with metal studs or a thick rubber sole, the appeal lies in the contrast between traditional elegance and rugged, almost armor-like construction.

Looking back at how these styles were popularized on the streets of Milan and Los Angeles around 2016, we can see the blueprint for the modern chunky aesthetic. If you are looking to experiment with substantial footwear, these eight styling examples from that era illustrate how to bridge the gap between “clunky” and sophisticated.

1. Sparkly Dress, Heavy Sole: Gigi Hadid Makes Chunky Versace Platforms Feel Instantly Glamorous

When wearing a sparkly dress, feel free to bypass pretty, princess-y heels and go straight to clunky sandals. The contrast between the two totally works, as demonstrated by Gigi Hadid in a pair of Versace “Medusa” tri-strap platform sandals.

Gigi Hadid steps out during Milan Fashion Week on February 27, 2016, pairing a multicolored sequin mini dress with bold Versace platform sandals that add striking height and edge (Credit: WENN)

2. Off-Duty Ease: Nina Dobrev Proves Chunky Stuart Weitzman Sandals Can Refresh a Relaxed Set

Shake up your favorite shorts-and-sweatshirt combo!

Nina Dobrev attends Elle’s Women in Comedy event at Hyde Sunset in Los Angeles on June 7, 2016, wearing a Versace colorblocked pullover with matching printed stretch gabardine shorts, styled with Stuart Weitzman “Fourbucks” sandals that ground the bold pattern mix with a structured, strappy finish (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)

That’s what Nina Dobrev did with a cute printed set and a pair of Stuart Weitzman “Fourbucks” sandals.

3. Toughened-Up Sexy: Demi Lovato Uses Chunky Platform Heels to Balance a Bold Mini Look

Feeling way too exposed in a crop top or a miniskirt (or both)? At the BBC Radio 1 Teen Awards on November 8, 2015, Demi Lovato balanced her look with a Miu Miu houndstooth wool-and-cotton-blend bouclé-tweed mini skirt, grounding the leggy silhouette with Giamba platform sandals.

The chunky sole and high block heel added structure and confidence, proving that a heavier shoe can make a bold outfit feel more secure and polished.

Demi Lovato attends the BBC Radio 1 Teen Awards in London wearing a sheer white blouse and a red bouclé-tweed mini skirt, grounded by chunky platform heels that add height and structure (Credit: Lia Toby / WENN)

4. Military Chic With Edge: Bella Thorne Sharpens a Utility-Inspired Outfit With Versace Platforms

Another Versace platform sandal lover, Bella Thorne, tried a military-inspired look with her pair and absolutely nailed it.

Bella Thorne arrives at Universal Studios for an appearance on Extra on June 7, 2016, wearing an olive mini dress styled with chunky platform sandals that add height and a utilitarian edge (Credit: Michael Wright / WENN)

5. Casual, Polished, Elevated: Emma Roberts Lifts a Denim Jumpsuit With Metallic Loeffler Randall Sandals

Subtle wedge heels and a high-shine metallic silver finish on her Loeffler Randall “Pia” sandals elevated Emma Roberts’ laid-back denim look, which paired an Aerie flowy bralette top with matching chambray flare pants in indigo.

She completed the outfit with a Bijou Karman “Some Groovy People” tote, Pifebo vintage sunglasses, and delicate jewelry—including a Jennifer Meyer turquoise heart pendant and an AC Jewelry ring—bringing a relaxed, retro-leaning polish to her off-duty style.

Emma Roberts is spotted leaving Nine Zero One Salon in Los Angeles on April 5, 2016, pairing a light denim jumpsuit with platform sandals for an effortlessly elevated daytime look (Credit: Michael Wright / WENN)

6. Model-Off-Duty Drama: Irina Shayk Turns Lug-Soled Versace Heels Into a Statement

At the Extra photocall in Berlin on April 22, 2016, Irina Shayk demonstrated how to fully embrace the chunky sandal trend, pairing a sheer Versace long-sleeve jacquard dress with black Versace Medusa platform sandals.

The bold, lug-inspired sole and substantial block heel added structure and attitude, proving that even the most delicate fabrics can handle a heavier, statement-making base.

Irina Shayk attends a Wrigley’s photocall in Berlin on April 22, 2016, wearing a sheer black mini dress paired with chunky platform heels that add striking height and structure (Credit: Irina Shayk’s Facebook)

The Russian fashion model also seems to be very well-versed in the trend.

7. Soft Dress, Strong Finish: Jaimie Alexander Grounds a Feminine Frock With Stuart Weitzman Sandals

Jaimie Alexander kept her ultra-feminine look grounded with a pair of Stuart Weitzman “Fourbucks” sandals.

Jaimie Alexander attends the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic at Liberty State Park on June 4, 2016, pairing a flowing green-and-cream gown with chunky platform sandals for a grounded yet elegant finish (Credit: Derrick Salters / WENN)

8. ’90s Goth Glam: Lily Aldridge Leans Into Dark Romance With Alexander Wang “Sandrah” Platforms

Lily Aldridge looked so retro ’90s in her chain-strapped LBD, dark lipstick, and Alexander Wang “Sandrah” studded flatforms — and we’re heavily digging it.

Lily Aldridge steps out in a ribbed black midi dress paired with Alexander Wang “Sandrah” studded platform sandals, giving the minimalist look a bold, edgy finish (Credit: Lily Aldridge Instagram)

From Clunky to Coveted: Why Chunky Sandals Still Define Modern Style

What once felt intentionally “ugly” has become one of fashion’s most enduring statements. Chunky sandals—whether grounded in utilitarian comfort or exaggerated with platforms and lug soles—continue to reshape how we think about balance, proportion, and polish.

As these celebrity moments show, the key isn’t softening the look, but embracing the contrast: pairing bold, heavy footwear with everything from floaty dresses to sharp tailoring. If you’re ready to lean into the trend, these standout style moments offer even more inspiration for making chunky sandals feel effortlessly modern.