For me, clipless is the preferred way to go, but I would only recommend it for people who know how to ride a bike well/properly. Many people know how to ride a bike well enough to get around, but never really learn proper technique or hone their handling skills.
If you can do a 30-second trackstand, and can signal, brake to a stop, and downshift simultaneously, clipless is going to be a cinch. If you can only mount a bike by running alongside it and then hopping on, stick to platforms. Most people are somewhere in between.
FWIW I can comfortably ride my MTB/errand bike (which has Eggbeater Candy C clipless pedals) in regular tennis shoes, so it's not like you have to fully commit to being clipped in all the time. Don't jump right into road pedals if you think you'll be wearing street shoes or just wanting to skip the clip-in for some rides. Start with MTB/Commuter hybrids and see how you like them.