It wasn’t too long ago that Doc Martens were exclusively worn by the unkempt, and rather moody, teenagers of the nineties. Combine any pair of 1460s (usually, but not always, black) with shabby jeans and a flannel, and you have the basic, gender-neutral uniform of the heralded grunge era. So how did such clunky, asexual footwear transform into the everyday shoe of the every-man and woman? Perhaps it was the shoe’s omnipresence in both fashion, and the media. Or, maybe it’s that everyone secretly feels like a cooler version of themselves once they slip into their Docs. Whatever the reason may be, Doc Martens—whether in that classic Black Nappa leather or one of the rainbow-hued patent versions—are here to stay, so here’s a few pointers on how to wear yours for years to come.
Shoes do not get more versatile than a black pair of Docs. While the jeans-and-a-tee combo is just as classic, modernize the look with distressed boyfriend jeans and a white, crewneck crop-top. Throw on a sporty bomber or motorcycle jacket in an unexpected pastel color (or navy, the often-forgotten neutral) and voila, an instant outfit update.
For a more unique way to wear your Docs, try pairing them with overalls—the current comeback taking fashion’s elite by storm. Go the extra mile and rock them with a cool hat (any beanie or snapback will do) and aviators for a Cara Delevingne-inspired twist.
If the thought of jeans and Docs is just too mainstream, rock yours with a slip dress (like this satin one from ASOS). You could layer it over a tee for an added nineties vibe, pair it with a fuzzy sweater for the cooler months, or just wear it on its own. Pencil skirts provide the same body-conscious idea, and can be treated like jeans and worn with anything that compliments your Docs. Monochromatic always looks put together (especially in heather gray or black) and if you have a colored pair of Docs, they will pop out and grab the attention of the outfit.
No matter how you may choose to wear your Doc Martens, this perennial shoe classic can give any outfit good vibes—and, yes, they do make you look super-cool.
