35 Ways to Style an Outfit Around Your Doc Martens

Getty | Melodie Jeng
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There's a reason Dr. Martens is such a well-known brand that has remained at the forefront of all the latest trends in footwear. Throughout the years, the English company, which was established in 1947, has pulled off successful collaborations with Marc Jacobs, Keith Haring, Lazy Oaf, and Jean-Michel Basquiat, just to name a few. Doc Martens are more relevant than ever, with models, editors, and creatives making the brand's combat boots and lug-sole loafers seasonless wardrobe essentials that help achieve a quintessential '90s and 2000s vibe. Doc Martens complete a variety of looks, from a breezy dress to jeans and a T-shirt to oversize suiting. Their versatility is what makes them a transitional shoe option that's worth the investment.

While Dr. Martens has stayed pretty committed to the classic combat boot — continuously reinventing the wheelhouse when it comes to churning out slight variations on the silhouette — other footwear labels have taken note and adapted the look. Prada's chunky loafer with the metal logo on the upper, for example, takes inspiration from the same decade, while Ganni developed quirky details for the beloved shoe, like buckle closures rather than laces and a creeper-style rubber sole.

Whether you're looking to build outfits around your Doc Martens specifically or you're into the appeal of the aesthetic and open to trying any number of similar lug-sole loafers and boots, you'll appreciate the 35 creative ways to build an outfit around these stylish and comfortable walking shoes. Keep reading for foolproof Doc Martens outfits appropriate for all seasons of the year.

Gray Pantsuit, White Tank, and Doc Martens Shoes

Break up a groutfit with a cropped white tank, and wear your blazer open for a relaxed pantsuit vibe. Your Doc Martens shoes are the perfect finishing touch, giving your outfit more of a grungy '90s kick than a workwear vibe.

Hoodie Under a Wool Coat, Knee Socks, and Doc Martens Shoes

Knee socks are having a moment and feel like the answer to a dark-academia outfit when finished with a patent Doc Martens shoe. Style your look with layers during the cooler months, including a hoodie, blazer, and long wool coat.

Jeans, Blazer, and Doc Martens Shoes

While a black bodysuit and dark-wash jeans always feels like an easy, go-to outfit, your Doc Martens bring the combination a certain toughness. Go for a boss moment by perching a blazer on your shoulders.

Ribbed Knit Minidress and Doc Martens Boots

You'll instantly stand out in an electrifying minidress with cutouts. But Doc Martens boots keep the outfit grounded and make it perfect for daytime, whereas you might opt for heels or knee-high boots come evening.

Furry Coat, Leather Leggings, and Doc Martens Boots

Go for a high-shine Doc Martens outfit by mixing faux fur and waxed leather with patent-leather boots. A luxe, furry coat that's easy to layer is a start.

All-Black Outfit With Cranberry Doc Martens Boots

Draw attention to your footwear by rocking a burgundy-toned boot with an all-black outfit. Work in leather pieces, such as a miniskirt, to complement the texture of your Doc Martens shoes.

Bright Bomber, Plaid Pants, and Doc Martens Boots

Dress up your plaid trousers with a white pair of Doc Martens boots and a bright bomber jacket. Incorporate a simple black belt that coordinates with the lug soles of your shoes.

Boho Knitwear With Doc Martens Mary Jane Shoes

Pile on the knitwear and layered necklaces for a boho-inspired Doc Martens outfit. Play with proportions by layering a longer cardigan or vest on top. The T-Bar Mary Jane shoe, which has been in the Dr. Martens archives for years, helps you show a sliver of skin at the ankle when you wear a pair of cropped pants.

Oversize Graphic T-Shirt With a Miniskirt, Tights, and Doc Martens Boots

Keep it classic by styling your Doc Martens boots with sheer tights and an oversize graphic tee. Throw on a longer checked coat to play with proportions and an easy tote for stowing your essentials.

Utility Jumpsuit, Quilted Bag, and Doc Martens Boots

Tapered pants tucked into your lace-up Doc Martens is such a chic look. Plus, the combination of a utility jumpsuit and this boot is ideal for running errands in style. In the cooler months, layer your jumper over a turtleneck for added warmth and carry a matching bag.

Sweater Vest, Crochet Hat, and Corduroys With Doc Martens

Spin the idea of a school uniform on its head by wearing a colorful rolled-up corduroy pant that grazes the top of your Doc Martens shoes. Complete the outfit with a sweater vest, a leather messenger bag, and a rainbow knit beanie.

Bucket Hat, Kimono, Swingy Jeans, and Doc Martens Low-Tops

Try classic Doc Martens low-tops with ankle socks and a swingy jean that shows off your shoes as you walk. Mix in a vibrantly patterned jacket for color, and finish with a bucket hat for a little '90s edge.

Oversize Suiting, Top Handle Bag, and Doc Martens Platforms

A Doc Martens platform style provides an extra height boost when wearing oversize suiting. Then, roll up the sleeves of your blazer and accent the signature stitching on your shoes with playful yellow accessories.

Belted Puffer, Printed Skirt, and Patterned Doc Martens

Go all out in printed Doc Martens, and leave them unlaced to reveal colored socks that match your outfit. To include some texture, throw on a belt and flashy accessories like a metallic mini bag, gloves, and statement sunglasses.

Tailored Suit Over a T-Shirt With Doc Martens Boots

A crisp, tailored suit feels more relaxed when you leave the jacket undone. Choose co-ords in a bright color to bring boldness to your Doc Martens outfit, especially if your shoes are neutral.

Color-Pop Blazer and Bag With Flares and Doc Martens

There's no denying the appeal of Doc Martens with flared pants or jeans. For a quintessential '70s moment, finish your outfit with a turtleneck and a vibrant, retro-inspired color scheme, courtesy of a lime-colored blazer and a matching messenger bag.

Neutral Trench, Turtleneck, Black Trousers, and Doc Martens

Allow your platform Doc Martens to ground a long, khaki duster coat in the fall, going for a look that's casual but still polished. Underneath, opt for a fitted ribbed turtleneck and black trousers.

Leather Jacket and Baggy Jeans With Doc Martens

Play with proportions in a cropped white shirt styled with high-waisted, distressed denim. Top off your Doc Martens outfit with a touch of dark leather for a true '90s fashion moment.

Denim-on-Denim With a Shoulder Bag and Doc Martens

Use your black shoes to accent minor details in your Doc Martens outfit that you want to shine through, like the patterned fabric of a mesh bodysuit. If you're piling on avant-garde pieces, such as deconstructed denim or cat-eye sunglasses, classic Docs won't take away from those focal points.

Trench Coat and Skinny Jeans Over Doc Martens and Socks

A wool trench coat with a belt is a sleek and sophisticated combo that always delivers. Add a casual touch to your Doc Martens outfit with ankle-skimming jeans and a peek of black socks.

'90s Plaid Pants With a Long Tie and Patent Doc Martens

A patent brogue brings this '90s-inspired Doc Martens outfit full circle. Incorporate other design elements that are reminiscent of the decade, such as a checkered pattern and a kitschy tie.

Lightweight Colored Trench, Wide-Leg Jeans, and Doc Martens

Draw attention to the distressed hem of your bell-bottoms with your Doc Martens shoes. Leaving a few buttons of your trench undone helps to draw the eye toward your footwear.

Co-Ord Pantsuit Over a Collared Shirt With Doc Martens Loafers

Doc Martens Loafers are a reliable footwear choice to complete a cropped pantsuit. Wearing tights underneath provides even more polish and keeps you plenty warm on a cooler day.

Retro Printed Flares Over Doc Martens With a Mid-Length Coat

Retro printed flares are a '90s trend that's seeing a major resurgence thanks to brands like Staud, Unif, Holiday the Label, and Lisa Says Gah. Prove you're fully committed to the decade with your trusty Doc Martens shoes, which won't take away from the eye-catching pattern on your pants.

Ultrabright Floor-Length Knit Dress With Doc Martens Platforms

Ultrabright prints and patterns, like the stripes on this Christopher John Rogers dress or the marbleized swirl on the Fendi clutch, deserve to have their moment. In this case, your platform Doc Martens shoes will work to lift your pièce de résistance into the spotlight.

Leather-on-Leather With Doc Martens Boots

Break up a leather-on-leather look with a fuzzy turtleneck sweater. And why stop there? Go for even more leather with an on-trend trench coat in a contrasting color and your Doc Martens shoes.

Breezy Button-Down, Pleated Skirt, and Doc Martens Boots

A platform heel rounds out any monochromatic look, especially if the pieces have a looser, slouchier fit. Include quirky separates, like a top hat and dark sunglasses, to bring the whole Doc Martens outfit together.

Sweater Vest, Pearls, Cargo Pants, and Doc Martens

Balance delicate pieces, like a white pearl necklace, with more rugged style staples, such as cargos and boots. A casual sweater vest works as a neutral, breaking up the themes from head to toe in your Doc Martens outfit.

Front-Slit Trousers Over Doc Martens With a Matching Blazer

Front-slit trousers, another popular '90s trend, call for a shoe that's complementary, but not distracting. Draw attention to the Doc Martens by matching them with your shirt, bag, and sunglasses.

Busy Patterned Set With Doc Martens and an Accent Purse

Wearing all-over busy patterns and prints often calls for a solid shoe to break up the loud look. Thick-soled Doc Martens are the answer, and a mini crossbody bag and orange-lensed sunglasses make for the perfect finishing touches.

A Cropped Jacket, Front-Slit Skirt, and Doc Martens Boots

Layer a cropped moto jacket over a tee that skims your belly button and choose a skirt that sits at the waistline. A front slit allows for full attention on your Doc Martens boots, so let a pair of socks peek out to add extra dimension and attract eyes downward.

A Spaghetti Strap Minidress and Doc Martens Boots

Add edge to a summer minidress by completing the look with a chunky pair of Doc Martens boots. The footwear feels unexpected and adds an element of '90s grunge, where some might expect a minimalist sandal.

Denim Corset, Low-Slung Jeans, and Doc Martens

Allow yourself to be inspired by the early aughts and team a denim belly shirt with low-rise jeans. Instead of heels, Doc Martens allow for more effortless movement throughout the day, though the skin-baring top is still appropriate for warm weather and obviously head-turning.

All-Black Pantsuit, Dark Sunglasses, and Doc Martens

Work your Doc Martens into a summer-friendly quiet-luxury look by leaving the blazer of your pantsuit undone to reveal a bralette or corset. Dark, Matrix-style glasses; a luxe clutch; and your Doc Martens will round out this sporty-chic outfit.

Plaid Dress, Bucket Hat, and Doc Martens Loafers

Employ a double outfit sandwich broken up by a bright plaid summer dress. Allow your tie-front shirt to complement a pair of white ribbed socks, while your patent Doc Martens accent a black crossbody bag and pair of sleek sunglasses. Top off the whole thing with a bucket hat to make your look feel more relaxed.

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