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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.