Doc Martens: A Guide to 35 Stylish and Practical Outfit Ideas
Dr. Martens has been a leading brand in footwear for decades. The 1947-founded English company has collaborated with Marc Jacobs and Keith Haring as well as Lazy Oaf and Jean Michel Basquiat. Doc Martens is more relevant than ever. Models, editors and creatives have made the combat boots and lug sole loafers of the brand seasonless wardrobe staples. They help achieve that quintessential 90s and 2000s look. Doc Martens can be worn with a wide range of outfits, including a breezy dress, jeans and T-shirt or an oversized suit. They are a great transitional shoe because of their versatility.
Other footwear brands have taken notice and adopted the look. Prada’s chunky leather loafer, with its metal logo, is inspired by the same decade. Ganni, on the other hand, added quirky details to the shoe like buckles instead of laces, and rubber creeper soles.
You’ll love the 35 ways you can build an outfit using these comfortable and stylish walking shoes. Continue reading to find foolproof Doc Martens ensembles for every season.
Edward Berthelot
Gray Pantsuit with White Tank and Doc Martens Shoes
Wear your blazer with the sleeves open to create a relaxed look. Doc Martens are the finishing touch to your outfit, adding a grungy 90s vibe rather than a professional look.
Christian Vierig
Hoodie Under A Wool Coat, Knee Socks and Doc Martens Shoe
The knee socks look great with Doc Martens shoes and are the perfect way to finish off a dark academic outfit. Layers are a great way to style your look during cooler months. Include a hoodie and blazer with a long wool coat.
Jeremy Moeller
Jeans with Blazer and Doc Martens Shoes
Doc Martens give a combination of dark-washed jeans and a black bodysuit a tougher look. Perch a blazer over your shoulders for an instant boss look.
Jeremy Moeller
Ribbed knit minidress and Doc Martens boots
A minidress with cutouts will make you stand out. Doc Martens boots will keep you grounded during the day, while heels or knee high boots are perfect for evening.
Edward Berthelot
Furry Coats, Leather Leggings and Doc Martens Boots
Mix faux fur, waxed leather and patent-leather booties to create a Doc Martens look with a high shine. Start with a luxurious furry coat you can easily layer.
Getty | Melodie Jeng
All Black Outfit with Cranberry Doc Martens boots
Wear a pair of burgundy boots with a black outfit to draw attention to them. To complement your Doc Martens, add leather pieces to your outfit, like a miniskirt.
Vanni Bassetti
Bright Bomber Pants and Doc Martens Shoes
Dress up your plaid pants with a pair of white Doc Martens and a vibrant bomber jacket. Use a black belt to match the soles of your shoes.
Edward Berthelot
Boho Knitwear with Doc Martens Mary Jane Shoes
Layer knitwear with layered necklaces to create a Doc Martens look inspired by boho. Layer a cardigan or vest to play with proportions. Dr. Martens’ T-Bar Mary Jane, which is a staple in their archives, allows you to show just a little skin on your ankles when wearing cropped pants.
Vanni Bassetti
Oversized Graphic T-Shirt with a Miniskirt and Doc Martens boots
Style your Doc Martens with sheer tights, a graphic tee and an oversize graphic. Add a longer check coat to play around with the proportions. Use a tote to store your essentials.
Jeremy Moeller
Doc Martens Boots, a Quilted Bag and a Utility Jumpsuit
A pair of tapered pants tucked in your Doc Martens with lace ups creates a stylish look. This boot and utility jumpsuit are perfect for running errands. Layer your jumper with a turtleneck to add warmth in the cooler months. Carry a matching bag.
Getty | Raimonda Kulikauskiene
Sweater Vest with Crochet Hat and Corduroys with Doc Martens
Wear a colorful corduroy pant rolled up to the top of your Doc Martens. Finish the look with a sweater vest and a leather messenger handbag. Add a rainbow knit hat to complete your outfit.
Edward Berthelot
Bucket hat, Kimono and Doc Martens Low Tops
Try Doc Martens classic low-tops paired with ankle socks, and a jean that swings as you walk. Add a colorful jacket to add color and a bucket cap for some ’90s style.
Vanni Bassetti
An Oversized Suit, Top Handle Bag and Doc Martens Shoes
Doc Martens’ platform style gives you an added height boost while wearing an oversize suit. Roll up your sleeves and add playful yellow accessories to accent the signature stitching of your shoes.
Edward Berthelot
Patterned Doc Martens, Printed Skirt and Belted Puffer
Leave the laces off your Doc Martens to reveal colorful socks that go with your outfit. Add some texture with a belt, and accessories such as a metallic bag, statement sunglasses, or gloves.
Christian Vierig
Tailored suit over a t-shirt with Doc Martens boots
When you leave your jacket untucked, a crisp, tailored suit will feel more relaxed. Co-ords with a bold color will make your Doc Martens look more vibrant, especially if you have neutral shoes.
Edward Berthelot
Turtleneck, Black Trousers and Doc Martens
In the fall, let your platform Doc Martens ground a long khaki duster jacket, for a casual yet polished look. Choose a black turtleneck with a fitted ribbed neckline underneath.
Edward Berthelot
Leather Jacket with Baggy Jeans and Doc Martens
Play with proportions with a cropped, white shirt styled high-waisted distressed denim. Add a touch dark leather to your Doc Martens look for a true 90s fashion moment.
Edward Berthelot
Denim on Denim with a Shoulder Bag, Doc Martens
You can use your black Doc Martens to highlight small details of your outfit, such as the pattern fabric on a mesh bodysuit. Classic Docs will not take away from avant-garde pieces like cat-eye glasses or deconstructed denim.
Getty | Daniel Zuchnik
A Trench Coat, Skinny Jeans, and Doc Martens with Socks
Wool trench coats with belts are a stylish and sophisticated combination that never fails to impress. You can add a casual look to your Doc Martens ensemble by wearing ankle-skimming denim and black socks.
Edward Berthelot
90s Plaid pants with a long tie and patent Doc Martens
This outfit is inspired by the ’90s and features a patent brogue. Include other elements that are reminiscent to the 1990s, like a checkered design and a kitschy necktie.
Edward Berthelot
Wide-Leg Jeans and Doc Martens
Doc Martens shoes will draw attention to the worn hems of your bell bottoms. Leave a few buttons on your trench undone to help draw attention to your shoes.
Edward Berthelot
Pantsuit with Doc Martens Loafers
Doc Martens Loafers can be a great choice for completing a cropped pant suit. Wearing tights under your pants will give you a polished look and keep you warm during cooler days.
Edward Berthelot
Retro Flares Printed Over Doc Martens with a Mid Length Coat
Retro-printed flares, a trend from the ’90s, are seeing a big resurgence, thanks to brands such as Staud, Unif Holiday the Label and Lisa Says Gah. Doc Martens will not take away the attention-grabbing pattern of your pants, so you can show that you are fully committed to this decade.
Edward Berthelot
Ultrabright floor-length knit dress with Doc Martens platforms
The brightest prints and patterns like the stripes of this Christopher John Rogers dress, or the swirls of marbleized swirls on the Fendi bag, deserve their moment. Your platform Doc Martens will help you to bring your piece de résistance into the spotlight.
Edward Berthelot
Leather on Leather With Doc Martens Shoes
A fuzzy turtleneck sweater can add a little extra to a leather on leather look. Why stop there? Add even more leather to your look with a trench coat on trend in contrasting colors and your Doc Martens.
Getty | Daniel Zuchnik
Pleated Skirts, Doc Martens Boots, and a Breezy Button Down
Platform heels are a great way to finish off a monochrome look, particularly if your pieces are looser and slouchier. Add quirky accessories, such as a top-hat or dark sunglasses to tie the entire Doc Martens look together.
Christian Vierig
Cargo pants, Doc Martens, and Pearls
Balance delicate pieces like a pearl necklace with rugged staples such as cargos or boots. The neutrality of a casual sweater vest will help you to break up your Doc Martens look from head to foot.
Christian Vierig
Front Slit Trousers over Doc Martens with a Matching Blazer
Shoes that are complementary but not distracting will work well with front-slit pants, another 90s fashion trend. Match your Doc Martens with your shirt and bag.
Edward Berthelot
Set of Doc Martens with a busy pattern and a purse
When wearing all-over patterns and prints, a solid shoe is often needed to balance out the look. Doc Martens with thick soles and a crossbody bag or sunglasses with orange lenses are the best choice.
Getty | Daniel Zuchnik
Front-Slit Skirts, Cropped Jackets, and Doc Martens Boots
Choose a skirt with a waistline that is at least as high as your moto jacket. The front slit will allow you to focus on your Doc Martens, so add some socks to draw attention downward.
Getty | Daniel Zuchnik
A Spaghetti Strap minidress and Doc Martens boots
Complete the look by adding a pair of chunky Doc Martens to your summer minidress. The footwear is unexpected and adds a touch of grunge to the look, when you might have expected a minimalist sandal.
Yanshan Zhang
Denim Corset, Low-Slung Jeans, and Doc Martens
Let yourself be inspired by the early 2000s and pair a denim shirt with low rise jeans. Doc Martens are a great alternative to heels because they allow you to move more easily throughout the day. The skin-baring top still looks amazing in warm weather, and is a real head-turner.
Christian Vierig
All Black Pantsuit with Dark Sunglasses and Doc Martens
Leave the blazer undone on your pantsuit to reveal a corset or bralette. This will give your Doc Martens a quiet, luxurious look that is perfect for summer. This sporty-chic look is completed by dark, Matrix style glasses, a luxe clutch and your Doc Martens.
Edward Berthelot
Plaid Dress with Bucket Hat and Doc Martens Loafers
Use a double outfit sandwich, broken up with a plaid summer dress. Your tie-front shirt can be paired with a pair white ribbed sock, while your patent Doc Martens will complement a black bag crossbody and a pair sleek sunglasses. Add a bucket hat for a relaxed look.
