How to Style Outfits around Your Dr. Martens

Ever since the 1960s, Dr. Martens have been the shoes of choice for those that like to go against the grain. This is because when the Griggs family, who had been making boots since 1901, teamed up with Dr. Martens, they sought to create a shoe that broke the mold. As soon as the first pair of Dr. Martens boots hit the British high streets in 1960, they melded with youth culture. These military-style shoes retain a tough reputation. At the same time, however, it is no longer just a shoe for rebellious teenagers. When styled correctly, one can wear their Dr. Martens with a wide variety of outfits from dresses to jeans.

Achieve a Classic Look with Dr. Martens and Skinny Jeans
The easiest and most popular way to wear Dr. Martens is with a tight pair of skinny jeans. This type of outfit is casual and relaxed, and the look of the Dr. Martens boots adds a tough edge that tennis shoes and other types of boots simply cannot replicate. If one has black or brown combat boots, practically any wash of jeans can look great. For example, the Dr. Martens cherry color, which is a slightly reddish brown, is also a great option when one is shopping for boots to pair with jeans. For a casual yet polished look, one can even wear khakis with darkly colored Dr. Martens. Just remember to tuck the jeans into the tops of the boots to really showcase them. Top off such an outfit with a favorite trendy top or oversized sweater.

Create a Throwback Look with Your Dr. Martens
The first people to help make Dr. Martens popular in the 1960s were the skinheads in Great Britain. This group had a style that paid homage to the British working class by mimicking the fashions of the average working man. For the ultimate throwback look to those groups of rebellious teens, one should pair their Dr. Marten boots with classic pieces such as high-waisted jeans, oversized t-shirts, and flannel button-ups. To really show off the combat boots, one should also roll up the cuff of their jeans. Although many different colors and styles of Dr. Martens are available, stick to the classic vintage Dr. Martens boots for this look, like the Dr. Martens 1460.

Color Coordinate Your Dr. Martens
Although black Dr. Martens are by far the most popular, there are many other colors available as well. Women's Dr. Martens, for instance, come in a wide variety of bright colors. Pink Dr. Martens are a popular option for girls that love surprising people with pops of color. To wear such brightly colored combat boots, opt for neutral-colored bottoms, such as a pair of black leggings or jean shorts. Then pick out a fun top that coordinates with the boot color, or let the boots really pop by wearing a neutral top as well.

Mix Your Dr. Martens with Feminine Touches
Just because these military boots take inspiration from men's work boots, it does not mean that one cannot still feel feminine while wearing them. Skirts and dresses above the knee all look great with a chunky pair of boots like Dr. Martens. For a unique combination, pair a flowy floral dress with the classic black Dr. Marten 1490. However, many stylists consider it too much to pair heavy boots with long skirts. Therefore, consider against wearing a maxi skirt or dress below the knee with Dr. Martens. Instead, try to stick to dresses and skirts that fall about four to six inches above the knee to keep the outfit looking feminine and fresh. Wearing a jacket or blazer on top is a great way to complement the entire outfit and ensure one is not showing too much skin.