Here at CF, we’re big fans of investing in high-quality, versatile items that will last you several years.
Usually, when you think of investment pieces, things like trench coats, little black dresses, and perfectly fitted jeans come to mind. Don’t get me wrong — I’m a proud owner of all of these “must-have” items and wear them regularly.
But to me, true style is all about the extras — the unexpected pieces you add to an outfit that makes them unique, stylish, and well, very “you!”
Dr. Marten 1460 combat boots are one of these special investment pieces that some girls (depending on their personal style) consider an absolute staple.
After eyeballing these babies for literally the last five years, I finally bit the bullet and shelled out the cash for a pair…
And you know what? I don’t know what I did before I had them!
These boots add such a cool, grungy aesthetic to any outfit combo in my closet. With these babies on my mind, I couldn’t wait to write a post about my new Dr. Martens, and share with you ladies some tips and tricks I’ve learned about pulling them off.
Ready to learn some style tips on how to pull off a bold pair of combat boots? Read on, girls!
Related reading: How to Style Combat Boots (+10 Outfit Ideas)
Table of Contents
But First, Some Less-Expensive Alternatives
I get it, we’re all working from a college student budget… and that means it can be hard to justify the investment in a full-price pair of Docs. If you’re not quite ready to drop the $100-$150 dollars for the real thing, there are plenty of adorable alternatives that will give you the same look without destroying your bank account.
For a full list of these, we’ve written a post on the Top 10 Best Alternatives to Doc Martens. Check it out for all the budget-friendly options you need!
Tips and Tricks for Rocking Dr. Marten Combat Boots
- Consider the color and material. Black and brown styles in matte leather are definitely the most versatile, but when I sought out to buy a pair of Dr. Martens, I wanted them to stand out — so I purchased a hot pink patent pair. The right pair of combat boots for you really just depends on your personal style, how often you think you’ll wear them, and what kind of look you want them to (as my favorite celebrity chef Alton Brown says) “bring to the party.” You can wear a neutral pair of combat boots several times a week, or a colorful pair several times a month, but really loud patterns (like the floral and UK flag printed versions I’ve seen) will be more memorable, therefore you probably won’t want to wear them as frequently.
- Break them in! Remember when your mom bought you your first pair of Dr. Martens in grade school, and she told you that they had to “break-in” before you’d really like them? Well, she was totally right! To speed up the process, follow that trick we’ve all seen floating around Pinterest — with two pairs of wool socks and the boots on your feet, blow-dry tight spots with hot air until they loosen up to your liking.
- Pair them with skinny jeans. A no-brainer way to rock combat boots is with a pair of skinny jeans and a knit sweater. It’ll give you a rustic, wintery look without coming across as too cutesy or preppy.
- Wear them with a dress. I love the look of a girly dress juxtaposed against tough boots. The only rule that I would follow is to stick with a dress that hits higher than your knee, but it’s up to you to experiment and see what you like.
- Try them with shorts. This will give you a hip, street-style sort of look and make your shorts wearable throughout the fall — especially when paired with tights.
- Leggings look great, too. Leggings paired with a tunic and an oversized cardigan will look super chic with a pair of combat boots.
- Balance the look. Because combat boots are so heavily associated with ’90s grunge, you might look dated if you pair them with too many other things associated with that look, like oversized flannels, baggy denim, etc. Also, since combat boots cut off a few inches higher than your ankles, keep your legs long by sticking with solid-colored pants or a shorter skirt.
Outfit Inspiration
And now for everyone’s favorite part of CF posts…a few sample outfits to help you get started!
Shirt, Shorts, Tights, Boots, Sunglasses, Turband, Jacket
This outfit is a little bit rock and roll and has a seriously edgy vibe! Don’t put away your favorite distressed denim shorts yet — they’ll look awesome with a pair of black tights and combat boots. Add your favorite t-shirt, and layer on a motorcycle jacket. Finish the look with sunglasses and a turband.
Boots, Hat, Jeans, Sweater, Ring, Necklace
An easy way to pull off colorful combat boots is with a simple skinny-jeans-and-a-sweater outfit. You’ll look cozy and cute, but not at all boring! Finish with fun accessories, like a statement ring or necklace. If it’s super chilly outside, experiment with fun trapper hats or knit beanies for an extra boost of style.
What Do You Think?
Do you own a pair of Dr. Marten combat boots? What do you think about them? How do you like to style yours? How do you feel about combat boots in general? What are your favorite pair of shoes? What other style blogger cult favorites do you love or loathe? Leave a comment and help us continue the discussion!!
I just got my first ever pair of DMs today and have tried a number of outfits.
First is the navy skinny jeans, cute winter jumpet, woolen socks and black DMs with chic jewellery
two is the skater skirt with top and cardigan with dms.for a more girly pretty look.
Finally is leggings baggy top and dms for a more grungy look.
I love how dms are back in fashion and they go with a lot of things.
If you don’t mind used shoes try vintage! I bought a pair of 90’s black 1460 Docs on Etsy for 40 dollars in near new condition! The quality is miles apart from the stiff plastic-y leather that the newer Docs are made of.
Finally! I love combat boos, and have always thought they would look adorable when paired with the right dress. My parents have always told me to not try new fashion stuff because it doesn’t look good. I’m so glad that my instincts have been right all along!
Love that the grunge look is coming back!!
I’m 25 and I still rock my pair of black 1460 Dr. Martens. They definitely aren’t meant to be worn to the office, but you can still have a “mature” style and wear them. I like to wear mine with skinny jeans, a cute sweater, and my leather biker jacket. Very edgy and stylish.
I even wear my Dr. Martens if it’s snowing out. The non-slip rubber soles won’t send you flying down an icy street or sidewalk!
I can’t picture wearing combat boots as a fashion statement. Had to wear them everyday when I was in the military and they were hell on my feet. The steel toe cut across the cuticles of my toes rubbing away the skin and leaving what was left callused and I have massive scarring on my heels from blisters. I know beauty hurts but who wants to subject themselves to a torture machine that massacres your feet when they are so many cuter shoe options available?
I own a pair of the black 1460s that I have loved for four years and are definitely one of my staple items. If I had to wear one pair of shoes for the rest of my life those would be it! If you are hesitant about getting a pair because of the price point DON’T BE!!! They are EXTREMELY high quality and will last for many years unlike the cheaper knockoff versions so they are well worth the investment! Not only that but they are the most comfortable pair of shoes I have ever owned. Even though I have had them for about four years, I think they definitely have another four years worth of life in them. If you take care of them they will last forever and pretty much pay for themselves. How many other pairs of shoes can you say that about? GET A PAIR!
I just love all these outfits! Wow. My style is just so perfectly defined here. I might just drop all my cash on a pair…
I like the first two outfits but the last one is dreadfulll. The dress is ruined with those shoes.
I got a red pair a combat boots by Nervermind 2 years ago and I still love them and wear them very often. The quality and price are the same as with Dr. Martens but I personally found them more comfortable to walk in. I love how everybody looks at me when I wear them, but I hated it, when about 3 months later NewYorker started selling similar boots for about 30$. I love the wear them with shorts or dresses, they give the outfit some kind of an edgy touch. 🙂
I thick Doc Martins are really ugly and make the wearer look like a middle school punk in the rebellion stage of life.
That being said, I think combat boots are great. But I think they have to be “less chunky” to work.
My Allsaints Damasi boots are probably my most favorite pair of clothing I own!
I like them, but I’m still not totally sure how I’ll wear them, since I ususally dress more preppy or girly. I got a pair from Kohl’s (they were Princess Vera Wang) and they were only $34 (plus they have a 15% off deal on everything right now) so those could be another good alternative!
Very nice! I’ve been thinking long and hard about buying a pair of docs, but was always curious about what I would wear them with; this post was super helpful! Thanks!
I love those dark red ones! I think I don’t own any clothes that go with them though
Not my style, but I LOVE the cherry combat boots…….still trying to figure out how to incorporate them into a more casual/mature/preppy wardrobe. LOL
I love the skinny jeans and knitted neutral sweater idea.
I am a die-hard devotee of Doc Martens and have been saving up for the floral-patterned ones. I’m so glad you featured a look-alike pair in this post because as much as I love the real deal, I’m a broke 22-year-old and I’lll be so glad to not have to spend $120 on a trendy pair that I might be over in a year. Meanwhile, my basic black ones I’ll probably have for the rest of my life!