3 Ways to Wear Combat Boots and Not Feel Grungy
Doc Martens came onto the scene way back in the ‘60s and were basically, well, a basic for the blue-collar crowd. The iconic shoe has been a fave of counterculture movements ever since (’70s punk, ’80s new wave, ’90s grunge) and has recently experienced a renaissance of sorts à la Birkenstocks thanks to the runway. You’ll now see them on the feet of editors, bloggers and It girls alike, paired up with everything from flirty floral frocks to perfectly pleated trousers and structured coats. Combat boots are a lot of look, but they exude sartorial fierceness and feistiness too — and who doesn’t love that? If you’ve been considering a pair of these time-honored classics, but their styling prospects have you holding out, this week’s Style Resolutions has you covered. From the boardroom to the bar, here’s how to up the proverbial style ante on combat boots.
HOW TO WEAR COMBAT BOOTS FOR WORK
Your workweek is looking borderline insane, with a jam-packed agenda and a frighteningly long to-do list; effortless, no-nonsense pieces that don’t compromise on style are essential. Stick with a simple formula like a pencil skirt and blouse to make your morning routine feel like a breeze, mixing in bright color to kickstart those creative energies. On days like this, big impact accessories, like a statement necklace, are a godsend — throw one on and you’re ready to head out the door. Skip the stilettos and slip on a pair of sleek combat boots that will carry you painlessly through the day while injecting a healthy dose of confidence into your getup. Finish the look with a color blocked carryall and a classic car coat.
Dr. Martens 1460 Boots ($125) + Zara Striped Top ($40), Belted Split Midi Skirt ($75), H&M Jacquard Weave Coat ($99), London Edit Navy Leather and Baby Blue Pony Tote ($375), COS Folded Ribbon Necklace ($59), Ray-Ban LightRay Round Sunglasses ($220), Kevyn Aucoin The Matte Lip Color in Eternal ($33)
HOW TO WEAR COMBAT BOOTS FOR A NIGHT OUT
If Daria taught us anything back in the day, it was that flirty, feminine separates and Docs are a recipe for sartorial success. Balance out your badass kicks (which, BTW, totally kill it in cold weather) with an A-line frock decked out in a ditzy floral print. From there, take your night-out getup in a slightly mod direction, a nod to your boots’ roots, with a punchy snakeskin trench, geometric hoops and a two-tone ring. A bright coral clutch with an oversized tassel and cool blue nail lacquer add a final playful note.
Dr. Martens 1460 Boots ($125) + Warehouse Floral Ditsy Babydoll Dress ($89), Mango Animal Print Trench ($170), Ela Carlisle Clutch ($275), Urban Jerry’s Geometric Hoop Earring ($18), Marc by Marc Jacobs Cabochon Statement Ring ($151), Priti NYC Blue Wedgewood 656 ($15)
HOW TO WEAR COMBAT BOOTS FOR THE WEEKEND
On your days off, a pair of combat boots is the perfect alternative to sneakers. Pull a street style-star move and wear them with jeans and a cozy sweater with exaggerated sleeves — an It-girl twist on an anytime staple. Like a classic flannel shirt but chicer, a plaid duvet coat keeps you feeling cozy in spite of plummeting temps. Round out your look with attention-grabbing accessories like a mixed-media collar necklace and a neon saddle bag with room enough for all your off-duty essentials.
Dr. Martens 1460 Boots ($125) + Brown Ruffled Sleeve Sweater ($64), Wilfred Waleska Coat ($250), Ayr Skinny Jeans ($175), Topshop Cord And Circle Drop Necklace ($30), Rebecca Minkoff Mini Suki Crossbody ($225), Butter London Nail Lacquer in Molly Coddled ($15)
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