Fashion Shoes 14 Versatile Dr. Martens Outfits That Rival Your Favorite Sneaker Combos By Samantha Sutton Samantha Sutton Samantha is InStyle's senior fashion editor. She joined the brand in 2019 and oversees the site's fashion coverage, including trend reporting, fashion exclusives, celebrity style interviews, and Fashion Week coverage. InStyle's editorial guidelines Updated on October 5, 2023 @ 11:07AM Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: Getty Images A quick inventory of your favorite celeb's street style, and you'll likely notice a little something interesting: outfits with Dr. Martens are everywhere. While these famous chunky boots are nothing new, they've definitely seen a resurgence in recent years. No doubt, thanks to the second coming of '90s fashion (we see you, Olivia Rodrigo), celebs and fashionable folk around the world are styling them in a variety of creative ways, reaching for the comfortable, lug-soled shoe instead of high heels or, in some cases, sneakers, or the ubiquitous ballet flat. No longer relegated to grunge or gothcore looks — two aesthetics this footwear choice tends to be associated with — Dr. Martens outfit ideas are now about making the shoe feel more casual, office-appropriate, and even event-worthy. These days, they're styled with everything from comfy leggings to mini dresses and head-to-toe suiting, helping to spice up classic looks and create a cool, fashion-forward statement. Ahead, we break down 14 versatile outfits to wear with Dr. Martens — some of which may already be in your closet. 01 of 14 Toughen Up Blue Jeans Melodie Jeng/Getty Images Add flair to your well-worn basics by incorporating these chunky, statement-making shoes into your look. Even if your outfit is somewhat simple, Dr. Martens will give things a fashion-forward edge. 02 of 14 Go Hard and Soft Matthew Sperzel/Getty Images It may seem counterintuitive, but soft fabrics like lace, organza, silk, and satin can contrast perfectly with leather and black accessories like Dr. Martens, particularly when paired with soft layers, voluminous proportions, and ruffles. 03 of 14 Brighten Up an All-Black Look Edward Berthelot/Getty Images If you're hoping for an eye-catching pop, swap your Dr. Martens out for a white, printed, or colorful pair to provide some contrast. Switching out your laces will give your look an extra dose of fun, and you'll find that a pair like the 1940s Pascal Atlas — which includes bright yellow details — is just as versatile as the original boot. 21 Unique Ways to Wear Head-to-Toe Black 04 of 14 Give a Maxidress a New Outlook Getty Images The rugged nature of these boots will offset ruffles or sweet floral patterns, giving a formal design a more subtle, laid-back spin, and seeing a chunky boot peeking out from a long dress is less expected. Amazon Shoppers Say This “Very Flattering” Under-$50 Maxi Dress Is "Light and Comfortable" 05 of 14 Bring a Mini Down to Earth Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images While night-out looks are often paired with over-the-knee styles or stilettos, give your look some edge (and height) with complementary Dr. Martens. 06 of 14 Cut Your Sweats Some Slack Getty Images We'll always love our slide sandals, but there's something about these chunky boots that turn loungewear into a sleeker, more intentional, and put-together ensemble, giving the impression that you've buttoned up trousers instead of pulled on sweatpants. 14 Times Celebs Wore Sweatpants Out of the House 07 of 14 Give Leggings the Boot Getty Images Throw it back to the '90s by styling your boots with leggings and an oversized jacket (extra points if it's flannel or a shacket). The combination is an easy and comfy outfit idea, with the Dr. Martens offering structure and grounding. 08 of 14 Tone Down Trousers Getty Images Trousers have become the happy medium between jeans and sweats, but if you're still stumped on how to style these office-friendly pants in a way that's not too stuffy, slip your feet into some Dr. Martens. The contrast helps to dress them down and provide a bit of edge. 09 of 14 Turn Shorts Into All-Year Gear Kirstin Sinclair/Getty Images Dr. Martens feel just as classic as your favorite denim shorts and graphic tees, which is probably why those pieces look so darn good together on warm days. Give your shorts permission to linger into fall (and beyond) with a boost from Dr. Martens and a little peek-a-boo sock. 26 Questionable '00s Trends That Have Unfortunately Returned 10 of 14 Skirt the Issue Getty Images Dr. Martens boots pair well with various skirt styles, whether pleated, mid-length, ruffled, or denim. They're more casual than a heel or loafer, providing balance and preventing your outfit from being too formal. 9 Must-Try Pleated Skirt Outfits to Wear Anywhere 11 of 14 Keep a Look from Going Over-the-Top Edward Berthelot/Getty Images Go ahead and experiment by wearing your Dr. Martens with items that seem as if they wouldn't go, such as structured blazers, polka-dot tights, sequins, or tulle. Opposites tend to attract, especially in the fashion world, and these shoes will work to tone down over-the-top elements and make them work for everyday activities. 12 of 14 Give Pastels a Dose of New Life Getty Images When it comes to black shoes, it's easy to gravitate toward darker or neutral-colored clothing. However, styling bright or pastel colored pieces with darker footwear creates an unexpected mix that feels fresh and fun. Try adding sweet color-coordinated socks to really tie the look together. The Top Spring Colors to Wear, According to Fashion Stylists 13 of 14 Get Fully Entrenched Edward Berthelot/Getty Images Perhaps the world's chicest and most versatile coat, the trench coat is just rugged and classic enough to hold its own against any shoe, and Dr. Martens are equally classic — and useful — on a rainy day. 14 of 14 Suit Up Edward Berthelot/Getty Images Forget standard Oxfords and brogues. Nothing gives a suit some extra oomph like lug-sole Dr. Martens. Up the modern, playful factor even more by pairing the look with a crop top, vintage tee, or sports jersey