It seems like every year I search for the best combat boots. Last year, I landed on the AllSaints Franka boot. I adore them and get a lot of wear out of them, but I still had a big Doc Martens-shaped hole left in my wardrobe.
I’ve been a fan of Docs since I was in high school and got to visit London on an all-star dance trip my senior year (we danced in the New Year’s Day parade. I thought I had died and gone to London-obsessed-dancer heaven.) I bought some black velvet Dr. Martens at the giant downtown London location (Piccadilly Circus, perhaps?) and they are — to this day — my most memorable shoe purchase ever.
jacket | sweater | jeans | boots
Found: The Perfect Combat Boots For Me
at Zappos | at Free People | at Amazon (currently on sale!) | at Shoes.com
While my love runs deep for most Doc Martens, not all styles are as flattering on me as they once were. Therein was the issue last year during my search. I love, love the comfort of the Dr. Marten Pascal Core I tried last year, but they weren’t quite right with all of my jeans. So the search continued…
…through this year, when I tried the Dr. Marten Clemency boot on a whim. I had ordered the Leona boot to try (the pair Shana loves) and threw these in my cart last minute. What a find! I love the Leona boots, too, but wanted more of that classic combat boot look than the slightly more hiking boot vibe. The Clemency has just a bit of a heel, but not a huge platform. Perfect! They add a little height and lift to my shorter frame, without being uncomfortable. I could walk all day in these. They are kinda selling fast these days, so while it has a little bit more of a platform, the Dr. Martens Shriver boots still have a super-similar vibe. The Shriver is also available (and currently part of the Fall Event sale!) at Shopbop here.
Styling Doc Martens With Straight-Leg Cropped Jeans
The main goal as we get chillier and chillier is to have warm ankles. I love that Docs provide not only that ankle coverage, but that cool girl look, too. I’m fine with wearing hiking boots or Blundstones when need be, but Docs are those perfect fashion boots that are still comfortable and still weather-resistant without being rain boots. They’re just rad and versatile, and they also go perfectly with these jeans, that were an oddly short but not-short-enough length on me. I tried them cuffed with cute socks and my Docs, and voilà…my new favorite fall and winter outfit.
Mountain Hardware Super DS Hooded Jacket c/o (s) | Old Navy Pointelle Sweater (s) | Mother The Tomcat Jeans (28) at Nordstrom or at Shopbop | Dr. Martens Clemency boots: at Zappos | at Free People | at Amazon | at Shoes.com
Styling Doc Martens With Cuffed, Black-Wash Dad Jeans
I first wore the Dr. Marten Clemency boots with my favorite black Topshop dad jeans I love. They work great with the wider leg without looking too frumpy, as a flat boot might, because of the slight heel. Shall I wax poetic even more about my favorite combat boots? Haha. I just love a shoe that solves a problem.
jacket | jeans (similar) | boots
BlankNYC quilted jacket (at Nordstrom in tan) | Topshop Chicago Dad Jeans (30) (similar, just without the rip) Dr. Martens Clemency: at Zappos | at Free People | at Amazon | at Shoes.com
The Outfit Pieces I’m Styling With Combat Boots
My Favorite Doc Martens
So, there we have it. Dr. Martens found…again. My love for London will never subside, and these classic London boots will forever be a reminder of my favorite international city. What’s your most memorable shoe purchase? The other pairs of Docs I’ve been eyeing are the sherpa-lined and the unlined Chelsea style. Love. The unlined Cadence has a similar heel to these above, perfect if you prefer a pull-on style. As usual, drop a comment if you love Docs or have a favorite style to share! Happy Combat Boot season!
xo,
L
Hey hey from Portland, OR. Would love for you to follow me over on Instagram @laurajansenstyle for all things casual mom-wear, lots of foodie pics and donuts, some kitchen dance parties and some social justice. xo
Lovely photos by Posy Quarterman Photography
ps. This one’s for the pinners…
Love a good Doc! I hereby resolve to give mine some more love this year.
Between the resurgence of Docs, dad jeans, masks, tie-dye, wide-legs, and matching sets, I think it would be SO FUN to do a TME Style Challenge. A., it would be nice to do something deliberately fun During These Times, especially as it gets colder and harder to get outside, but B. it does seem that, against all odds, there ARE some new trends gaining traction and I for one would love to see how people style things up!
Oh Dang! I got the Leona’s in oxblood recently…now I think I like the Clemencys better.
CANNOT have both….or……
I love your look! Where is your necklace and stack of rings from?
Thank you so much! The necklace is from this set. LOVE it. https://shopstyle.it/l/bnq8L And the rings I got from a Noonday online party recently that my friend hosted. It’s two of the same ring. Love how they stack
It is easier for me to pick a favorite child than name a favorite shoe purchase. My first pair of Docs in high school ranks high up there, though. I have a pair of cherry 1490s and a pair of black and they are easily my most worn shoes in winter. I really love how they look with your Mother jeans, here! So so good!
Hahaha you are killing me. I love your Docs on you! So so good. And thank you!!
My most memorable shoe purchase was a school trip to London as well! Snake print cowboy boots. I’m not sure how a girl from the prairies who had ample opportunity to buy “real” cowboy boots I fell in love with cowboy boots in London, but I certainly did. I wore them so much I had to resole them meow than once and I think they could two step on their own.
I never think layers, I think heavier sweaters so this post was inspiring. Thanks, Laura!
Ahh I guess it’s the magic of London haha. I always want everything when I visit. Thanks so much I’m so glad this post was helpful.
I remember buying my first pair of Doc Martins when I was a senior in high school… in 1995. And I STILL have them and they still look perfect!
Ahh so good, Joules!!