How To Wear Doc Marten Boots

My first outfit post of 2015! In the last few months I’ve really stepped back from daily outfit photos – I started to find the stress of creating a ‘blog-worthy’ outfit too much to deal with in a busy life. Maybe I’ll pick them back up when the weather is warmer and I’m not just wearing a daily rotation of black, navy and grey knitwear, but we’ll see.

I did, however, snap a few photos of today’s outfit, because I wanted to write about my DMs while in my current state of total infatuation. So here we go!

Skirt, Zara | Jumper, Zara | Coat, ASOS | DMs, Schuh | Brooch, Oh Gosh Cindy | Ear cuff, Zara | Hat, ASOS

I generally stay away from chunky footwear – I have size 8 feet, so anything that adds extra inches is simply unnecessary. DMs have always been in the ‘no-go’ area of fashion – too big, too clunky, too much. And I’ve always had that underlying fear that I’m just not cool enough to pull them off.

But then snow came to Yorkshire. One trip out in my (blatant-fashion-accessory) wellies and a falling over later, and I decided I needed some practical boots. Not pointy toed suede Zaras or leather Chelseas with soles as smooth as an ice rink, but actual, proper, all-weather boots. So I went into Schuh and tried some on.

As soon as these shearling-lined, super-grippy baes were on my feet, they weren’t coming off. And not only because they’re actually really difficult to get off (so. many. laces). I bought my DMs about 3 weeks ago and I haven’t worn any other shoe since. There’s something really satisfying about stomping along in them – they take on the worst of Yorkshire’s weather with ease and they’re insanely comfortable. Tick, tick.

If, like me, you’re used to a more refined sort of shoe, DMs can take some getting used to. I tend to wear mine with black, grey, navy and denim to keep things classic without straying into 90s Alt Kid territory. Here are a few silhouettes I find work well:

– With leggings (Zara and Topshop do great thick ones) and an oversized knit
– With skinny jeans and a loose white shirt
– With a smock dress and tights
– With a leather skirt and jumper

My DMs have a shearling lining so they were really comfy from the start, although I know the classic boots take a bit of breaking in. I’m tempted to buy a maroon pair without the lining for the summer months – how cute would they look with floaty dresses and denim cut-offs? So Gwen Stefani circa 1998!