Can I Wear Combat Boots After 40, 50, 60+?

Hi Deb,

I’m wondering how to wear combat boots after 40. I see a lot of young girls wearing them with short shorts, but that doesn’t seem acceptable for a woman my age.

I wore Doc Martens in the ’90s and loved how comfortable they were, but now at 46, how should I wear them? Can you give me some ideas? Thanks! Trudy

Hi Trudy,

Combat boots are a great example of a past trend that resurfaces and makes you wonder if you should try it again. The answer is if you rocked Dr. Martens and flannel shirts in your younger grunge days, you can certainly wear combat boots again. I would just say don’t wear them with anything too skimpy and try to style them more thoughtfully to look chic. Here’s how.

Combat boots are slightly edgy, like a moto jacket. They look hip and cool on mature women when they are part of a complete outfit.  The best way to style combat boots is to wear them with something unexpected, soft, and feminine, like this silky blouse and leopard print scarf (above). This is a modern, mature look.

Doc Martens have been spotted on older celebrities like Diane Keaton and Susan Sarandon, so don’t worry that you will look like a granny in combat boots! Here are some more ideas for what to wear with Doc Martens and combat boots over 40 or 50. 60.

1) Wear Combat Boots with Jeans

Jeans are natural with combat boots, but skinny-leg jeans and big clunky combats will make your feet look huge. So all you need to do is balance the look by wearing something long and loose up top. An oversized sweater, tunic, or loose, flowy blouse works. Skinny jeans can be tucked into combat boots.

Baggy boyfriend jeans can be cuffed or worn down, long over your Doc Martens. Throw on a cute field jacket for an edgy outdoor look.

Want instant sophistication? Try raw-edge denim, a tailored blazer, + a pair of rebellious Dr. Martens.

2) Cropped Pants Show Off Combat Boots

Silm or Wide leg crop pants show off edgy combat boots and give your outfit attitude! Try to add a feminine touch, so you don’t look like you are wearing a military costume. It’s the juxtaposition feminine and masculine that creates a chic look. Here, the prettiest pink color transforms what could be a plaid punk look into a sophisticated outfit with a cool edge. Cropped plaid pants 

3) Maxi Dresses and Skirts Add Femininity

Long soft, light, flowy, dresses and skirts that with movement pair beautifully with combat boots.  I’ve paired this flowy floral maxi with combat boots and a black leather jacket for a dash of subculture style.

4) Florals Soften Combat Boots

Another easy solution to counteract the macho feel of combat boots is to wear a Floral Print.  Florals work well to create a contrast. Pair a pretty dress with tights and lace-up combat boots.

What to Wear Instead of Combat Boots, with a Similar vibe?

I must confess that combat boots are not for me. My taste has always leaned more toward more feminine boots. Nonetheless, if they work for you, go for it. Dressing at any age is about personal expression and being authentic. If you have the confidence and attitude for combat boots, you can pull them off without a problem.

If you are on the fence about combat boots, remember that Doc Martens aren’t the only kind. Other scaled-back styles are less chunky and edgy and more feminine and refined. You might be in this camp. 

Other options? Utility boots are rugged like combat boots but more sporty. Shearling utility booties with lug soles are trendy right now. Or how about plain suede lug sole booties like these black ones I’m wearing? They have the same lug sole as a combat boot but are not as heavy and clunky. They are a great way to be on trend but also stay true to my style.

I have included lots of options here.

Do you like combat boots, or do they belong in the army? Have you ever owned a pair of Dr. Martens? I’d love to know.