"Put Me in a Look" is PAPER's monthly styling series featuring social media editor Alaska Riley and fashion editor Andrew Nguyen. Keep scrolling to see how the duo would dress each other in their favorite brands. This month: Dr. Martens.
Since Dr. Martens introduced it on April 1, 1960, the aptly named 1460 boot has become an icon. It’s the brand’s OG and instantly recognizable by its signature yellow welt stitching, grooved sole and heel loop.
While the 1460 has become synonymous with certain subcultures throughout the decades, style these days is more personal than ever, and trends and cultures mix with self expression. Why not mix prep or high femme with boots? There are no rules! For this edition of “Put Me in a Look,” Alaska and Andrew prove that no matter what style they’re feeling, it can all be paired with the classic Dr. Martens 1460 boot.
Some days, the duo feels softer and sweeter than normal, and fashion’s feeling is mutual, relishing in some light-hearted romance with ultra-sheer fabrics, ruffled silhouettes and playful accessorizing with ribbons and pearls and bows, all mixed together at once. Sure, it could be easy to top it all off with ballet flats and go full-on literal, but a pair of boots balances out the overly saccharine.
A signature of Andrew’s, sportswear has become his go-to uniform for all occasions, mixing high and low. No longer relegated to the fields or courts, easy and airy fabrics like jersey, mesh or spandex can be styled with the right shoe, like a Dr. Martens boot, to look appropriate from the office to happy hour.
Many of us are spending more time at home than ever before and are bringing the same level of indoor comfort to the outside world. Think chic, luxurious and oversized knitwear swathed around our bodies like blankets and layered indulgently like we do our bedding. Big scarves with big hats with big sweaters with big pants for the most plush lifestyle possible — all grounded with a good boot to step outside.
These days, the aesthetic of the popular kids in high school has been reclaimed by anyone who loves a dark academic look. It’s giving crisp pleats and ironed white button-downs. We’re basically all teacher’s pets, gunning for straight A’s and a glowing college recommendation letter, well into adulthood. The obvious pairing might be a patent oxford, but a boot grounds the look just as well while adding a hint of subversion.
Clearly, Dr. Martens 1460 boot truly is a boot like no other, even during a time when trends and style are changing faster than ever. All that matters is that you make it yours.
This article is a sponsored collaboration between Dr. Martens and PAPER.
Photography: Matthew Xavier Praley
Styling: Angelina Cantú
Makeup: Mollie Gloss
Hair: Brooke Tokar
Videography: Yazz Jansen
Talent: Andrew Nguyen, Alaska Riley
Photography assistant: Evan Jean
Digitech: Paul Yem
Styling assistant: Heidi Cannon
Makeup assistant: Hailey Jones
Production assistant: Abby Lorenzini
Editor-in-chief: Justin Moran
Managing editor: Matt Wille
Producer: Sammy Case
Publisher: Brian Calle
