STYLE GUIDE: SHOES

Getting dressed should feel less like following rules and more like following your instincts. This is where your Doc's can help. Familiar enough to wear every day, they are also distinct enough to make any outfit feel a bit more like you. Nobody does 'more like you' better than stylist Jordan Dean Schneider, so he helped us put some looks together.

These aren't instructions, and certainly not trends. Think of them as friendly advice: different ways to wear Doc's. With tailoring, old knits, long skirts, worn-in tees… the kind of clothes that are already a part of your identity.

Doc's sharpen up softer looks while relaxing smarter ones. They add structure where you need it and ease where you don't. So have fun with it and try something unexpected. Dress up an outfit or dress it down. There's no 'right' way to wear your Doc's.

Long hemlines and loafers are an underrated combination. A maxi skirt with a high split changes completely once you add knee-high socks and chunky shoes underneath. Suddenly, the movement and proportions all start working together. Doc’s - like the 1461 Bex - give longer silhouettes shape and presence. They stop soft fabrics from floating away and help anchor the whole look.


“She’s matching textures – using mesh in both the socks and the top to pull the look together. She’s building a story.”

— Jordan Dean Schneider, Stylist

All black doesn't have to mean minimal. Sometimes, monochrome is less about simplicity and more about attention to detail. So, consider different textures and weights or faded black against clean black. Doc's - like the Mayfare - already carry character, so the polished leather adds a contrasting texture against wool trousers or washed denim, giving an all-black look depth without needing to integrate color.

*"If you're doing monochrome, be intentional with the details. It's an emo take on quiet luxury."

— Jordan Dean Schneider, Stylist*

Don’t resist the preppy references—lean into them. Pleated skirts, fitted knits, oversized blazers, ties—whatever version feels like yours. Mary-Janes like the Mayboles keep the look from becoming too polished. The shape still has attitude, which means you can push the styling further without it feeling like a costume.


“Lean into the vibe.”

— Jordan Dean Schneider, Stylist

Often, the best outfits feel slightly accidental. Throwing on an evening coat over tracksuit bottoms or an Americana bandana tucked into a pocket adds heritage textures before heading out the door. Doc’s - like 1461s - hold all of it together. They stop layered looks from feeling overthought, adding a sense of consistency underneath – sturdy, classic and uncomplicated. The more eclectic the outfit gets, the more useful the shoe becomes.

  
“Put something a bit unexpected underneath your jacket.”

— Jordan Dean Schneider, Stylist

Loafers — like the Temara — without socks always feel a little unexpected, especially when the rest of the outfit plays with proportion. Small details like stirrups, cropped trousers, or bare ankles can make familiar pieces feel brand new. The weight of the loafer’s sole balances the silhouette, adding structure to cleaner, more streamlined looks. It’s elegant, but never too precious.


“This is Equestrian Princess Di meets Sloane Ranger.”

— Jordan Dean Schneider, Stylist

A clean-cut suit with Doc's - like Adrian Ambassadors - loosens the mood, making it less boardroom and more lived-in. The structure of the shoe gives sharp trousers purpose, while the heavier sole keeps things grounded and wearable. Then, try softening everything else around it: a washed-out tee, knit around the shoulders and a cap will instantly relax the sharper lines. The trick is in the contrast. \n\n\n*"I would love to be this guy."\n\n— Jordan Dean Schneider, Stylist*

While you’ve swapped ripped flannels for oversized knits, worn coats and relaxed trousers, keep the same attitude underneath: comfortable, unfussy and a little undone. Doc’s like Lowells sharpen the edges just enough, stopping cozy layers from drifting too casual and adding weight to softer silhouettes. Think: easy silhouettes with a bit of backbone.

  
“This is grown-up, pared-back grunge. No flannel checked shirt. Just cozy and cool.”

— Jordan Dean Schneider, Stylist

White shouldn’t be reserved for summer. Off-white denim, cream knits and soft tailoring feel even better when grounded with darker shoes underneath. That contrast is what keeps lighter looks feeling easy rather than overly pristine. Doc’s - like the Mary Jane - bring a sense of balance, especially when the outfit mixes softer pieces. Consider adding an oversized jumper or relaxed shirt that feels a little androgynous.


“She’s got her boyfriend’s jumper that she took from school. There’s a boyishness to it.”

— Jordan Dean Schneider, Stylist