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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

WIBU to wear my Doc Martens to work?

60 replies

MummySparkle · 12/09/2017 23:57

Just that really! I work as a Teaching Assistant in the art department of a secondary school. Staff dress code states no trainers, not flip flops but otherwise is pretty open. My DMs are a sort of navy & purple but quite dark. (They were once navy, have had layers of hot pink shoe polish over the top and are gradually getting more purple).

The weather is miserable here, my usual smart winter boots are in desperate need of re-waterproofing and I don't want to get them wet before I get a chance to do it, otherwise I'll never get around to it like last year

I tend to be pretty relaxed with the dress code. I usually wear black skinny jeans, a jersey tunic & a cardi. Or some sort of smartish dress & tights (or leggings if I'm wearing boots). I'm gifted lumbered with an ample bosom so I always make sure I don't wear anything low cut.

WIBU to wear my DMs for a bit? They're so comfy, lots of 6th form students wear them. Surely a leather lace-up boot is more appropriate than the heels / dolly shoes worn by some of my colleagues?

OP posts:
Twinkleheth · 12/09/2017 23:59

I don't see a problem at al.

DontLetMeBeMisunderstood · 13/09/2017 00:00

If it fits the dress policy then just wear them - not seeing what the query is, why wouldn't you wear them?

ijustwannadance · 13/09/2017 00:01

You work in the art dept. I thought DM's would be some sort of legal requirement! Grin

Original poster
MummySparkle · 13/09/2017 00:05

Picture, just in case it makes a difference. They have a distressed charm Grin

WIBU to wear my Doc Martens to work?
OP posts:
amber90 · 13/09/2017 00:07

They're fab!

Original poster
MummySparkle · 13/09/2017 00:08

Misunderstood I have a feeling the word 'businesslike' is in the dress code somewhere. It's not a word I'd associate with DMs

OP posts:
WinditupSlowitdown · 13/09/2017 00:29

Unless someone senior to yourself told you they were inappropriate then I don't see the issue.

Original poster
MummySparkle · 13/09/2017 00:52

I'm going to wear them and see what happens. I'm a little bit scared of the senior leadership team, hopefully I won't get told off! Usually we just get an all staff email along the lines of 'flip flops are not part of the dress code' so if we get a DM one I'll know that's because of me Grin

OP posts:
MrsOverTheRoad · 13/09/2017 02:03

I would. I wear Rossi boots for my work which is in an arts centre so smart/casual workwear.

Rossis are a sort of Australian work boot but quite smart...obviously a work boot though....they're iconic here in a similar way to DM's and as I have problem feet, I wear what I can walk in!

Doyouthinktheysaurus · 13/09/2017 03:10

I wear mine to to work, not a teacher though so not much helpBlush

I'm an RMN working in inpatient services and find Docs incredibly practical and comfortable. I am currently sporting a patent pewter pair, my other pair of choice to work are very dark burgundy, almost black and very shiny.

They aren't smart as such but much more practical than most womens flat shoes imo.

Amanduh · 13/09/2017 03:16

Well, they're not business like.
But if you wear jeans and leggings regularly it doesn't sound like they'd be a problem at all!
Couldn't wear them at my school, but they're a stickler for dress codes.

PollyMycroft · 13/09/2017 06:36

Definitely not business like (but lovely nontheless).

Undercoverbanana · 13/09/2017 06:41

I wear DMs with tunic dresses and black tights to work.

It's my standard outfit.

KeiraTwiceKnightley · 13/09/2017 06:57

I work as a secondary teacher and would have no problem with a TA in those. My drama colleague wears shoe style DMs most days. Word to the wise though - if you're unsure, wear baggy trousers rather than skinny ones that are tucked in.

TheHungryDonkey · 13/09/2017 07:04

That's exactly what I would expect to see on a member of the art department.

scaryclown · 13/09/2017 07:06

Do it!
Recognised safety footwear in an environment with liquid and semi liquid spill risk, as well as some lifting and moving of equipment IS businesslike..

scaryclown · 13/09/2017 07:07

There a darn site more businesslike than those cheap semi pointed twat shoes mobile phone salesmen wear..

Spikeyball · 13/09/2017 07:09

I always wore DM boots when I was a teacher as did several other staff members. I wore them with wide legged or boot cut trousers.

ShadowWeaver · 13/09/2017 07:10

I've just bought Dd2 some doc Martins. I'm well jel Wink . Might have to buy myself some.

AngelaKardashian · 13/09/2017 07:11

There a darn site more businesslike than those cheap semi pointed twat shoes mobile phone salesmen wear..

Confused Uncalled for and an odd gripe to have.

Your DMs are fine, OP. I always wear DMs to work in cold weather, "business like" dress code or not. Even anyone says anything you can just wear something else the next day.

TiredMumToTwo · 13/09/2017 07:13

Yes, I think they lost the use of "business like" when they allowed jeans. Go for it - easier to ask forgiveness than seek approval!

zeebeedee · 13/09/2017 07:14

I'm a teacher and I'll be wearing my DM shoes today with a dress and thick tights, go for it.

scaryclown · 13/09/2017 07:39

Oh no! I woke up the twat shoe police!

FineOldCriminals · 13/09/2017 07:50

scary fwiw I completely agree with you on pointy shoes for men Grin I wear DM 's to work every day - I'm a lecturer, which, especially these days (Sad) is kind of like a teacher... Go for it, OP!

scaryclown · 13/09/2017 07:57

It's the square toe pointy ones of pleather I hate the most, all scuffed and horrible looking... But still 'businessy' urgh!

Dms are cool.. And are just leather shoes! Just because they are also cool, doesn't change that!