ReGeneration X

It’s undisputed fact that fashion trends come around cyclically, and there seems to be a resurgence of 90’s style going on. Seeing this, I can’t help but feel regretful that I gave my fairly pristine 90’s Doc Martens Mary Janes to charity a few years back. I said as much on social media not long ago, and a former student in her late 20’s replied that she LOVES hers, and was faithful to a 90’s grunge aesthetic. The picture she sent made me want to say oh, you poor baby chick. That’s not 90’s grunge. A Nirvana tee does not the 90’s make. But I didn’t, because in her leather and ripped jeans way, she’s attempting to find her style. And isn’t that what your 20’s are all about?

Buying my Docs was like a rite of passage for me. I bought them with my birthday money at the Doc Martens flagship store in London. Before my Docs I exclusively wore £5 cotton kung fu shoes from Covent Garden Market. The Mary Janes cost £100, and I thought I would die from sticker shock. However, they were the most resilient and long-lasting shoes I ever bought. They wore in beautifully, were pretty comfortable, and looked great with a floral babydoll dress.

However, the offerings today are pretty great, too. They still offer the classic Doc boot and a take on the Mary Jane, but they’re also offering cute librarian-esque shoes, patterned boots, and even sandals.

Maybe instead of mourning for my lost shoes, I should think about a modern upgrade…