Mary Janes: How this classic design became the shoe of the season
Put your best foot forward in this perenially chic silhouette
A trusted companion for little girls and grown women alike, is there any shoe as versatile as the iconic Mary Jane? We think not. Characterised by singular or multiple instep straps, the darling Mary Jane shoe silhouette is currently enjoying a particularly bright moment in the spotlight. Sales of Mary Janes have increased by 397 per cent on Net-a-Porter, while celebrity style icons like Bella Hadid and Sarah Jessica Parker have been spotted in the beloved silhouette.
Named, somewhat incongruously, for the love interest of popular early-1900s cartoon character Buster Brown, for AW24 the preppy style plays into trending fashion aesthetics like balletcore while the sentimentality attached to wearing Mary Janes as a child adds to the silhouette’s nostalgia-fuelled popularity. As timeless as a pair of loafers or ballet flats, Mary Jane shoes stand out due to their endless variations. Whether you’re into flats, heels, platforms, or even sneakers, there’s a Mary Jane to suit your needs.
You may have grown up wearing standard black Mary Janes with your school uniform, but your grown-up wardrobe can reflect your style far better. From flats to chunky heels, we’ve curated an edit of the best Mary Jane shoes to buy now and love forever.
The Row Ava leather Mary Jane flats
The Row’s Ava Mary Jane flats are cult favourites for a reason. Crafted from buttery-soft black leather in Italy, the shoes feature a soft almond toe and a minimal buckled strap. Endlessly versatile, grab these fast as they tend to sell out quickly.
Maison Margiela Tabi Mary Jane shoes
Add a high-fashion Japanese touch to your wardrobe with Maison Margiela’s Tabi Mary Jane shoes. An iconic silhouette introduced in 1988, this burgundy iteration features the signature split toe and a low block heel.
Prada leather pumps
Elegant and minimal, Prada’s Mary Jane pumps hold a timeless allure. A glossy black leather upper is shaped into a pointed toe atop a block heel. Pair with a pleated skirt and a crisp white shirt for an elevated schoolgirl aesthetic.
Etro Mary Jane pumps
Perfect for an autumn day spent walking amidst fiery foliage, Etro’s Mary Jane pumps are made from tan crocodile-print leather. With a comfortable platform heel, the black leather pumps feature a paisley insole and a chunky gold-tone buckle.
Marni Mary Jane sneakers
If you prefer trainers over any other shoe, add Marni’s Mary Jane sneakers to your daily rotation. The simple leather design features a white toe-cap and chunky rubber sole. Pair with baggy jeans and a crop top for ultimate cool-girl points.
Jimmy Choo Elisa Mary Jane pumps
Polished and formal, wear these black leather Jimmy Choo pumps to make a statement at work. The block-heeled Mary Jane pumps feature patent leather toe caps and straps along with faux pearl fastenings adorned with gold ‘JC’ lettering.
Thom Browne Mary Jane pumps
Thom Browne combines the timeless allure of the Mary Jane silhouette with another classic design mainstay: broguing. Crafted in black leather, these classic pumps feature cross-straps and are detailed with a perforated design. With a mid-block heel and signature Thom Browne striped pull-tab, they’re sure to be a favourite for seasons to come.
Dr. Martens Eviee heeled Mary Janes
Blend in with the cool kids in Mary Jane Dr. Martens. Inspired by the brand’s Mary Jane silhouette from the 1980s, these heeled leather shoes are detailed with a double straps and signature yellow welt stitching. Take styling cues from Gen Z and pair with a maxi skirt.
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