I'm so here for Mary Janes being back in vogue. They made their comeback last year, and this season they're coming into their own as we (I say we, as I do this) wear Mary Jane flats with socks and jeans - it's a look, and I love it.
I’ve just bought my third pair of Mary Jane shoes myself, totally inspired by Instagram and my child’s school shoes – inspiration strikes in the strangest places, doesn’t it?! I'm all for the Parisian vibes of the Mary Jane, and I'm parking my loafers in favour of the cutesy strapped flats.
The Mary Jane flats: Arket Mary Janes, £159
The Mary Jane heels: Jones The Bootmaker Burgundy Heeled Mary Janes, £89
The red Mary Janes: New Look Red Mary Janes, £27.99
The silver Mary Janes: H&M Mary Jane Flats in Silver, £18.99
The velvet Mary Jane shoes: Charles & Keith Mary Janes, £65
Don't sleep on Mary Jane heels either. Again, wear with socks and jeans and you'll find its the ideal accomplice to a simple swear. And if you’re a Sex and The City stan (guilty!), you'll know the iconic scene where Carrie got to explore the Vogue fashion closet. “Oh my god!” she screams, as she spots a pair of Manolo Blahnik Mary Janes. “I thought this was an urban myth!”
Another reason to love them? They're comfy. Comfortable Mary Jane shoes are the elevated equivalent of wearing a sneaker or a ballet flat; the straps (single or double, your choice) minimise slipping and give your feet a little more stability than a slip on shoe. Practical and stylish, the Holy Grail, non?
How to style Mary Jane shoes
Treat a pair of Mary Janes as you would a loafer or ballet flat; with jeans, skirts, wide-leg trousers and party wear (heels or flats). Think of them as a smarter alternative to trainers for these in-between weather days, and a more interesting look for evening than a classic pump.
© InstagramThe cool girls are eschewing the classic black style for Mary Jane shoes in red, like digital creator Aïda Badji , burgundy or brown, and I am a big fan of suede flat Mary Janes. Square toes are also in vogue, but if in doubt, stick to the original round toe shape.
© InstagramWear with white, black or red socks, tights or keep it pared back with a flash of ankle and frayed jeans, like influencer Tine Van Cauwenberghe.
How I chose the best Mary Jane shoes
- Style: I’ve searched the high street for both flat and heeled Mary Janes, in black leather as well as red, leopard, burgundy and studded.
- Inclusivity: You’ll find Mary Jane shoes in standard width as well as wide fit, narrow fit and larger sizes too.
- Comfort factor: Where possible, I’ve scrutinised the reviews of the Mary Janes listed to highlight the most comfortable pairs.
- Price: You can bag a pair for as little as £32.99 and spend upwards of £120, so you'll find a range of prices in this edit.
Best Mary Jane shoes for autumn 2024
1/11
Charles & Keith Velvet Buckled Mary Janes
Editor's Note:
These are front and centre because they're on my wish list - they're just so stylish yet look so comfy too. These flats have plenty of colours to choose from, including beige and a pinky red, and a classic round toe. J'adore.
2/11
Office Burgundy Mary Janes
Editor's Note:
Coming in hot in the colour of the season are these flat Mary Janes from Office. How chic is the patent burgundy finish? Pleasingly flat, I think these and denim are a match made in heaven.
3/11
Boden Vic Leather Leopard Chisel Toe Mary Janes
Editor's Note:
Leopard print Mary Janes are speaking to my animal print loving heart! These Boden flats look super comfy and easy to wear, with a wide strap and round toe. These would look fab with denim but equally as cool with leopard print - double your prints.
4/11
Jones The Bootmaker Patent Leather Double Strap Mary Jane Shoes
Editor's Note:
These classic Jones The Bootmaker heeled Mary Janes are giving Carrie Bradshaw vibes. If it's a timeless pair you're after, these are for you - double straps, a block heel and round toe.
5/11
Next Black Forever Comfort® Jewel Mary Jane Shoes
Editor's Note:
Jewelled? I'm here for it. Next's flat Mary Janes can be dressy or casual, thanks to the jewel embellishment which elevates these from your everyday shoe to a wear anywear shoe.
They come in normal width or wide fit, with a cushioned footbed for extra comfort.
6/11
New Look Wide Fit Red Patent Mary Jane Strappy Ballerina Pumps
Editor's Note:
Red Mary Janes are so hot right now (look at them with leopard!) and New Look's are a wide fit version for us girls who need something a little bigger. Pleasingly shiny, they're a mash-up between a ballet flat and a Mary Jane and would slip seamlessly into your wardrobe.
7/11
& Other Stories Mary-Jane Leather Pumps
Editor's Note:
Brown is the cool-girl neutral instead of black. And & Other Stories have created a pair of Mary Janes that are timeless yet somehow contemporary, with block heel, round toe and adjustable strap. Very demure, very mindful.
8/11
Russell & Bromley Mesh Mary Jane Heels
Editor's Notes:
Mesh ballet pumps were big news in summer, and Russell & Bromley have taken the trend to Mary Janes for winter. With mesh panels and grosgrain covered straps, they're a lightweight heel to wear to Christmas parties.
9/11
Urban Outfitters Beau Bow Mary Jane Shoes
I'm in love! Urban Outfitters' heeled Mary Janes aren't just any Mary Janes - the straps have bows on for extra sweetness.
10/11
ASOS DESIGN Luxe Premium Leather Mary Jane
Editor's Note:
Part ballet flat, part Mary Jane, I think these ASOS flats would sit well in any wardrobe. The soft leather means they'll be uber comfy, and the wide strap a stabilising addition.
11/11
Arket Mary Jane Flats
Editor's Note:
Arket's Mary Janes tick every classic box. Patent black, strapped and a round boxed toe, they'll be a staple of your winter wardrobe. Wear with socks for extra kudos.
Celebrities wearing Mary Jane shoes
From heeled to flat, Mary Janes are so popular among the A-list that you’d be forgiven for thinking no other shoe exists. Flat Mary Janes with lacy minis make for a cute combo from Rita Ora, and Olivia Rodrigo’s classic pair are giving Wednesday Adams-meets-schoolgirl chic.
My vibe would definitely be Dua Lipa’s, teaming a flat black Mary Jane with jeans and an oversized shirt, and Naomi Watts’ is making a case for Mary Jane heels as eveningwear – her metallic Mary Janes are heavenly.
