Mary Janes have fast become a spring fashion staple. They made their grand comeback a few years ago, and this season they're coming into their own. Much like spring is trench coat season, it's Mary Jane's moment to shine too.
Shoppers love the Parisian vibes of the Mary Jane, and I'm personally parking my loafers in favour of the cutesy strapped flats. Where loafers give an outfit a masculine edge, Mary Janes lean into the fun, femininity and frivolity.
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 skip Mary Jane heels either. Wear with socks and jeans and you'll find its the ideal accomplice to a simple sweater and denim outfit. And if you’re a Sex and The City stan, 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, there's a reason they're trending.
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, burgundy or brown, and I am a big fan of suede flat Mary Janes. Summer will signal the arrival of mesh and crochet Mary Jane styles - M&S' crochet Mary Jane flats have already sold out online, such is their popularity.
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 crochet, suede and mesh.
- 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
1/8
M&S Mesh Leopard Mary Jane Shoes
© M&SEditor's Note:
These are front and centre because they're on my wish list - they're stylish yet look so comfy too. These flats lean into the spring-summer trend of mesh, and are selling fast at Marks& Spencer.
2/8
Next Leather Mary Janes
© NextEditor's Note:
These fit the bill for a pair of classic, black leather Mary Jane shoes. Includes an adjustable strap for a secure fit, a Forever Comfort® cushioned footbed and leather detailing.
3/8
Boden Kylie Flat Buckle Mary Janes
© BodenEditor's Note:
Suede Mary Janes are everywhere, and with a wide strap and round toe these Boden shoes are a solid buy for spring.
4/8
Vivaia Margot Mary Jane
© VivaiaEditor's Note:
A celebrity favourite, these Mary Janes have been spotted on Alexa Chung, Lea Michele and Aubrey Plaza. As well as the two-tone colourway, these flats come in 18 colourways and are mooted as some of the most comfortable.
5/8
H&M Mary Jane Ballet Pumps
© H&MEditor's Note:
H&M's bright red Mary Janes can be dressy or casual, thanks to the rich colour, elevating these from your everyday shoe to a wear-anywear shoe.
6/8
Dune Headliner Woven Mary Jane Shoes
© Dune LondonEditor's Note:
Crochet or woven Mary Janes are in high demand, including Dune London's leather pair, with a square toe and woven detailing.
These shoes also come in a wide fit, for extra comfort.
7/8
John Lewis Pointed Mary Janes
© John LewisEditor's Note:
For an edgier take on the look, a pointed Mary Jane offers that. John Lewis has produced these pointed black Mary Jane flat shoes, with a wider strap and statement buckle.
8/8
Office Frances Two Strap Mary Janes
© OfficeEditor's Notes:
With a secure two-strap design and a soft almond toe, these shoes are made to be worn all day long. Easy to dress up for a summer event or for a day at the office, they're a polished take on the spring trend.
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.
Dua Lipa is the poster girl, 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 party-ready.
