Last year we witnessed the Mary Jane-ification of everything. “The Mary Jane is like a virus, and it doesn’t appear to be slowing down,” ’s Daisy Jones wrote at the time of the event. “If we’re not careful, we’ll have Mary Jane wellies and Mary Jane crocs and Mary Jane hiking boots. Oh wait, all of those things already exist.” Some classics can be left alone and are perfect enough without a flurry of ugly-shoe hybrids, though – and the Mary Jane is one such shoe.
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The Mary Jane revival can partly be traced back to Alaïa’s crystal-embellished flats, which fast became a fashion-editor favourite when they were first released back in 2022. Of course, it’s not the first time Mary Janes have tipped into cult territory. Sex and the City fans will recall the episode when Carrie Bradshaw finds a pair of 1994 patent leather heels in the fashion cupboard, exclaiming, “Manolo Blahnik Mary Janes?! I thought these were an urban shoe myth!”
In recent years, Mary Janes have been big business for design houses, from Miu Miu’s ruched ballerinas to The Row’s understated black leather offering. Meanwhile, mid-priced designer brands like Aeyde and Le Monde Beryl have also come editor-approved.
The beauty of these shoes is that they are simple enough to go with any outfit, no matter the season. Below, see five ways to style Mary Janes this autumn, according to the street-style set.
Polo top + lace slip skirt
Lyocell Blend Collared Top With Wool
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Navy knit + A-line skirt
Women's Cashmere Merino V-Neck Jumper
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Track jacket + tiered skirt
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Stella Leather Mary Jane Ballet Flats
Nightie dress + studded flats
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