Everything you need to know about the shoe of the season—Mary Jane—and how to style them

Mary Janes is the shoe of the season and here’s everything about it.

By Anamm Inamdar

23 July, 2023

Everything you need to know about the Shoe of the Season—Mary Janes

Remember the black school shoes we used to hate wearing? What if we tell you it is the trending shoe of the season? Mary Janes, the iconic shoes that combine timeless charm with a touch of playfulness, have been a beloved style choice for decades. With their distinctive strap across the instep and low and rounded heels, Mary Janes have transcended generations and become a staple in the world of fashion. This year, Mary Janes were prominently seen on the runway—spring and fall—paving way for it to become the ‘It’ shoe.

The origins of Mary Janes can be traced back to early 20th century when they were initially designed as children's shoes. Their name is said to have been inspired by the character of Mary Jane, a popular comic strip figure from the time. The first Mary Janes featured a simple design with a single strap across the top and a sturdy sole, providing comfort and style for young girls.

As years passed, the Mary Jane shoe evolved to cater to a wider audience, including women. They quickly gained popularity due to their versatility and feminine appeal. Throughout the mid-20th century, Mary Janes became a staple in women's fashion, with various adaptations and design elements being introduced to suit different trends and personal styles.

Mary Quant's introduction of the Mary Jane shoes in the 1960s revolutionised their popularity among children and women. The trend persisted for three decades, spanning the '60s, '70s, and '80s, and was further maintained through movies such as Clueless, Alice in Wonderland, and Sex and the City in the early 2000s. However, Mary Jane shoes never truly went out of style. They made comebacks in various forms, and are currently dominating the fashion runways for both spring and fall seasons. In 2023, these shoes are on their way to becoming the "It" shoe of the year. One recent variation showcased by designer Jacquemus in the Le chou chou collection featured a square toe and a string bow, capturing the audience's attention

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Along with the runway, Mary Janes have made a resurgence in streetwear fashion, blending vintage-inspired charm with contemporary urban style. They are considered one of the most comfortable shoes for its built and silhouette, as it traps the foot from all sides and also has a strap which prevents the heel of the foot from rubbing against the material of the shoe and keeps the foot affixed. Perfect choice for street style, these shoes can be worn while going on a grocery run or taking your dog for a walk or just making a statement while attending fashion shows (as seen on many influencers recently).

The Mary Jane shoes come in various styles, including flat ballerinas, platforms, pumps, stilettos, chunky heels, and variations with single or multiple straps, bejewelled buckles and more.

Our favourites Taylor Swift, Gigi, Bella Hadid, and Jennifer Lawrence have been spotted pairing the Mary Janes with their outfits on the street.

Here are some tips on how you can style your own pair of Mary Janes.

Classic look with a skirt and socks

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The classic way of styling a pair of simple Mary Jane shoes is wearing it with mini or midi skirts paired with a simple blouse. To elevate your look, pair your Mary Janes with white socks (socks with frills look the cutest) Alternatively, you can opt for socks that match your outfit or even lace tights/stockings. Complete the look by accessorising with a small edgy bag and '70s-inspired glasses. Picture a white floral mini dress paired with white socks and Mary Janes—a delightful outfit that brings to mind a Korean picnic dream!

Jeans with Janes

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Pair your casual wide-legged jeans with the Janes for a casual day out shopping or a lunch date with your friends. A printed tee or a colourful blouse, a printed or coloured tote bag, and a pair of red Mary Janes (or even better a printed Mary Janes—looks very cool) will make you look streetstyle ready. If the weather is cooler, layer your outfit with a coat or jacket.

Add on a blazer with sleeves rolled up over the outfit to make it a casual office wear. With Mary Janes, you'll have no trouble running around the office comfortably.

Short kurta and jeans with Mary Janes—that’s it—that is the desi version of Mary Janes styling that you can try.

With dresses

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A breezy dress with comfortable Mary Jane shoes is a summer dream. To enhance the look, accessorise with delicate jewellery and carry a small, timeless bag or clutch. Layer a coat over the dress for winters, and you’re all set to step out in style!

Parties too!

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While some might argue that the shoes are too uncool for a party, imagine a pair of Mary Janes with bejewelled straps and buckles or metallic Mary Janes with your party dress. Not only will they jazz up your look, but will also allow you to dance comfortably all night long.

Sporty look in the Mary Janes?

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To achieve a sporty look, combine shorts with a graphic or polo tee and pair them with flat Mary Janes. You can enhance the outfit by adding an athletic jacket. Another option is to wear a tee or tank top with a tennis skirt and layer it with a hoodie or varsity jacket. Now the typical choice over this fit would be a pair of sneakers but for a style twist, replace the sneakers with socks and Mary Jane shoes. Alternatively, you can opt for chunky Mary Jane shoes to maintain a sneaker-like aesthetic while staying on-trend. Complete the look with oversized sunglasses and a baseball cap.

Make a statement with bold colour combinations. Pair vibrant-coloured Mary Janes with contrasting hues in your outfit, such as a monochromatic ensemble with a pop of colour in your shoes. This will create an eye-catching and fashion-forward streetwear look.

Mary Janes have stood the test of time, evolving from children's footwear to a fashion staple for women across the globe. Whether you opt for classic or contemporary variations, styling Mary Janes with streetwear elements allows you to create unique and fashionable looks. So go ahead and embrace the playful sophistication of Mary Janes, and let them take your streetwear style to new heights.

Here are some suggestions to get yourself a pair of Mary Janes.

Charles & Keith