Many of us will have owned a pair of Mary Jane shoes at some point in our lives - most likely in our childhood.
We’re talking about the type of shoes with decorative broguing scattered across the leather, complete with a T-bar supportive design and a horseshoe-shaped buckle.
Paired with some frilly pink and white socks, we were thrust into the big wide world with a pair of slippery doll shoes on our feet. Uncomfortable and impractical for growing tootsies, no matter how adorable they look, we grew to resent those gorgeous Mary Janes.
Yet, as with all things in the cyclical nature of fashion, they’re back and it’s time to embrace the trend.
Mary Jane shoes, otherwise known as Bar Shoes, first appeared in the early 20th century and were initially worn by both genders. Though society shifted the target audience of these shoes into the female territory, modern styles have incorporated the Mary Jane silhouette into unisex styles such as brogues and loafers.
The original design is seeing a huge resurgence, no doubt in part due to their association with a Parisian chic aesthetic as well as the enduring Balletcore trend.
Whichever unique style of Mary Jane shoes tickles your fancy, we’ve rounded up a selection of the best Mary Jane shoes on the market for all your French It Girl needs.
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Flat Mary Janes
Patent Buckled Mary Jane Flats
Paint the town rouge with a pair of delightfully glossy patent Mary Jane flats from Charles & Keith. Style them with a pair of white ribbed socks and a pair of vintage Levi 501s for the ultimate French It-girl look.
Buy now £65.00, Charles & Keith
Dr Martens 8065 Smooth Leather Mary Jane Shoes
Embodying the perennial schoolgirl chic style with a modern twist, it doesn’t get any more classic than a pair of Doc Marten Mary Janes. With double horseshoe-buckled straps, decorative broguing and classic chunky soles, there’s no better way to start off your Mary Jane collection than with the 8065s.
Buy now £139.00, Dr Martens
Vibi Venezia Gingham Mary Jane canvas flats
Inspired by the traditional Venetian furane slipper worn by gondoliers, the Vibi Venezia Mary Janes are the shoe of the moment. Available in a wide range of grosgrain-trimmed velvet and comfortable canvas colourways, we can’t help but fall for this unique pair of gingham print flats.
Buy now £85.00, Matches
Sandy Liang Mary Jane Pointe Shoe in Ballet Nappa
Known for ultra-feminine and playful collections, Sandy Liang has made waves in the world of fashion by perfecting a combination between the beloved ballerina pump and a classic pair of Mary Janes.
Featuring an adjustable pin-buckle strap and an expertly crafted, squared-off ballerina point-shoe finish, it’s no wonder these breathtaking flats have been spotted on the likes of Bella Hadid, Michelle Zauner and more.
Buy now £389.59, Sandy Liang
Prada Metallic Leather Ballerinas
It’s no secret that metallic silver shoes are in. Whether you’re a fan of the space girl-chic aesthetic or simply adore the concept of a traffic-stopping statement pair of Mary Janes, Prada has got you covered. Though these pumps err slightly on the side of ballet flats when it comes to design, we think the adjustable ankle buckle places them safely within the realm of MJs.
Buy now £8700.00, Farfetch
Mango Studded buckle shoe
Ever since Miu Miu graced the world of fashion with its SS 2016 ribbon-tied buckled ballerina pumps, delicate flats with a gothic twist have become a staple within our wardrobes. These exaggerated buckle flats from Mango are a wallet-friendly alternative to the couture style, and they’re going straight into our basket.
Buy now £49.99, Mango
G.H. Bass Mary Jane Loafers
Elevated business-casual aesthetics have become increasingly popular in recent months, with celebrities and fashion influencers alike trading kitten heels for a chic pair of loafers and a low-waisted pair of slacks. Put your own twist on the uber-cool yet decidedly office-appropriate style with these wine-hued leather Mary Jane loafers from G.H. Bass.
Buy now £178.00, Free People
Heeled Mary Janes
Rouje Babies Shoes
Double-buckled and heeled Mary Janes are no new feat. However, the asymmetric design of these patent kitten heels from Rouje caught our attention from a mile away.
Complete with the brand’s signature ‘R’ logo at the back of the heel, the only downside of these shoes is their slippy, slidey base. Rouje recommends taking them into a cobbler to add a sole before first use.
Buy now £275.00, Rouje
Paula Babies Sézane
Featuring a summer-ready cut-out design, these slingback Mary Janes from Sézane are the perfect way to dress up while keeping cool and comfortable.
Buy now £160.00, Sézane
Miu Miu Leather Ballerinas Leather Ballerinas
The 90s-inspired, exaggerated chunky heel on these Mary Janes from Miu Miu are made for adding a grungey twist to a frilly, feminine outfit.
Buy now £810.00, Miu Miu
Triple Strap Mary Jane Block Heels
Available in black, red, and metallic silver, these triple-strap Mary Jane block heels will take you from the office to brunch and even to the club with a nonchalant, yet oh-so-stylish ease.
Buy now £49.99, Office
