Credit: Courtesy of brands
All products on this page have been selected by the editorial team, however Stylist may make commission on some products purchased through affiliate links in this article
4 min read
If you buy one shoe this season, look towards this classic school-girl style.
Striking the perfect balance between pretty and practical, the Mary Jane is a school-girl style that will allow you to slide from desk to dinner spot with ease.
There has been a surge in sales of the Mary Jane flat, and for good reason: it’s a timeless classic that’s been kicking around since the 1920s, when they first gained popularity. Twiggy and Jane Birkin wore them throughout the 60s, while Alexa Chung became the style’s coquettish poster child in 2010, and she continues to wear them to this day.
More recently, designers put new spins on the style with exciting iterations from The Row, Prada and Sandy Liang.
Off the runway, Gigi Hadid, Zoë Kravitz, Jennifer Lawrence, Olivia Rodrigo and Dua Lipa have all been seen sporting the flats; Margaret Qualley even tied the knot in a dainty pair of white Chanel Mary Janes at her wedding last month, and Sarah Jessica Parker wore a pair with a corseted midi skirt and knitwear on the set of And Just Like That.
They even made our edit of the best styles to shop this season with Stylist’s fashion director Lucy Reber a firm fan. “It’s been a while since I wore a Mary Jane, but I think it’s time,” she says. “I will be pairing my gorgeous gold leather pair with washed-out jeans and a white T-shirt.”
Once you’ve picked a silhouette that suits you, there are ample ways to style your pair. Take Reber’s advice – simply mix and match with other casual pieces in your wardrobe. For an office-appropriate outfit, style with a knit skirt, tights and crisp white shirt. On weekends, wear with a mini dress, cashmere jumper and gold earrings.
When it comes to colours, get creative. Pair ruby red Mary Janes with slouchy knit cardigans, Peter Pan collar blouses and cord skirts for ultimate teen nostalgia. Or perhaps you prefer a more gothic look? Channel your inner Wednesday Addams and wear metallic silver flats with frilly white socks, black leather skirts, sumptuous velvet and blouses.
Whatever your style may be, there are plenty of pairs to shop that will always delight and serve you right. Here are nine of our favourite Mary Jane flats for a back-to-work finish.
Mango studded buckle flats
Amp up your wardrobe with these black Mary Jane flats from Mango. The sleek, studded design ensures you’re looking polished this season, while the chunky buckle detailing adds some bling for visual interest.
Charles & Keith patent pearl-buckle Mary Janes
When it comes to stylish footwear, Charles & Keith always has you covered. With pearl buckle-strap detailing and a high-shine patent finish, the classic style has had a bit of an update but remains versatile enough to wear with all your everyday looks.
Vagabond Delia shoes
Vagabond’s iteration of the Mary Jane comes in the most extensive colour palette. From a rebellious red to classic all-black hues, there’s a shade for you to choose from no matter what your preference or style.
& Other Stories Mary Jane leather ballerina flats
This flat shoe from & Other Stories has a well-refined aesthetic. Crafted in soft black leather with an adjustable buckle strap across the upper, minimal details ensure you can wear them with just about every item in your wardrobe.
Vibi Venezia blanket-stitched velvet Mary Jane flats
Vibi Venezia’s Mary Jane flats are worn by all the It girls and are selling out fast for a reason. Not only are they an incredibly comfy shoe, made from soft velvet with blanket stitching, but they are also a chic new take on the everyday buckled flat. This is a testament to the artisanal Italian craftsmanship behind them.
Shop Vibi Venezia Blanket-stitched velvet Mary Jane flats at Matches, £85
Boden double-strap Mary Jane shoes
Penchant for colour? Look no further than Boden’s double strap Mary Janes, which come in three shades. Wear bronze crinkle leather with dark denim, hot pepper patent to contrast monochrome looks and black patent with casual basics.
Next leather Mary Jane flats
Add a bit of magic to your wardrobe with these silver Mary Janes from Next. The metallic finish and premium leather will make all your outfits sparkle, while the added memory foam padding ensures everyday comfort.
Hobbs Chrissy Mary Jane
For those who want to hop on the dainty style but have a tendency to wear out their footwear, Hobbs has you covered with this practical yet stylish iteration. Made from 100% leather with the everyday woman in mind, it will see you through all your daily activities.
Cos leather Mary Jane flats
Minimalistic in design and made from sumptuously soft leather, these black flats from Cos are a great alternative to The Row’s sellout Olga Mary Jane. Wear with matching knitted skirt sets, a long twill coat and classic black-out sunnies in the spirit of the Olsen twins.
Images: courtesy of brands
Sign up for our edit of what to buy, see, read and do.
By signing up you agree to occasionally receive offers and promotions from Stylist. Newsletters may contain online ads and content funded by carefully selected partners. Don’t worry, we’ll never share or sell your data. You can opt-out at any time. For more information read Stylist’s Privacy Policy
Thank you!
You’re now subscribed to all our newsletters. You can manage your subscriptions at any time from an email or from a MyStylist account.