Photo Courtesy Of Dawn Tan
Apr 22, 2024
The 6 Best Mary Janes to Add to Your Wardrobe in 2024
The older, preppier sister to the ballet flat.
Apr 22, 2024
Since their rise to ubiquity in the 1920s, Mary Janes have long been closet mainstays. Their delicate almond shape and functional vamp straps have created a centuries-old love affair, one that (like any heart-pattering dalliance) shoe-obsessed shoppers find themselves in and out of when searching for the best designer shoes. But, what exactly are Mary Janes?
What Are Mary Janes?
The once-dubbed “bar shoes'' were named after the Busty Brown comic strip Mary Jane, illustrated by R. F. Outcault in 1902. They were characterized by a singular strap, rounded toe, and low heel. Since then, the classic silhouette has taken hold, transforming from preppy to downright edgy. Think: Nodaleto’s patent two-strap interpretation.
Harper’s BAZAAR Arabia’s digital editor Laura Kell notes their popularity. “What makes the Mary Jane silhouette such a classic is that there's something nostalgic about it while at the same time, it's a very versatile shoe,” says Kell.
For 2024, following our obsession with ballet flats, we’re seeing renewed interest in Mary Janes. The silhouettes are familiar, functional, but appear in fresh fabrics and styles. The trick is to focus on designs with no more than one unique detail—like a stacked heel or a gold strap á la Jimmy Choo. This pared-back approach ensures versatility but, also, makes them timeless. Whether you're looking for a new pair for the office or date night, with the help of Kell and stylist and fashion editor Nolan Meader we’ve found the best Mary Janes for all walks of life.
At a Glance
Meet Our Experts
Laura Kell
Editor at Harper’s BAZAAR Arabia
Nolan Meader
NYC-based Celebrity Stylist and Fashion Editor
Table of Contents
Best Mary Janes for Everyday: The Row’s Boheme Leather Mary Jane Flats
Finding a pair of shoes packed with style, but subtle enough to call on everyday, is a tough combination to master. The Row’s Boheme leather Mary Jane flats do the trick of standing out while blending in when necessary. A minimalist approach to the classic Mary Jane shape, the shoe slips into character without taking too much of the stage, letting your entire look speak for itself. They are lightweight and boast a flat heel (a must for all-day wear), yet the rounded toe is still polished enough to take you morning coffee runs to dinner. “It’s a classic look that will always be around,” says Kell.
Made of 100 percent soft nappa leather, The Row’s Boheme Mary Jane flats offer equal parts style and comfort. The delicate heel and buckled strap harken to the bar shoes of the flapper age, lending a touch of glamor to your look. Evoke Toronto-based creative Jacqueline Chiu’s classic aesthetic by pairing them with white jeans, a designer belt, and a minimalist top.
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Best Mary Janes for the Office: Carel Paris Kina 45mm Square-toe Pumps
Dressing for the office can be tricky. As you want a wardrobe that feels professional but not too far removed from your day-to-day aesthetic; a pair of Mary Janes will allow you to walk this line effortlessly. Don’t know where to start? Carel Paris’ Kina 45mm square-toe pumps carry their weight in sophistication. The patent leather and subtle heel bring a fashion-forward and elegant edge to your office attire (pair them with a gray midi skirt), while the three side-buckle fastenings ensure your shoes won’t slip off when doing your morning commute.
While we recommend the black shade for maximum wear, Meader is a fan of the burgundy pair, which has become the shade of the season. “The combination of burgundy and patent makes them refreshing yet wearable; they give an almost mod vibe.” Whatever shade you opt for, the beauty of these shoes lies in their versatility—they aren’t just boardroom-bound. You can wear them on the weekend with a pair of jeans and a cardigan.
Made with 100 percent leather, the block heel puts a little pep in your step as you go from cubicle to office happy hour. The 3 slender straps give drama without having to involve HR, offering you the option to dress up or down for the day. Wear wide-legged pants or a pleated skirt to take your business casual dress code up a notch.
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Best Mary Janes for Date Night: Jimmy Choo Diamond Tilda Flat
Romanticize your look by swapping out Mary Jane straps for something with a bit more pizazz—like Jimmy Choo’s Diamond Tilda Flat. Meeka Hossain’s Choos add just the right amount of sophistication to her breezy Helsa Studio dress. For Kell, having a bit of fun with an all-time classic is the perfect way to shake things up a bit, especially when it comes to date night. “For anyone that's a little bit nervous about embracing Mary Janes, don't be. It's a really, really fun shoe to play around with,” says Kell. The trick is to find a fun detail, like an embroidered strap or two-tone cap, that stands out but still complements the rest of your look.
Made in Italy, the brushed gold chains of the Jimmy Choo Diamond Tilda flat sit atop lush durable Nappa leather, giving the wearer the chance to level up their look. The modern square toe is comfortable and is the perfect canvas for letting the strapping jewelry shine for itself. In short, this is a statement shoe packed with personality that’s sure to win a few compliments from your date.
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Best Mary Janes for Fall/ Winter: Repetto Paris Rose Mary Janes
Leave it to the queen of quiet luxury, Matilda Djerf, to strike the perfect balance between cozy and cool for winter. The Swedish fashion designer and model pairs her Repetto Paris Mary Janes with ribbed wool socks for a more weather-appropriate look when taking on winter climates. While white socks with Mary Janes can sometimes read as child-like, when done with darker colors (gray, black, brown) they evoke a maturer, intentional, appearance. “I think it’s a great way to add a playful or preppy twist to a look," echoes Meader.
The Repetto Paris Rose Mary Janes showcases “baby-doll” allure with retro style. Made in France, these patent leather shoes encase your footing with white sheep leather insoles, giving a level of comfort you wouldn’t expect. The old-fashioned button strap suggests a bygone era but worn with an oversized blazer and sweater dress, you’ve got yourself a look fit for a modern-day winter wonderland.
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Best Mary Janes for the Weekend: Aeyde Uma Black Nappa Mary Jane Flats
Some weekends either require loud dance parties surrounded by friends or a quiet bike ride through the streets of Copenhagen—the Aeyda Uma Mary Jane Flats can be worn for either occasion. Co-founder Cecilie Moosgaard Nielsen of Lié Studio proves this, downplaying her style in classic white jeans and a black sweater as she zips around town in her vintage 80s bicycle. The entirety of her look is both nostalgic and timeless. Not for you? Kell suggests going for an academic approach. “With mini skirts coming back, I think it's the perfect pairing to take a daytime look to the next level with a back-to-school aesthetic we all can’t help but love."
Expert craftsmanship is a given when wearing a pair of Berlin-based footwear designer, Aeyde. The Uma back nappa Mary Janes are made with supple nappa and patent leathers complete with an understated square toe. Slipping into a pair of these nondescript Mary Janes can carry you through your weekend adventures, whatever they may be, comfortably and stylishly.
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Best Mary Janes for Vacation: Le Monde Beryl Velvet Shoes
There's nothing like setting up your OOO to allow your vacation dreams to take flight. For your holiday inspo, follow in Sofia Richie’s footsteps (figuratively and literally) with a pair of velvet Mary Janes. The rust coloring and low heel give extra mileage to your walks through uncharted cities as you travel.
“A velvet Mary Jane is an incredibly versatile shoe,” shares Meader. “It can be paired with jeans for a day look and can be dressed up with dresses for the evening.” The NYC stylist offers up a critique of Richie’s look. “That being said, I think a velvet Mary Jane is best suited for colder destinations or trips to a city. While Sophia Richie looks fabulous, I don’t think this is a combination most people would think to make.”
Le Monde Beryl velvet shoes render a softness set against its bold brick-red facade. Composed of calf leather, the shoes combine the luxurious elements of a ballerina with a steadfast strap to anchor its Mary Jane appeal. Wear a poplin and lace Prada nightgown like Richie or any silky slip dress. Comfort and style are reasons enough to include this pair in your suitcase for your next trip.
