The 24 Best Mary Janes to Wear This Season (2024)

“The Mary Jane is a style I particularly love and have worn a lot, but we were missing in our assortment,” Marina Larroudé says. “For fall, it made sense to bring that ’60s vibe back in the form of flats, platforms, or even pumps.”

On the flats front, these patent, pointed-toe Mary Janes have the makings of an all-day shoe with their namesake’s Upper East Side attitude. They’re strikingly shiny and lined in a cushioned memory foam.

Sizes: 5–11

Colors: Black, denim, ivory, mint green, and more

What reviewers are saying: “Got for my teacher daughter that is on her feet all day. She loves them and says they are very comfortable.”

Last fall, Sandy Liang released her label’s first shoe—a Mary Jane with a square, pointe-shoe-like toe and a satin outer—to rapturous reviews and instantly empty shelves. They’re pretty but not overly precious, and perfectly capture the essence of professional styles donned by ballerinas.

Sizes: 35–41

Colors: Pink, black, chocolate, and more

The market has its share of Mary Janes coated in rhinestones, beading, and other embellishments for fall. Rather than going full maximalist, try a pair with one shiny element to punctuate the plain leather, like this Ganni version clocking all the street-style credits.

Sizes: 5–12

Colors: Black

Le Monde Beryl is quintessential in the Mary Jane realm. The ultimate au courant take? This delicate mesh version, whether downplayed with jeans or dressed up with a co*cktail dress.

Sizes: 35–42 IT

Colors: Silver, black

While Alaïa’s perpetually sold-out glittery Mary Janes are a common denominator in most Bazaar editor’s closets, this new-season crisscross strap iteration is the latest eye candy tempting everyone on staff. They’re a comfortable yet discerning addition to everyday work looks like an oversize blazer, white T-shirt, and jeans.

Sizes: 5–11

Colors: Black, red

No one does a cap-toe Mary Jane better than Chanel. While other brands have flirted with the style off and on, the house has always made a classic version available. This fall, Chanel is experimenting with mixed materials offering velvet renditions with all of the expected elegance.

Sizes: On request

Colors: Pink velvet, gold metallic tweed

Another pair name-checked by Smart for fall/winter 2023 is the Row’s Ava Mary Janes. These have a sleek trending square toe with an everyday sensibility, from the flat silhouette to the subtle piping along the edges.

Sizes: 35–42 IT

Colors: Black

Another brand synonymous with Mary Janes is Parisian Carel. The label’s ultimate signature? This three-strap block-heel silhouette in patent leather. Oui, oui!

Sizes: 6–11

Colors: Red patent, silver metallic, black mesh

By Far’s low heel isn’t your typical Mary Jane. “When we first introduced the Ginny pump for pre-fall 2021, we wanted to take the silhouette beyond schoolgirl territory,” Bumbarova says, “so we decided to keep the lines simple while incorporating characteristically By Far tones. And truly, who can resist this timeless yet modern black rendition in black patent leather?

Sizes: 35–41 IT

Colors: Black

Here’s another party option that can transcend seasons with a classic gingham print. Gift a pair to yourself and a friend—on top of everything else, they’re also less than $55.

Sizes: 5–11

Colors: Black gingham

The bigger the sole, the bigger the impact—or so we believe after finding this lug-sole pair from Reformation. Even better than the pseudo-goth look? This pair is made with eco-conscious materials like regenerated leather.

Sizes: 5–11

Colors: Black

The trifecta of a nice save: glossy patent leather, impeccable square toe, and a sub-$150 price tag. For extra preppy points, be sure to pair yours with lace-trimmed ankle socks.

Sizes: 35–42 EU

Colors: Red, black, beige, and more

Presenting the Mary Janes you’ll reach for throughout fall and the holiday party season. Pair them with workwear at the office, party dresses on the holiday circuit, and beyond.

Sizes: 5–12

Colors: Black, taupe, gold, leopard

What reviewers are saying: “This shoe is a winner! The leather is lovely and the shoe itself is very well designed. It’s a very comfortable shoe. I think it would be an easy shoe to add detachable crystals or bows to and give the shoe a lot of different looks.”

There’s something balletic about the curved, foot-hugging fit of LoQ’s Mary Janes, which are handmade in Spain. Then there’s the rounded block heel for an extra inch of height and a delightfully retro look.

Sizes: 35–42 EU

Colors: Turrón, black patent croc, clay suede, and more

These lug-sole beauties are for the woman who sees herself wearing Mary Janes often; they aren’t going to scuff or wear out after a month of use.

Zou Xou creative director Katherine Theobalds is all about footwear that’s sensible but stylish. Her Mary Janes are made in small batches in Argentina, with tortoiseshell buckles that contrast with the heavy-duty utility of the soles.

Sizes: 35–42 ZX

Colors: Oxblood

What reviewers are saying: “Love them, nice quality, very comfortable!”

We can’t decide what we love more about these block-heel Mary Janes: the supple leather that molds to your foot, or the sleek design that transitions from occasion to occasion effortlessly.

Sizes: 35–42 IT

Colors: Black leather, black patent

Bottega Veneta sent a number of modern Mary Janes down its Milan runway last season, with a signature detail: an eye-catching brass buckle. Another fact: The Italian house has firmly established wedges as a must-have 2023 shoe trend, making these Mary Janes a cult item this season.

Sizes: 35–41 IT

Colors: Neutral

When venturing to Italy, you’ll spot these well-priced (and grippy-soled!) velvet Mary Janes in local shoe shops in an array of fun colors and neutral options with vibrant trims. But no stress if you’re not making it overseas in the immediate future—you can order them directly from the brand’s site, and they ship fast.

Editor’s note: These shoes run small, so go up a full size. The return policy isn’t great for U.S. shoppers, so you’ll want to get it right.

Sizes: 36–41 IT

Margaux’s modern take on classic footwear always lures us in for a timeless look. These delicate suede Mary Janes are a gorgeous everyday option that’ll extend your line, courtesy of the pointed toe.

Sizes: 3–14

Colors: Black, rust, peaco*ck

What reviewers are saying: “These shoes are so cute out of the box and on my feet. I was worried they would look [too] youngish on me but they looked great. Typical Margaux good quality, beautiful velvet material and the shoe is well constructed. True to size, I ordered the 9.5 Medium. Am seriously considering this shoe in other colors. Of course, so very comfortable.”

Why not lean all the way into Mary Janes’ girly side? When you walk into a room wearing this glittery Miu Miu pair, compliments will come in seconds. (Of course, the brand’s more subdued satin Mary Janes are also a wonderful option.)

Sizes: 5–10

Colors: Black/silver