The Mary Jane is a shoe that has transcended both time and trends, its legacy beginning in the early 1900s when The Brown Shoe Company, a Missouri-based manufacturer, began marketing it as a formal footwear option for young children. Wondering how the Mary Jane earned its now-iconic name? Initially, the shoe was named the "bar" shoe — as you've probably guessed, after the distinguishable bar-like strap that runs across the top of the foot. But in the early 20th century, it earned the name "Mary Jane", thanks to the eponymous character in the Buster Brown comic strip, Mary Jane, who frequently wore the style.
WHile the Mary Jane's roots are in youth fashion, by the 1920s, the trend had long shed its associations with childhood, becoming the go-to shoe for flappers, as a comfortable but chic option for dancing. And in the years since, they've become something of a cult footwear trend, popularised by style icons across decades, from Twiggy and Jane Birkin, to Alexa Chung and Dakota Johnson. And in the process, of course, they've become a versatile and sophisticated staple in the RUSSH team's wardrobes.
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The shoe’s refined, feminine silhouette, complete with its signature strap across the foot, has earned it a permanent spot in both high fashion and everyday wardrobes. In summer, mesh Mary Janes are the perfect way to feel chic (and perhaps show off your fresh pedicure). And in winter, throw on a pair of cashmere socks and you've got a footwear look that exudes Parisienne charm.
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In recent years, luxury houses like Chanel, Gucci, and Prada have adopted the Mary Jane, bringing it to their runways and into the heart of the trend cycle. With the return of girlhood in 2023 where bows and pastels took centre stage for a hot minute, and balletcore a consistent favourite amongst the fashion crowd, it's no surprise the Mary Jane is on our minds right now. This isn't to say that Mary Janes have not held a permanent seat in the trend cycle for mere decades, but that similarly to the ballet flat and the penny loafer, they're dipped their shiny toes back into the mainstream once more.
In honour of the iconic shoe, we're rounding up our favourite Mary Janes of the season, below. From classic iterations via Chanel to those with a cult following like Maison Margiela's Tabi shoe to Ms. Prada who has been doling out iconic pumps for as long as we can remember...
1. CHANEL Mary Janes
2. MAISON MARGIELA Tabi Mary Janes
3. PRADA Printed leather ballerinas
4. SANDY LIANG Black Double Strap Ballerina Flats
5. THE ROW Boheme leather Mary Jane ballet flats
6. PROENZA SCHOULER Mary Jane lug-sole shoes
7. SUZANNE RAE Mary Janes
8. COS Buckled Ballet Flats
9. CAREL PARIS Kina in Red
10. MIU MIU Leather Ballerinas
11. BOTTEGA VENETA Taupe Astaire Mary-Jane Ballerina Flats
12. SALMON RX Marie-Jeanne leather-trimmed mesh sandals
13. REFORMATION Bethany Ballet Flat
14. GANNI Dark Olive Buckle Strap Ballerinas
15. AEYDE Uma Leather Mary Jane Ballet Flats
16. ALAÏA Mesh Ballet Flat
17. ALIAS MAE Pip Mary Janes
18. Sezane Mélanie Mary Janes
19. Charles & Keith Yunna Metallic Leather & Recycled Fabric Mary Jane Sneakers
20. Jo Mercer Willis Mary Janes
If you're looking for something more comfortable in the cooler weather, our round up of the best designer sneakers of the year has you covered. Otherwise, if you're interested in what footwear the team at RUSSH are wearing this chilly season, look no further because we've ventured down that road as well. Happy shopping.
Featured products are selected editorially. Our opinions are our own. Occasionally, we may receive a standard affiliate partner fee if you make a purchase using the links we feature.
