You're Gonna Wanna Add a Pair of Mary Jane's in Your Wardrobe ASAP

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In case ya didn't know: Mary Jane shoes are known for their simple closed-toe design and for the strap that goes across the top, or the instep, of the foot. There are flat and heeled versions, T-strap and multi-strap ones, leather and suede options—the list goes on. They're just so versatile.

Rumor has it, the shoe's moniker came from a character named Mary Jane in a Buster Brown comic strip, and it stuck when the Brown Shoe Company in the early 20th century named a shoe after her and the ones she wore in the comic. They also happen to be one of the styles of the moment, with brands like Miu Miu, Prada, Ganni, Sandy Liang, Mansur Gavriel, and more releasing their own iterations of the iconic silhouette. So ofc, we had to come through and share some of the chicest and affordable iterations on the internet RN.

Our top picks for the best mary jane shoes of 2023:

They'll look so cute with your fall outfits, whether you wear them on their own or layer them with socks or tights. Style them with skirts, dresses, trousers, jeans, you name it! Ahead, we've rounded up 20 options in all different shapes, colors, and heights so you can give this whole Mary Jane thing a try—or add to your growing collection. For even more amazing autumnal fashion, click for the best lug-sole boots, the best half-zip sweaters, and more fall fashion looks.

Patent Buckled Mary Jane Flats

You'll add an instant touch of sophistication to any 'fit you come up with with these ruby bb's on your feet. Try a plaid skirt and blazer combo or go for a top and straight jeans a la Olivia Rodrigo.

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: Red, Yellow, Black, Black Textured

Square-Toe Mary Jane

Boasting over 500 positive reviews, it's safe to say these comfy beauts are the all-occasion shoes you need.

Rave Review: "I wore these to a recent Vegas trip and wore them walking all over the place. They were so comfortable and yet stylish to wear. My friends and family were asking me where to buy them and I gave them the website."

Sizes: 5-11, Wide Sizes Available

Colors: Black, Almond, Forest Green, Navy Blue, Ruby Red, Denim Blue

Londyn Suede Mary Jane

Go for a more classic feel with this brown pair in suede.

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: Chestnut Brown, Black

Reyes Ballet Flats

Don't get annoyed but everyone on the street is gonna ask you where you got yours shoes! They are super adorbs with all your fave fall maxi dress, BTW.

Rave Review: "Love this retro style! It is so adorable dressed up or down. Soft and comfy enough to wear all day!

Sizes: 5-15

Colors: Black, Snake Embossed, Brown Crinkled Patent, Gold Distressed Leather, Ivory, Pink, Red, Silver, Sky Blue, Toffee

The Greta Ballet Flat

Hello, Alexa Chung vibes. Apparently, these are the most comfortable shoes Madewell has ever made!!! You won't need to break 'em in and the calf-hair material is so trendy and sleek.

Rave Review: "Love the shoe and it is very comfy. The animal print one is a sturdier shoe. The leather ones are def not like a regular shoe and are more like a true ballet flat. The leather is very soft. I really love the chocolate raisin color and it is perfect for fall. Great with jeans, dress or skirt and will be wearing these a LOT!"

Sizes: 5-12

Colors: True Black Multi, Dark Carob, Silver, True Black, Chocolate Raisin, Desert Olive

Michaela Mary Jane Flat

Time to get cozy, bb. If you're obsessed with all things fluffy, you'll fall in love with these flats.

Rave Review: "These are such a fun addition to my wardrobe. I hesitated because they are a bit limited in what I can wear them with but after I got them and started looking through my closet I realized they actually went with a lot of outfits. They're fun to wear and they're extremely comfortable...it feels like I have bedroom slippers on. I'm not generally one to splurge on such a limiting pair of shoes, but these were worth every penny and I'm very happy with my purchase."

Sizes: 5-14

Colors: Prosecco, Nature Mist, Copper Bronze, Black Leather, Hudson Navy, Royal Navy, Black Patent

Layla Slingback Mary Jane Heels

You're gonna find these slingbacks ideal for adding a little shine to your wardrobe!

Rave Review: "I'm normally a 9 or 9.5 in J.Crew shoes but I bought the 8.5 after trying on in the store. I have wide feet and the 8.5 is not too narrow. I bought the animal print and also tried on the gold, both fit the same (a half size too big). They are comfortable, easy to walk in, and the sling back has extra length for adjusting once the leather stretches a bit. I plan to buy more colors as these are the perfect height for work and everyday wear."

Sizes: 5-12

Colors: Leopard Hair Calf, Gold Mirror, Black, Desert Taupe

Ansie Pumps

Opt for not one, but two straps if you're into buckles!

Sizes: 35-42

Colors: Black Patent Leather

The Fabiana

I can assure ya that you won't slip and slide in the Fabianas. You'll find quality, comfort, and style. Plus, you'll find the classic style is super chic.

Rave Review: Gorgeous and loved the thoughtful bottom construction for a non slip flat. Stylish, yet classic. It's wider but the strap will keep it on and it's comfortable.

Sizes: 35-42

Colors: Black, Dark Burgundy, Light Tan, Silver

Millie Mary Jane heels in Satin and Leather

Satin and leather never looked this good. These cap-toe cuties are some serious dancing shoes! And how precious are those rhinestones buckles?

Sizes: 5-12

Color: Black

Bulla Babies Denim Platform Mary Jane pumps

I am in looove with these denim platform pumps and I actually need in 'em closet ASAP. The exaggerated heel is just *chef's kiss* and this pair comes in three different colors and prints.

Sizes: IT35-41

Colors: Indigo, Red, Pink, Silver

Olivia Platform Pump In Black Patent Leather

Named after the Olivia Rodrigo, this Y2K-inspired silhouette gives you some major height and has plush memory-foam cushioning. The cream pair is sooo cute but is out of stock! Boooo.

Sizes: 5-11

Color: Black

Mary Jane Pointe in Brunette Satin

Any wannabe ballerinas in the room? You should totally go for this chic design. It has a padded leather footbed aaand the strap is adjustable.

Sizes: 35-39

Color: Satin Brown

Leather Mary Jane Platform Pumps

I say you splurge on this cool design by MARNI. How amazing is the unexpected sole, contrast style, dainty bows, and gold buckle?

Sizes: IT36-41

Color: Black

Faux Suede Casual Mary Jane Light Ballet Flats

These lil Mary Janes with a super-delicate heel come in 10 other vivid shades, so you can match them to any outfit.

Rave Review: "These are exactly what I was looking for. Classy, cute little shoes! I want them in every color. I normally take a size 9.5, however they felt too large so I sized down to a 9."

Sizes: 6-11

Colors: Mustard, Green, Black, Lilac, Red, Burgundy, Navy, Royal Blue, Blush, Pink

The Square Mary Jane

Who would've guessed that such a soft knit material could be made from recycled water bottles? Once you slip these Rothy's on, you won't want to take them off. The strap that goes over your instep also has stretch so it'll fit to their specific shape.

Rave Review: "These shoes look great with any outfit. They are so comfortable and high quality. If you are considering making the investment, you won't regret it!!"

Sizes: 5-13

Colors: Black, Sandy Cat, Love Bird

Comfortable Slip on Round Toe Ballet Flats

Slide into these round-toe babies made of soft leather, why don't you? Style these with socks or tights for a cozy fall look.

Rave Review: "I walk a lot and these are super comfy! Very cute shoes—highly recommend!"

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: Brown, Black, White, Nude, Pink, Black, Red, Gray

Drogheria Crivellini Mary Janes

Ever since I laid eyes on these Drogheria Crivellini Mary Janes a couple years back, I haven't stopped thinking about them. This Italian brand was founded in 1955 and pretty much specializes in Mary Jane shoes. Bonus: These also happen to be just under $100.

Rave Review: "I now have multiple colors in this shoe. They are so easy to wear and great for work."

Sizes: 35-41

Colors: Black, Avana

Mary Jane Slipper

Luxe velvet is perfect for colder months, and this plush Dôen pair will feel exactly like slippers while still dressing up your look.

Sizes: 35-42

Color: Black

Polley Smooth Leather Mary Janes

Dr. Martens' T-strap style is arguably just as iconic as the brand's lace-up boots. These have more than 400 reviews, and a 4.4-star rating out of 5.

Rave Review: "I love these shoes. They are surprisingly comfortable, and I get so many compliments on them. I've only worn a couple times so far, but they don't seem to take a long time to break in."

Sizes: 36-43

Color: Black

Beatrice Red Clog

Danskos are a classic, and these half Mary Janes, half clogs give you the best of both worlds. It's safe to assume the memory foam cushioning is a big reason why these have an impressive 4.5-star rating out of 5.

Rave Review: "I absolutely love these shoes!! They are beautiful and super comfortable straight out of the box! I walk quite a bit at work on hard floors and from the beginning of my day to the end, I have no foot, knee, or back pain."

Sizes: 5-12

Colors: Black, Red

Uchi Flat

This pair of made-to-order Mary Janes has a thick lug sole, so they're both edgy and sweet at the same time. No slipping here!

Sizes: 35-42

Colors: Black, White, Gold, Blue, Indigo

Margaux NY The Mary Jane

Plush foam padding and an adjustable strap makes this stylish black pair so comfortable, too. There's a reason these have a 4.8-star rating out of 5, so the steeper price will be well worth it when you wear these season after season.

Rave Review: "The color is beautiful and there is plenty of cushioning to make it comfortable. Definitely had to beak them in a bit in the back to make them fit well and not give heel blisters, but after a few wears, I think that problem has been solved."

Sizes: 3-14

Colors: Silver, Peacock Suede, Black Suede, Blue Silk

Picnic Shoe in Maya

The sparkly buckle on these buttery leather flats gives them some pizzazz.

Sizes: 5-12

Color: Brown

Why trust Cosmo:

Cosmo’s fashion team—which includes Fashion Features Director Rachel Torgerson and Fashion Director Cassie Anderson, Fashion Editors: Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien and Danielle Flum, and Senior Accessories Editor Andrea Zendejas—and have about decades of combined experience in the industry. They spot relevant trends on the runway before they even hit your TikTok FYP or Insta Explore Page and conduct research across retailers of all kinds—testing many brands IRL—to bring you the best clothing and accessory picks for every season. Basically, we scour the internet to bring you a curation of the chicest options like it’s our job (because it is, heh).

We have pretty high standards when it comes to clothing and accessory recommendations. Each of our shopping articles adheres to the 15 Percent Pledge and includes products for all sizes. And you better believe we read those product reviews (and test many of the brands IRL) so you don't have to. You're welcome!

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