These throwback indie sleaze shoes are back - here are 28 pairs we're drooling over RN
As you've probably already worked out, Mary Jane shoes are well and truly back – and arguably better than ever. The strap-flaunting footwear made an appearance on the SS23 runways last year but came back in full force for the SS24 fashion week shows, and has also been seen sitting pretty on many a celebrity foot of late.
Just over a month ago, Hailey Bieber donned a pair of Bottega Veneta's coveted Mary-Jane flats to celebrate her anniversary (the same ones still in stock below, we might add). Whilst Dua Lipa opted to finish off her white shirt and jeans lewk with the Maison Margiela Tabis on the streets of London. And who could forget Gigi Hadid matching her sleek cream pair to the rest of her ensemble at the beginning of this year?
Not to mention the decent amount of screen time they've been racking up since their return to popularity. Remember that dreamy black Alaïa dress Jenna Ortega busted out some impressive dance moves in on Netflix's first season of Wednesday? Well, patent black Christian Louboutin Mary Janes added the finishing touch. And then there was Lily Collins in season 3 of Emily in Paris, naturally choosing to pair her OTT pink feather coat with some contrasting mint pumps from Casadei... Which is all to say that we can't see this trend going anywhere anytime soon.
Yep, get raiding your loft because your teenage fashion sense is cool again, and the good old Mary Jane is no exception. You know *exactly* the vibe we're talking about, and there's plenty of inspo to be found on TikTok should your old Myspace and Tumblr accounts no longer be alive and kicking.
As for which Mary Jane shoes you should be investing in? Scroll on down for Cosmo's top picks that, in all likelihood, won't be around for very long.
Best black Mary Jane shoes
Black shoes *literally* go with everything, so these options are a foolproof way to avoid faff-filled "nothing-to-wear" mornings. To really get into the swing of the Wednesday-inspired dark academia look, wear yours with metallic mesh socks.
Heel or no heel, you'll be able to dress any of these babies up for the evening with a cute dress or midi skirt (this is super '90s, too). Or, wear flats with jeans for daytime errand running (very model-off-duty).
Best flat Mary Jane shoes
Everyone from Kaia Gerber to Jennifer Lawrence has been seen in the heel-free style, which is great news for all of us comfort-prioritising individuals who find it hard to stray from our fashion trainers on a good day.
Pick textured designs in a bright colour to add that little something extra to a monochrome 'fit, or play it safe with one of the many gorgeous black flats occupying the online shelves of designer and high-street brands alike.
Best chunky Mary Jane shoes
We *adore* a tread-heavy knee-high boot and can't get enough of the oversized jewellery currently doing the rounds, so naturally, we feel just as strongly about a chunky Mary Jane.
The latest designs are giving us strong school shoe vibes but with an edge that somehow makes them way more desirable than the ones we were forced to wear on the regular for most of our childhood (disregard this statement if you were one of the lucky non-uniform-wearing kids out there).
Best platform Mary Jane shoes
Platform Mary Janes will be the variation of choice for the more seasoned heel wearers among us. These make the perfect party shoes to offset the drama that comes with a sparkly mini-dress and bold accessories whilst still remaining very on-trend.
Even better, platforms are sooo much easier to walk and, more importantly, dance in than regular heels. So basically, there'll be nothing in your way when it comes time to get down on the dance floor.
Best leather Mary Jane shoes
Looking for MJs that will last (aren't we all)? Then, trust us, leather is where it's at. Not only is the outer more durable, but it also brings comfort and a better fit to the table, which we'd never say no to.
Plus, your investment doesn't necessarily have to cost you the earth. There are quite a few high-street brands ready and waiting to please. Case and point? COS and Free People's super stylish options for just over £100.
Best heeled Mary Jane shoes
If you're not brave enough to take on the mighty platform, don't sweat it. Mary Janes come in a huge variety of heel shapes and heights. Don't be scared to choose a pair with sparkly details, either. More is more with this simple silhouette.
You'll find Mary Janes with flared heels for a cool retro feel (like Natalie and Alanna's lilac satin ones), chic stilettoes (see LK Bennet's), and sturdy block heels (from the likes of Schutz and Warehouse).
Best patent Mary Jane shoes
Last but certainly not least is the patent pair. Looking to add a li'l something extra to your after-dark outfit that doesn't include a metallic colour or gem-adorned straps (hey, they're not for everyone)? The added gloss will do just that.
Or maybe you want to elevate your simple everyday attire by adding a more polished accessory into the mix. Either way, this high-shine option has you sorted.
How to Wear Mary Janes in 2023
There are countless ways to wear Mary Jane shoes in 2023. They quietly crept back onto the scene as part of the twee/indie sleaze comeback, so why not embrace the overriding throwback trend as a whole when styling them? For ultimate '10s teen nostalgia, try wearing them with pilgrim blouses under longline cardigans and finish the look with a mini skirt and frilly socks. Oh, and carry a Ukelele absolutely everywhere with you for good measure.
If you fancy yourself more of an Effie Stonem from Skins than a Jess from New Girl, lean further into the indie sleaze side of the trend than the twee. Wear your Mary Janes with skinny jeans, layered vest tops, waist belts, and your trusty leather jacket. For extra cool points, *all* tights must be laddered, eyeliner smudged, bracelets stacked, and hair backcombed (complete with a Grecian laurel headband, duh).
Not feeling these suggestions? Look to the latest celeb 'fits for inspiration and simply use them to add some polish to a basic ensemble à la Zoe Kravitz. Whether she's on a coffee run in a plain white vest top and blue jeans or has opted for a more sporty aesthetic with gym shorts and a bright red cap, she knows a pair of Mary Janes has the power to take things up a notch and look effortless simultaneously.
In reality, though, Mary Janes can be worn with almost anything. Here at Cosmo, we're partial to wearing a block-heeled pair to add a pulled-together Parisian feel to an outfit and a platform pair to grunge-up party dresses. Suits, midi dresses, jeans — you name it, we're wearing some form of Mary Jane with it.
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