Mary Janes: The shoes that never went out of style

Time of India

07-06-2025

'Mary Jane shoes are versatile and can be styled in many ways, depending on the occasion and your personal aesthetic,' Namita Alexander, celebrity stylist
From the standard school shoes style for girls to Carrie Bradshaw's discovery of the legendary Manolo Blahnik Mary Janes in an episode of Sex and the City , we have all been introduced to Mary Jane shoes in different ways.
Versatile and timeless, they can be worn by both men and women and styled in many ways, depending on the occasion.
If the recent Spring Summer 2025 showcase at Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks is anything to go by, Mary Janes have been conquering the runways, with reinterpretations by luxury brands like Miu Miu, Prada, Bally and Wales Bonner. Once the 'it' shoes for clubbing in the 1920s, Mary Janes have remained a fashion staple over decades.
How to style Mary Janes
CASUAL LOOK: Pair your Mary Janes with a cute sundress or a flowy skirt for a feminine, playful vibe. They also work well with skinny jeans or baggy denim. For a more relaxed feel, try them with a simple T-shirt and denim shorts
WORK/OFFICE LOOK: For a polished, businesscasual look, opt for neutral or black Mary Janes with a tailored dress, a pencil skirt, or trousers paired with a blouse
PREPPY LOOK: Channel schoolgirl chic by styling your Mary Janes with knee-high socks or tights, a pleated skirt, and a button-down shirt or sweater
VINTAGE/RETRO LOOK: Lean into the shoe's nostalgic appeal by pairing them with a retroinspired tea-length dress with a floral pattern or a high-waisted skirt with a tucked-in blouse
Inputs by celebrity stylist Namita Alexander
'Manolo Blahnik Mary Janes?! I thought these were an urban shoe myth!' Carrie Bradshaw exclaims, as she finds a pair in the fashion closet at the Vogue office, in season 4 of Sex and the City. The iconic style turned 30 last year – first debuting in August 1994
'Balance the feminine nature of the shoes with fitted tops'
While styling Mary Janes, balance is the key, say stylists.
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'Sleek Mary Janes complement structured outfits, while chunkier styles look great with relaxed fits. A monochrome outfit paired with a bold shoe colour can also elevate the look,' says celebrity stylist and personal shopper Dipika Mohta. Celebrity stylist Pyu Mishra adds, 'Balance the feminine nature of the shoes with fitted tops or blazers. When choosing Mary Janes, ensure a proper fit.
Opt for highquality synthetics or leather for durability, and select a heel height that matches your comfort level.'
What to avoid
 Avoid pairing delicate Mary Janes with overly bulky pieces, as the contrast can look unbalanced
 Be mindful when styling them with socks — some styles work well, but thick or heavily patterned ones might take away from the shoe's elegance. Stick to thinner socks like tights, ankle socks, or knee-highs for a polished look
 Since Mary Janes have a distinctive style, avoid overaccessorising with chunky jewellery or too many statement pieces. Let the shoes be the focal point to prevent the outfit from looking too busy
– Inputs by Dipika Mohta and Namita Alexander
The origin of Mary Janes
Mary Jane, a character from the Buster Brown comic strip, played a significant role in popularising these shoes in mainstream culture. The classic design — closed-toe, lowcut, with one or more straps across the instep — was worn by both Mary Jane and Buster Brown. Some of us were first introduced to these shoes through Alice in Wonderland , Sex and the City and Clueless . More recently, celebrities like
Harry Styles
, Tyler,
Olivia Rodrigo
, and Gigi Hadid, have been spotted wearing this childhood favourite.
Let the shoes do the talking!
Experiment with textures. Velvet or patent Experiment with textures. Velvet or patent Mary Janes can add a luxe feel while layering Mary Janes can add a luxe feel while layering them with ankle socks or sheer tights can them with ankle socks or sheer tights can create a vintage touch. create a vintage touch.
Play with heel heights. From flats to heels, Play with heel heights. From flats to heels, Mary Janes comes in various designs. A Mary Janes comes in various designs. A moderate heel adds sophistication, while flats moderate heel adds sophistication, while flats offer comfort without compromising on style. offer comfort without compromising on style.
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