5 Good Modern Mary Janes

Credit: @carelparis

By Alexa Wilson + DNAMAG

Once a traditional household name given to girls who took after their mothers and their mother’s stay-at-home lifestyle, the name Mary Jane is now synonymous with being an It girl. Sure, the style itself with it’s one straight across delicate strap has been in fashion since World War I, the Mary Jane went on to be the unofficial dancing shoes throughout the roaring 20’s, well into the 1950’s, but finally struck icon status during the 1960’s mod revolution. It Girls like Alexa Chung a loyalist to the classic style has donned it through the years to prove that it is here to stay, forever in your closet.

A trick to keep the style from feeling dated is to mix and match. Try putting together dressy and more casual pieces or vintage and modern. Breathe life into closet staples like vintage denim and a crisp white button up with a pair of mary-janes with ornate buckle details and a luxe finish. Styles with a more minimalistic, architectural style pair well with slim trousers and a high neck sweater for a classic, yet updated look.

JACQUEMUS

LES BALLERINES RONDES MARY JANE FLATS

$605

AVAILABLE AT BERGDORF GOODMAN

AEYDE

ALINE PATENT LEATHER MARY JANE PUMPS

$375

AVAILABLE AT NET-A-PORTER

YUUL YIE

LOUIS MARY JANE KITTEN HEELED MULES

$395

AVAILABLE AT IFCHIC

THE ROW

BOHEME LEATHER MARY JANE FLATS

$990

AVAILABLE AT NET-A-PORTER

CAREL PARIS

ARIANA MARY JANE PATENT LEATHER SHOES

$432

AVAILABLE AT FARFETCH

*Originally published march 2018, updated september 22, 2023.

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