Mary Janes Flats Are Still Trending for Fall: 13 Styles to Try

Whether you’re trying to have a demure fall or simply want to refresh your footwear lineup, you should absolutely be shopping for Mary Janes this season. This nostalgic, unapologetically feminine shoe—alongside flats and general—came back into vogue last year, and brands of all aesthetics and price points are continuing to find fresh ways to reimagine it to this day. If you love traditional Mary Janes, they’re available in abundance, but you’ll also find versions with mesh, edgy buckles, crystals, and more to fit every taste and occasion. Read on to learn more about the trend and see 13 of our favorite styles to shop.

About the Trend

Blame “recessioncore,” the takeover of the coquette aesthetic, or the ongoing obsession with Y2K—any way you slice it, flats have inarguably had a major comeback over the past few seasons. Their practical silhouette (no uncomfortable heels to deal with!) and put-together, feminine feel have fully caught on for a new era, making many of us wonder why fashion turned away from the shoe in the first place.

Within the flats renaissance, all sorts of breakout micro-trends have taken this shoe category into statement-making, often unprecedented directions. Flats are the biggest component of the red shoes trend that’s gotten impressive mileage over the past year, plus mesh, square-toe, and sporty versions have exploded, proving there are plenty of fresh ways to wear this footwear staple.

Through every recent flats trend you can imagine, Mary Janes have been a key component. The main distinction between Mary Janes and other flats is the aforementioned style’s strap over the arch of the foot, which often—but not always—features a buckle. Many of us remember wearing them in childhood, but thanks to the current trends, this classic shoe has broken out of its box as a nostalgia item to find countless decidedly modern iterations that fit a range of aesthetics.

Whether you’re leaning into your demure side or prefer an unexpected take, there’s truly a pair of Mary Janes for everyone this season. We’ve rounded up 13 standout pairs to try, encompassing a whole range of aesthetics, price points, and details.

The Best Mary Janes to Shop

Elevated Edge: Ganni Buckle Ballerinas

Consider these the motorcycle boots of the ballet flats universe. These leather Mary Janes feature two chunky buckle straps and a slingback design, giving them a slightly edgy feel that will pair beautifully with your go-to leather jackets and denim.

Silver Siren: Zou Xou Simona Mary Jane Flat

Silver shoes are having a major moment, so tap into the trend with these slightly futuristic yet incredibly wearable Mary Janes. Against a neutral fall palette, a statement piece like these will certainly pop.

Mesh Moment: Stuart Weitzman Arabella Mary Jane Flats

If you’re a fan of mesh flats and looking to transition them into cooler weather, a Mary Jane silhouette in a darker hue will help you do so seamlessly. The leather strap and metallic buckle on this pair elevate it from carefree summer staple to an argument for wearing sheers year-round.

Little Red Shoe: Dolce Vita Reyes Ballet Flats

For a sweet pop of red, you can’t go wrong with these shoes from Dolce Vita. The crinkle patent finish and thin strap provide a classic yet statement-making feel that you’ll surely embrace all season long.

Coquette Dream: Brother Vellies Picnic Shoe

Lean into the sweetness of Mary Janes with a pale pink style featuring a heart-shaped buckle. Pair these with a boho maxi skirt for an of-the-moment feel, or use them as an office-appropriate statement alongside trousers and a button-down.

Quadruple Shot: Alohas Luke Onix Coffee Brown Leather Ballet Flats

All the details here make for a chic, wearable statement: four elegantly buckled straps, a shiny finish, a square toe, and an espresso brown shade that will (à la Sabrina Carpenter) have you wrapped around its finger. Style it with a mini skirt and cardigan for a preppy look, or embrace the wrong shoe theory with some athleisure.

On the Go: Skechers Relaxed Fit Breathe Easy Mary Janes

For a Mary Janes take on the ballet sneaker, Skechers has some impressively comfortable yet stylish pairs on offer, as we can attest. The sporty silhouette means that these work equally well with traditional Mary Janes-appropriate outfits and more casual options, plus they feel perfectly aligned with the ongoing “ugly” shoe trend.

Baby Blue: Margaux The Mary Jane

Cool pastels like periwinkle and seafoam green are back and better than ever. Embrace a softer take on fall dressing with this powder blue style—it’s your choice whether you opt for a classic metallic buckle or go for decadent crystals.

Platform Jelly: Melissa Farah

In case you missed it, jelly shoes have made a grand return—and a Mary Jane version is a great progression for fall when it gets too cold for sandals. The platform sole, neutral color, and double strap create a shoe that goes with almost anything yet will make everyone look twice.

Reimagined Two-Tone: Vivaia Tamia MaryJane

Two-toned slingback pumps—most famously, the Chanel version—are a fashion classic. These Mary Janes embrace that timeless palette in a modern, recycled fabric, balancing the trends with a piece you can love for years to come.

Classic Pumps: Larroudé Blair Block Pump

Many of us first got to know Mary Janes as the dressy yet wearable shoe our parents would break out for us to wear on special occasions. Now that the style is trending again, a classic black patent pump feels fresh again—and decidedly grown-up when paired with quiet luxury staples.

Life of the Party: Sam Edelman Michaela Mary Jane Flat

These Mary Janes are anything but minimalist flats—and that’s exactly what makes them so iconic. Absolutely covered in clear gems, this is a party shoe that will undoubtedly turn heads. Use them to take your favorite LBD to the next level, or pair them with other statement pieces for a going-out look to remember.

Maximum Fluff: Simone Rocha Faux Fur Crisscross Ballerina Flats

One of the most unexpectedly cohesive trends from the fall 2024 runways was an array of shoes that embraced maximalist fluffy details, from feathers to furry moments. We can really see these taking off as holiday parties ramp up, and a neutral pair ensures statement-making mileage for all your fall and winter looks.