Laidback chic
These subtly sophisticated slippers are the go-to comfortable shoe for laidback summer chic. Of course, French women and best-dressed Brits including Jane Birkin and Twiggy all wore these dainty flats in days gone by. This style of shoe was originally worn as dance shoes by children and it was only in the 1920s and 1930s that Mary Janes started to become fashionable.
Thoroughly modern Mary Janes
It is only now, as the style returns with Alexa Chung leading the charge, that us mere mortals are catching on. Today’s high street is awash with thoroughly modern Mary Janes to choose from, some with skinny elastic straps, others made with sturdy buckles.
2025's surprising shoe trends
Other surprising shoe trends this summer include boat shoes. Although they never really went away, it needed an appearance on Miuccia Prada’s runway in 2024, followed by Loewe this year, whose catwalks took on a nautical flavour.
Earlier this year, our shopping editor picked out the shoes the style set would be wearing in 2025.
The Sneakerina is another shoe style that has the fashion cognoscenti divided. Considered the Marmite of shoes, these flat ballerina sneakers have some curb appeal but are not for everyone, just like old Mary Jane.
Step this way with Mary Jane
From luxe velvet and metallic leather to minimalist ballet flats, we’ve rounded up some of the best Mary Janes for stylish wardrobes. Put your best foot forward. You know you want to.
Hero image: LK Bennett
