Originally designed for children, then commandeered in the 1990s by punks, goths, and Lolita fans, Mary Janes are emerging for every style this fall. Maison Margiela, Thom Browne, and The Row have all reimagined the Mary Jane in the image of their brand ethos. While, conversely, die-hard Mary Jane designers such as historic French house Carel and Portuguese designer Nicole Saldaña are finding new audiences for their house staples.
Newer designers, such as Julia Toledano's Nodaleto and Brooklyn-based Suzanne Rae, and luxury houses such as Christian Louboutin have released party-ready Mary Janes in bright bold colors and noteworthy metallics for those looking to stand out during the season's festivities. Gucci reached into its arsenal to pay homage to its bamboo hardware, evidenced by the oversized buckle, while Camper, an accessible brand with a growing cult-following, melded their Mary Janes with the season's other hottest trend: clogs.
Gucci Ouverture Look 25
Often worn with socks, all the options below can transition from summer to fall. Get creative and go sheer or slip on the coveted Thom Browne striped socks featured at New York Fashion Week. Either way, from calf hair to glitter, buckle to bow, the Mary Jane is evolving to cater to all. Peek below for L’OFFICIEL's guide to the chicest mary-janes to add to your fall wardrobe.
Suzanne Rae
Block-heeled, squared toe, ethically made with recycled rubber soles and bio-polyols-a synthetic leather derived from a mixture of water bottles and plant derivations-these Mary Janes cover all the bases. The Suzanne Rae eco-vegan silver mary-janes serve not only fall's best trends but can also be transitioned into the holiday season. Originally designed in 2017 by the Brooklyn-based female founder and designer, the Mary Jane has become a house staple. And at a very workable two-inch heel, these are the heels to last you all night.
Gucci
Gucci's Ouverture collection pays homage to the house's origins mixed with styles made for today. The large bamboo buckle takes this shoe from traditional black leather Mary Jane to a statement piece. Pair with knee-high socks to realize head designer Alessandro Michele's full vision.
Nodaleto
The Bulla Babies Mary Jane are your answer to whimsical and camp. From the mind of Julia Toledano, the universally beloved style come in heel heights from 65mm to 105mm, though the width of the block heel ensures your feet won't be throbbing by the end of the night.
Carel
Established in 1952, the Parisian staple brand Carel has a rich history in the Mary Jane sphere. With evergreen styles and oft-released limited editions, Carel offers both timelessness and trends. These brown patent leather Mary Janes tie together both classic style and the season's buzziest color.
Nicole Saldaña
For a flat-heeled option that still packs a punch, look no further than Nicole Saldaña's black and white cow-printed calf hair and leather Mary Janes. Handmade in Portugal, the rusticity of these Mary Janes are tied together with a dainty leather bow. Best for those who want the best of both styles.
Christian Louboutin
The category is Wizard of Oz extravaganza. Featuring a red sole and red patent leather, these Christian Louboutin three-strap mary-janes give off chic Dorothy vibes. Grab your dog and put it in a basket, it's time to embrace this fall's most prevalent color: red.
Camper
In the spirit of having it all, Camper combined this season's two stand-out shoe trends: Mary Janes and clogs. At under $200, the accessible brand is not only affordable, but they are also eco-friendly. Produced with audited and certified Leather Working Group (LWG) leather, Camper has kept to its environmental commitment.
Thom Browne
Thom Browne's Two-Strap T-bar shoes combine brogues and Mary Janes into one dark academia shoe. Made with 100 percent pebbled calfskin leather, the shoes are buttery soft and pair perfectly with Thom Browne's stand-out striped socks at NYFW.
Maison Margiela
Margiela's Tabi split-toe is consistently a good buy. With the new season introducing Mary Janes with flat heels in either black or white, the Tabi maintains its ability to evolve with the trends, while remaining true to Margiela's spirit.
The Row
If clean lines, soft leather, and quiet excellence are your speed, sign up for the release of The Row's Olga Mary Jane flats. The shoes, which will be available at MatchesFashion amongst others, have yet to come to market, but the waitlist is heating up.