They are here to stay!

Mary Janes: Their fascinating history, the celebs who love them and 10 styles to try this season

A century-old shoe is having one of its biggest fashion moments yet, with celebrities and designers putting their own spin on it

Mary Janes: Their fascinating history, the celebs who love them and styles to try this season

Andrea PérezDeputy Editor - U.S.

SEPTEMBER 7, 2026 1:22 PM EDTSEP 7, 2026, 1:22 PM EDT

Some shoes have a moment and disappear. Mary Janes have somehow stuck around for generations. The classic shoe, defined by a strap across the instep, has moved from children’s wardrobes and school uniforms to designer runways, celebrity closets, and street style. And while its appeal isn’t exactly new, Mary Janes feel particularly right for 2026.

A guest wears a black woven beret hat, jaw-length straight dark brown hair, black rectangular sunglasses with dark lenses, a gray blue denim button-through shirt with balloon sleeves, matching gray blue denim knee-length bermuda shorts, a Chanel black quilted leather crossbody bag with a chain strap, black leather ballet flats shoes, outside Gestuz, during Copenhagen Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2027, on August 04, 2026 — A guest wears black leather Mary Janes, outside Gestuz, during Copenhagen Fashion Week, on August 04, 2026

This season, the signature silhouette is showing up in some of fall’s biggest footwear trends. Think rich velvets, leopard prints, square toes, sculptural shapes and even sneaker versions that blur the line between sporty and polished.

Anto Massoni wears long dark brown hair, oversized Tom Ford black sunglasses, a white button-up shirt by Margaux Lonnberg, a beige trench coat by Marbell layered under a burgundy leather biker jacket by Marbell, brown sheer split leggings by Joah, a leopard-print Dolce & Gabbana leather top-handle bag, and burgundy Mary Jane espadrilles flat ballet mesh shoes by Flabelus, during a street style fashion photo session, on July 21, 2026 in Paris, France. — Anto Massoni spotted in burgundy Mary Jane espadrilles by Flabelus, on July 21, 2026 in Paris, France.

Over the past few months, especially during fashion week season in Europe, we’ve seen the revival of the iconic Mary Jane silhouette, a fixture in women’s fashion since the early 20th century.

Part of the reason many have fallen in love with them is how easily they can suit every style and occasion. Wear a sleek black pair with trousers for a sophisticated look. Add white socks and a mini, and they suddenly have a playful, preppy edge. Choose a chunky sole, bold print or unexpected material, and the shoe feels completely different.

Mary Janes are here to stay: The fascinating history behind the classic shoe and this season’s trendiest styles — Mary Janes made a huge appearance this year during Copenhagen Fashion Week

The fascinating history behind Mary Janes

Long before they became known as Mary Janes in the United States, the shoes had a royal connection in Spain.

The story dates back to 1878, when King Alfonso XII of Spain married María de las Mercedes of Orléans. Their love story was tragically short-lived. The young queen died just five months after their wedding, and her death inspired a popular song that referenced the patent-leather shoes she wore. The style became associated with María de las Mercedes and eventually became known in Spain as “merceditas,” a name still widely used for the shoes today.

Maria de las Mercedes of Orleans-Bourbon, Infanta of Spain (1860-1878). Daughter of the Duke of Montpensier, granddaughter of King Louis-Philippe.

The name Mary Jane came later and from a very different source. In the early 1900s, the style appeared on Mary Jane, a character in Richard F. Outcault’s popular Buster Brown comic strip. Her signature strapped shoes became so closely associated with the character that the name stuck.

'Buster Brown' was series of short silent comedies, circa 1926.

From there, Mary Janes became especially popular as children’s and school shoes, prized for being comfortable, secure and polished. Over the decades, designers transformed the familiar silhouette with new materials, heels, platforms, buckles and colors, turning what was once a childhood staple into a fashion classic that continues to be reinvented today.

Katie Holmes may be the queen of Mary Janes

Plenty of celebrities have embraced the Mary Jane revival, but Katie Holmes has made a particularly convincing case for treating them as an everyday wardrobe staple.

Katie Holmes in blue velvet Mary Janes to complete her casual denim day-to-day look

Katie Holmes was spotted wearing a semi-sheer Rachel Comey Nalin dress paired with deep red Mary Janes — Katie Holmes wearing a semi-sheer Rachel Comey Nalin dress paired with deep red Mary Janes

The actress has been wearing different takes on the shoe across seasons, pairing them with the kind of unfussy day-to-day pieces that have made her off-duty New York style so closely watched. Rather than saving Mary Janes for dresses or more polished occasions, Holmes wears them with jeans, skirts, dresses, and even overalls, showing just how versatile they can be.

Katie Holmes is seen wearing the Franco Sarto Oakes Mary Jane while on her way to the theatre on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California. — Katie Holmes wearing the Franco Sarto Oakes Mary Jane flats

Katie Holmes in denim overalls and Mary Janes

She’s also far from loyal to one version. She’s been spotted in everything from velvety blue and burgundy Mary Janes to brown suede, playing with both round and square toes. She’s even embraced edgier takes on the classic, including styles with double buckle straps and metallic grommets.

Katie Holmes with the perfect fall outfit that includes a pair of Mary Janes.

Katie Holmes with her black Miu Miu Mary Janes — Katie Holmes's black Miu Miu Mary Janes

Being that we highly regard Holmes' street style, seeing her willingness to wear them again and again and style them differently each time may be the best argument for investing in a pair. They’re not limited to one outfit formula or even one season.

Other celebrities making a case for Mary Janes

Holmes may be one of the style’s most devoted fans, but she has plenty of company. Gigi Hadid has repeatedly worked Mary Janes into her wardrobe. During Paris Couture Week, the model paired black leather Mary Janes with a romantic red-and-pink lace-trimmed skirt and a simple white tank.

Gigi Hadid keeps her look feminine with a pair of Mary Janes

Dua Lipa has also taken the shoe in a more edgy direction. The singer has worn Maison Margiela’s cult Tabi Mary Jane flats, which combine the traditional strap with the fashion house’s unmistakable split toe. She styled the black leather pair simply with jeans and a white button-down, letting the unusual shoe take all the attention.

Dua Lipa spotted wearning a pair of Maison Margiela’s cult Tabi Mary Jane flats

Olivia Rodrigo is another huge fan of Mary Janes. The young popstar embraces the style as part of her mix of feminine and slightly rebellious look, wearing everything from chunky versions to polished Mary Jane heels. And the list keeps growing. Gwyneth Paltrow, Zoë Kravitz, Apple Martin, Jennifer Lawrence, and Dakota Johnson are among the other stars seen wearing the beloved shoe style.

Olivia Rodrigo with her pair of red Carel Paris Kina patent leather Mary Jane pumps.

Mary Janes: The perfect transitional shoe

The current revival isn’t simply about bringing back the traditional black school shoe. The most interesting Mary Janes right now play with the familiar shape. Burgundy is an especially easy way into the trend for fall, particularly in tactile materials like velvet and suede. Animal prints give the otherwise sweet silhouette some attitude, while square toes make it feel more modern. And for anyone who isn’t ready to give up sneakers, Mary Jane sneaker hybrids offer the signature strap with a much sportier finish.

What makes the celebrity interest especially telling is that there isn’t one “right” way to wear them. Mary Janes can be sweet or edgy, minimal or statement-making, dressed up or worn with your favorite jeans.

Apple Martin wearning a simple white tee, blue skirt, and her fav Mary-Janes

Rosalía wearing a dress red with black Mary Janes

As summer winds down and fall gets closer, Mary Janes are the kind of shoe that works for both. Wear them with bare ankles while it’s still warm, then bring in socks or tights as the temperature drops. Neutrals and rich fall shades like brown and burgundy keep things classic, while brighter colors and prints are an easy way to have a little more fun.

And there’s no shortage of ways to wear them. We rounded up 10 styles to try this season, whether you’re looking for an everyday flat or something with a little more personality.

10 Mary Jane styles to try this season

1/10 The fall chocolate brown Mary Jane

Chocolate brown and suede are practically made for fall, and this pair brings them together beautifully. Mint Velvet’s Tabi Chocolate Ballet Pump has a round toe, a delicate cut-out design, and a slim buckle strap. They’re polished without feeling too dressy, and the rich brown is an easy alternative to black that looks especially good with denim, skirts and fall dresses.

2/10 The embroidered Mary Jane

Embroidery gives the Mary Jane a more artisanal feel, and Flabelus’ Jena Embroidery Pierre is a beautiful example. Created in collaboration with Roller Rabbit, the style is made from 100% linen with a geometric embroidered pattern, contrasted by bright red piping and a matching buckle strap. Handmade in Spain using traditional espadrille techniques, it also has an organic cotton lining and a sole made with recycled bicycle tires.

3/10 The alpargata Mary Jane

The alpargata has always been about easy, everyday comfort, with roots in the traditional espadrilles worn for centuries in Spain and the Mediterranean.

TOMS took that relaxed classic and gave it a Mary Jane twist, dressing it up in rich burgundy velvet with a buckle strap and its signature pleated toe. The result, their Alpargata Mary Janes, feel familiar and definitely fresh, and we love the deep burgundy for fall - but it does come in other colors: Bronze Metallic, a velvet brown, Black Canvas and a Taupe Snake Print Suede.

4/10 The platform Mary Jane

For an edgier take on the Mary Jane, 4CCCCEES’ Tura Oya Choco blurs the line between ballet flat and sneaker. The brown suede upper is paired with a chunky 35mm sole inspired by oversized monster-truck tires, giving the otherwise simple silhouette a cool, unexpected edge. It’s exactly the kind of statement shoe the Korean-founded brand does so well: playful, architectural and a little unconventional.

5/10 The animal print

If you want to have a little more fun with the trend, leopard print and a square toe make a great combination. Dream Pairs’ Square-Toe Mary Jane Flats give the retro silhouette a bolder look, with a low heel and delicate buckle strap. And because the brand is on the more affordable side, it’s a good place to experiment with Mary Janes beyond basic black, whether that means animal print, burgundy, red or another style you might not normally try.

6/10 The elongated pointed toe

For a sharper, more sophisticated take on the trend, go pointed. M.Gemi’s Loriana stretches the classic Mary Jane into an exaggerated pointed toe for a sleek, put-together look. Handmade in Tuscany from Italian nappa leather, it has a low leather-wrapped heel, an adjustable strap with hand-painted hardware and a soft, foldable back that lets you wear it as a mule, too.

7/10 The minimal ballet Mary Jane

Quiet luxury in Mary Jane form. TKEES’ Reese keeps things beautifully simple with ultra-soft black leather, a classic ballet shape and one slim strap across the foot. Handcrafted in Brazil with a cushioned insole, there are no flashy details or embellishments, just a clean, understated shoe that you can wear with practically anything.

8/10 The pop of color

Even the most casual looks can use a statement shoe. Birdies’ Hummingbird Mary Jane does just that in a sunny yellow, with open-weave raffia handcrafted by artisans in Tuscany that adds texture without feeling fussy. The tonal strap keeps the design simple, while a flexible sole, arch support and seven layers of cushioning make it comfortable enough for everyday wear.

9/10 The t-strap Mary Jane

This retro-inspired T-strap Mary Jane is an elegant choice for the upcoming season. Franco Sarto’s Marylee comes in a glossy tortoiseshell finish, while the square toe and tiny heel give it a sophisticated look. It’s especially good for office days when you want a comfortable flat that still feels classy and a little more dressed up.

10/10 The sneaker Mary Jane

Part sneaker, part Mary Jane, this Reebok pair brings a sporty edge to the trend. The Ultra Lo Mary Jane takes the sleek shape of a low-profile runner and adds the signature strap across the foot, with a mix of satin and suede giving it more texture. In Vintage Chalk with white accents and a gum sole, it has that cool, retro sneaker look while still feeling feminine.