Why Mary Janes are trendy and timeless, plus 6 pairs to shop right now: Olivia Rodrigo and Dua Lipa are fans while Prada, Miu Miu and Dr. Martens all have versions – but they began as school shoes

Sep 28 , 2023

Our love for the timeless Mary Janes is forever. Photo: Carel Paris

Invented in 1902, the shoe was originally designed as everyday footwear for kids, but its pivotal moment came in 1934 when Shirley Temple wore a pristine white pair in the film Baby Take a Bow

Olivia Rodrigo styled them for a grunge ‘balletcore’ look, Alexa Chung traded her classic noughties flats for heeled ones, while Dua Lipa rocks her split-toe Maison Margiela Tabi shoes

It’s fair to say that while some trends come and go, others stand the test of time and become staples that transcend generations.

US pop star Olivia Rodrigo has been spotted wearing Mary Janes. Photo: Getty Images

One such enduring classic is the Mary Jane shoe. With its timeless design, rich history and a roster of celebrity admirers, Mary Janes have definitely cemented their place in fashion.

The story of these memorable shoes begins in the late 19th century. Characterised by their rounded toe, low heel and single instep strap, they were initially designed as practical, everyday footwear for children, quickly becoming a beloved choice for school shoes due to their easy fastening and durability.

Mary Janes became popular dancing shoes for Flapper Girls, too. Photo: CR Fashion Book

Its current name was born years after the shoe was invented in 1902, when Brown Shoes Company’s popular comic strip Buster Brown introduced Buster’s sister Mary Jane, who was often shown wearing this shoe style.

A few years later, Mary Janes underwent a remarkable transformation, evolving from practical children’s shoe to dancing shoes for flappers of the era. However, their true pivotal moment came in 1934 when Shirley Temple graced the silver screen in a pristine white pair of Mary Janes in the film Baby Take a Bow.

Mary Janes are versatile and complement different types of looks and styles. Photo: Getty Images

Nowadays, Mary Janes continue to reign supreme, proving their versatility and appeal. Labels like Sandy Liang, Chanel and Prada have all included them on their runways. Celebrities have embraced their charm too, from Olivia Rodrigo styling them for a grunge “balletcore” look to Alexa Chung trading her classic 2000s flat Mary Janes for heeled ones, or even Dua Lipa wearing the most polemic Mary Jane style out there – the split-toe Maison Margiela Tabi.

Italian luxury brand Prada featured Mary Janes in its spring/summer 2023 ready-to-wear collection. Photo: Go Runway

This versatility, both in style and season, is a testament to the enduring allure of Mary Janes. They effortlessly complement any look, from sleek skinny trousers to flowing silk dresses and even full-on leather ensembles.

Looking for a pair of these staples for your own, or updating your wardrobe? Read on to discover six of our favourite Mary Janes right now …