Mary Jane shoes have stood the test of time, evolving from a children’s footwear staple to a versatile fashion icon for all ages. This classic shoe, characterized by its distinctive strap across the instep, offers a perfect blend of charming elegance and modern flair.

Whether you’re dressing for the office, a casual weekend outing, or a special event, the Mary Jane shoe can elevate your look with its timeless appeal. If you’re exploring this footwear classic for the first time—don’t fret. 

In this guide, we’ll explore how to wear Mary Jane shoes including basic rules for styling, how to showcase them in the workplace, and what to pair them with for a variety of casual looks.

 

Basic Rules for Styling Mary Janes

So, what are Mary Jane shoes exactly? Mary Jane shoes are a timeless flat shoe that come in many different styles. With their iconic strap across the instep, are a timeless classic that can elevate any casual outfit or polished look. When it comes to Vionic’s Mary Janes, you’re not just getting style—you’re also benefiting from superior comfort and support. Want to learn more about how to style Mary Janes? Here are some essential rules to keep in mind:

Consider the Occasion

Mary Janes are versatile, but different styles suit different settings:

• Casual outings – Opt for a pair of comfortable flat Mary Janes, like Vionic’s Alameda style, in neutral colors or fun patterns to showcase your personality whether you’re headed to a picnic, concert, or coffee date.
• Office wear – Don’t know what to wear to work? Choose sleek, low-heeled Mary Janes in classic black or navy when you’re headed into the office for a polished look and work-appropriate ensemble.
• Evening events – Go for Mary Janes with a higher heel and perhaps some embellishments if you’re off to an evening event like a formal dinner or opera performance.

No matter the occasion, you can make a statement in your Mary Janes all year round. In the spring, you can rock a knee-length floral dress paired with Mary Janes in a pastel shade; you can also use these kicks to complete your look with jeans and a blazer in the fall. 

Balance Proportions

Another key aspect of styling Mary Jane flat shoes is creating a balanced silhouette:

• With skirts and dresses – When you’re after classic, feminine flair, Mary Janes pair beautifully with hemlines that fall above the knee or mid-calf. Talk about a flattering leg line!
• With pants – Cropped or ankle-length tailored trousers work best with Mary Janes, allowing your chic kicks to be fully visible.

Remember, the beauty of Mary Janes lies in their ability to add a touch of sophistication to any outfit, so it’s easy to pair them with a variety of your favorite wardrobe staples.

Play with Socks and Tights

Mary Janes offer a perfect opportunity to experiment with hosiery, like bold socks or a sleek pair of tights:

• Sheer tights – Opt for Mary Janes and a pair of sheer tights for a classic, elegant look, especially with dressier outfits.
• Patterned socks – Add a playful touch to casual ensembles with a pair of funky, patterned socks peeking through your Mary Janes.
• Colored tights – Make a bold statement, particularly with monochromatic outfits, by adding a pair of colored tights to your look.

Not only does a pair of Mary Janes make it easy to take your ensemble from a daytime ‘fit to an evening-ready look, but hosiery can help you adapt your Mary Jane styling to the time of year. For example, in the spring and summer, pair your kicks with ankle socks, bare legs, and lightweight fabrics. In fall and winter, wear them with warm tights or socks and layer with cozy textures.

Coordinate with Your Outfit

While Mary Janes don’t need to match your outfit exactly, they should complement it if you want to create a cohesive look. 

For example, you may want to choose Mary Janes in the same color family as your outfit for a sleek, put-together appearance. Or, you can use brightly colored Mary Janes to add excitement and a pop of color to an otherwise neutral outfit.

Embrace Their Versatility

Vionic’s Mary Janes are designed for comfort and support, making them ideal for various activities. For example, you can take them from the office to weekend activities by choosing a neutral pair that can transition from office wear to casual outings.

When you’re ready for an adventure, pack a comfortable pair of Mary Janes for exploring new cities in style.

 

Mary Janes in the Workplace

Mary Janes have long been a staple in professional wardrobes, offering a perfect blend of sophistication and comfort. Vionic’s range of Mary Janes takes this classic style to the next level, providing not just elegance but also exceptional support for long workdays. They are some of the best shoes for standing at work for long hours. 

Here’s how to style Mary Jane shoes and incorporate these kicks into your office attire:

Choosing the Right Style

When selecting this classic shoe for work, consider the following key features to ensure you select the right style:

• Heel height – Opt for low to moderate heels for all-day comfort. Vionic offers various heel heights suitable for different workplace settings.
• Color – Stick to neutral shades like black, navy, or brown for versatility. These colors pair well with most office outfits.
• Material – Leather or suede Mary Janes offer a polished look appropriate for formal work environments.

Mary Janes complement a wide range of professional outfits, whether you’re a fan of formal suits or fun and functional dresses. Pair black Mary Janes with a tailored pantsuit for a classic, authoritative look, or choose an a-line or sheath dress to create a balanced silhouette. Layer with a blazer or cardigan to dress warmer in cold weather.

Comfort for Long Days

Vionic’s Mary Janes are designed with comfort in mind, featuring:

• Arch support to reduce foot fatigue
• Cushioned soles for shock absorption
• Breathable materials to keep feet cool

These features ensure you can focus on your work without discomfort, even during long meetings or days spent mostly on your feet. 

When you’re ready to clock out and hit the town, you won’t need to worry about swapping out your Mary Janes for another pair of stylish shoes. Instead, for after-work events, switch out your blazer for a statement necklace. Pair your Mary Janes with dark jeans and a silk blouse for casual Friday drinks.

 

Casual Outfits with Mary Janes

Mary Janes aren’t just for formal occasions or the workplace; they can be effortlessly incorporated into casual outfits for a chic and comfortable everyday look. Here’s how to style Mary Janes shoes for your off-duty days:

Jeans and Mary Janes: A Perfect Pair

When you’re wondering what to wear with your Mary Janes, it’s hard to go wrong with a great pair of jeans. 

• Rock ankle-length skinny jeans with flats, like Vionic’s Uptown Mary Janes, for a sleek silhouette; add a loose-fitting t-shirt and a denim jacket to craft a classic casual look.
• If trendy, loose-fitting pants are more up your alley, you can contrast the relaxed fit of boyfriend jeans with feminine Mary Janes. Roll up the cuffs to show off your shoes and add a fitted top to balance the casual outfit.

Denim and Mary Janes are the perfect combination for a laid-back ensemble.

Skirts and Dresses for Laid-back Days

A flowing midi skirt paired with Mary Janes creates a romantic, casual look. In the mood for something a little more edgy? Add a simple tank top or a graphic tee for contrast. You can also combine a denim skirt with Mary Janes for a playful, youthful outfit.

Shorts for Warm Weather

Pair high-waisted shorts with Mary Janes for a leg-lengthening effect. This combination works well with both loose and fitted tops, making it a versatile format no matter your personal style. 

For a preppy look, wear Bermuda shorts with these chic shoes and a polo shirt or a crisp button-down.

Accessorizing Your Casual Mary Jane Look

When you’re hoping to switch up your look, you can’t go wrong by adding accessories that are uniquely you. To add some personal pizzazz to your outfit, throw on:

• Statement accessories like bold earrings
• A colorful scarf
• Ankle socks under your Mary Janes

Whether you’re trying to create a cute and youthful or timeless look, combine the personalized power of accessories to take your casual ‘fit to the next level.

 

Dressing Up Mary Jane Shoes for Special Events

When it comes to special occasions, Mary Jane shoes can be your secret weapon for creating a stunning and sophisticated look. This versatile shoe effortlessly bridges the gap between elegance and comfort, making them an ideal choice for events where you’ll be on your feet for extended periods. 

For a formal evening affair, consider pairing black patent leather Mary Janes with a floor-length gown. If you’re attending a cocktail party, opt for a pair of metallic Mary Janes to add some sparkle to your ensemble. 

For outdoor weddings or garden parties, choose Mary Janes with a lower heel or even a flat sole. Pastel-colored suede or embellished styles can perfectly complement a floral dress or a lightweight suit. 

 

Rock Your Mary Janes for Any Occasion with Vionic

By embracing the techniques above, you can unlock the full potential of how to style Mary Jane flats, transforming them from simple accessories into powerful fashion statements. Remember that the key to mastering styling these iconic shoes lies in experimentation and personal expression. 

Don’t be afraid to push boundaries and create unique combinations that reflect your individual taste. Whether you prefer the classic elegance of leather Mary Janes or the modern flair of embellished designs, these shoes offer endless possibilities for elevating your outfits.

Vionic presents a diverse range of women’s flats and loafers, featuring sleek, modern Mary Janes and ballet flats that seamlessly blend style and comfort. For the ultimate in all-day wear, our high-tech Vio Motion support ensures you never have to compromise. Whether you’re searching for the perfect Mary Jane or another go-to pair, we have a pair for every style. 

 

Sources: 

InStyle. 14 Ways to Wear Mary Janes, Spring’s Hottest Shoe Trend. https://www.instyle.com/how-to-wear-mary-janes-8646373 

Saks Fifth Avenue. How to Wear Mary Janes: 9 Outfit Ideas. https://www.saksfifthavenue.com/c/the-edit-content/081622/mary-jane-outfits

The Mustang. The Rise of Mary Janes. 

https://www.sdamustang.com/featured-stories/2023/10/25/the-rise-of-mary-janes/