The Staples: Mary Janes

She’s an icon: Mary Jane, as we know her, is a practical shoe style that can be worn with everything from denim, to cocktail dresses. In the first installment of The Staples, Level looks at the perfect FW24 Mary Jane shoes for you, discovers the origin and design of this timeless shape and how to wear your favorite pair. 

Let’s take it back. Before gaining popularity, Mary Janes were originally called ‘bar shoes’, based on – you guessed it – the ‘bar-like’ strap that sits across the front of the foot. In the early 20th century they featured in the Buster Brown comic series by R.F. Outcault, and named after the lead character’s friend and companion, Mary Jane.

Swiftly moving from the school playgrounds to dancing fêtes, Mary Janes continued to gain popularity amongst flapper girls in the 1920s, before picking up serious traction in the 1960s when style icons like Jane Birkin and Twiggy wore them to dance around Carnaby Street. Resurging again in the 1990s during the grunge era, chunkier Mary Janes made appearances on streets and red carpets alike. With coquettish styling and ‘Indie Sleaze’ era making a comeback, more variations of strappy Mary Janes continue to appear cyclically. 

The enduring popularity of Mary Janes stems from their knack for effortlessly elevating any outfit, and achieving a perfect blend of style and practicality. With its storied history and versatile design, the Mary Jane remains a beloved staple in fashion, and long may she reign. As trends evolve and styles shift, Mary Janes continue to be a staple choice, embodying both nostalgia and contemporary flair. Look to FW24 and The Lline, Le Monde Beryl, and Sam Edelman for ongoing updates to refresh your wardrobe rotation for years to come.