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Mary Jane heels may have been famously called an “urban shoe myth” by Carrie Bradshaw on Sex and the City all those years ago, but there’s no mistaking that the style has become a classic in the decades since. In fact, it’s no wonder that every household luxury footwear brand from Manolo Blahnik and Jimmy Choo to Christian Louboutin and Aquazurra continues to offer fresh takes on the silhouette each season, such is its enduring appeal.
Perhaps you’ve already found your go-to Mary Jane flats and you’re ready to add to your rotation something polished and poised for the office and beyond. Whether your penchant is for a shoe with a petite block heel to wear comfortably during a long day of meetings or a high-fashion, fantasy-worthy take that will work for weddings and galas, there is no shortage of classic and contemporary styles to have your eye on.
Glossy patent and supple calf leather styles have always been a consistent bet when it comes to Mary Jane heels, but why not consider branching out with a suede slingback style, holiday-season-ready velvet, or even an animal-print option for a pop of fun?
Read on for the best Mary Jane heels to shop right now.
Mary Ribbon Pump
Walkable heel? Check. Elegant almond toe? Check. Discreet luxury logo? Check. Gianvito Rossi’s Mary pump ticks all the boxes, and with the option to go for suede, glossy patent leather, or even bouclé, it’ll quickly become your new favorite all-arounder.
Sizes: US 4-13, including half sizes
Colors: Black, red, nude
Heel height: 45mm/2 inches
$895.00 at neimanmarcus.com
Manuela Mary Jane Pump
For a quintessential cool-girl outfit that works just as well for Sunday lunch as a meeting with your CEO, pair a high-heel Mary Jane with a tailored vest and either straight-leg denim or high-waisted trousers. We love how understated yet elevated Reformation’s Manuela is. Talk about a confidence booster.
Sizes: US 5-11
Colors: White, black, wine
Heel height: 75mm/3 inches
$298.00 at Reformation
Elisa Mary Jane Pumps
Try as we might, we just can’t quit our fondness for the mesh shoe trend that’s been reverberating lately. Why not take it to new heights with this sophisticated Mary Jane by Jimmy Choo? Despite being super hot for a date, it wouldn’t look out of place in a professional setting either, particularly when peeking out from underneath suit trousers.
Sizes: US 6-12
Colors: Black, burgundy, white, cream, mixed media, raffia
Heel height: 45mm/2 inches
$795.00 at Net-a-Porter
Aline Velvet Pumps
Nothing says end-of-year footwear like sumptuous velvet. While the mere mention of “party shoes” tends to bring to mind sparkles and stiletto heels, Aeyde’s Aline pumps, available in velvet and patent leather, are just as fun, all while being daytime appropriate and dance-floor-approved too.
Sizes: US 5-12
Colors: Black, navy, red, nude, silver
Heel height: 45mm/2 inches
$425.00 at Net-a-Porter
Alice Mary Jane Duo Pumps
You can rest assured that Carel Paris, purveyors of footwear since 1952, has perfected the Mary Jane. The brand’s patent and calf-leather options come in a variety of heel heights, strap styles, and statement buckles. Plus, there’s no shortage of fun spins on the classic, with plenty of denim, mesh, animal-print, embossed, studded, and two-tone pairs up for grabs.
Sizes: US 5-11
Colors: Black, navy, burgundy, white, metallic, printed
Heel height: 65mm/2.5 inches
$570.00 at neimanmarcus.com
Campari Pointed Toe Mary Jane Pump
With its seductive pin heel and elongated pointed toe, Manolo Blahnik’s Campari pump is a winner when it comes to nailing the “office siren” look. As for soon-to-be brides, keep in mind that this one comes in an elegant white satin too.
Sizes: US 5-11
Colors: Black, white, red
Heel height: 65mm/2.5 inches
$825.00 at nordstrom.com
Davina Slingback Pumps
For those who prefer their slingbacks with a more secure fit, enter a Mary Jane take on the idea. Madewell’s Darina features narrow buckled straps to ensure these streamlined pointed-toe kitten heels will see you through a busy day without budging. Our money is on the red-wine-hued colorway, which is undoubtedly the color of Q4.
Sizes: US 5-11, including half sizes
Colors: Black, merlot, blue, silver
Heel height: 44mm/1.75inches
$158.00 at madewell.com
Freya Mary Janes
Rachel Yeung’s shoe brand, Raye, takes its inspiration from reina—the Spanish word for queen. And that’s just how you’ll feel in these regal, ladylike perforated suede and leather pumps with a subtle block heel.
Sizes: US 5-11
Colors: Black
Heel height: 32mm/1.25 inches
$158.00 at revolve.com
Benni Mary Jane Ballerinas
Meet the MVP shoe of your weekly workwear rotation. In either the perfect burgundy shade or nude patent leather, the Benni is sure to add polish to everything in your capsule wardrobe, from ankle-length knit dresses to wide-leg denim.
Sizes: US 5-12
Colors: Black, nude, rosewood
Heel height: 35mm/1.38 inches
$495.00 at neimanmarcus.com
Cade Mary Jane Pumps
Your search for the ultimate ruby-red slipper just came to an end. Veronica Beard’s Cade is a jewel-tone velvet delight, with a barely there block heel and statement gold buckle to seal the deal. Get ready to click your heels together in style.
Sizes: US 5-12
Colors: Red, black, silver, leopard
Heel height: 30mm/1 inch
$375.00 at nordstrom.com
Bellezza Satin Mary Jane Pumps
Cocktail-hour-worthy Mary Janes never looked so good. These sky-high, vividly saturated satin gems are a covetable take on the style, dreamed up by Italian label Aquazurra. Don’t miss the joyful addition of the signature gold pineapple on the sole either!
Sizes: US 5-12
Colors: Pink, yellow, bronze, green, black
Heel height: 105mm/4 inches
$850.00 at Net-a-Porter
Miss Jane Pumps
Business up top, party down below—or rather, the instantly recognizable scarlet Louboutin sole. Say hello to the Miss Jane, a sleek almond-toed pair to reach for when it’s a case of business meets pleasure.
Sizes: US 5-12, including half sizes
Colors: Black, nude
Heel height: 58mm/2.3 inches
$814.00 at Mytheresa
Très Vivier Pumps
Nod to mod in these haute ’60s-inspired patent Mary Janes with a comfortable flared block heel. The Parisian house’s signature crystal-buckle detail is sure to be a conversation starter too.
Sizes: US 4-12, including half sizes
Colors: Black, white
Heel height: 45mm/2 inches
$1495.00 at Net-a-Porter
Satin Mary Jane Pumps
In true Prada fashion, this season’s new satin Mary Jane stands out from its competitors thanks to an unusual conical heel, contrast logo lettering, and a rubber outsole.
Sizes: US 6-11, including half sizes
Colors: Tobacco
Heel height: 55mm/2.2 inches
$1450.00 at bergdorfgoodman.com
VLOGO Lockette Mary Jane Pumps
The spotlight is about to shine on Valentino in a whole new way, with creative visionary Alessandro Michele now at the reins. Get ahead of the incoming buzz with these architecturally interesting Mary Janes, with a silhouette you can be sure you won’t see everyone else on the commute also wearing.
Sizes: US 6-12
Colors: Black
Heel height: 100 mm/4 inches
$1100.00 at Net-a-Porter
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For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion, beauty, and lifestyle resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in fashion by working with the world’s leading authorities in ready-to-wear, footwear, accessories, and more. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of editors and industry experts.
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