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This Is 2019’s Answer to the Ballet Flat

mary jane shoes trend hero
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Before dad sneakers happened, ballet flats were the comfortable footwear choice du jour. But in the wake of sneaker mania, the classic (albeit slightly boring) shoe slipped from our consciousness like a pair of low-rise jeans slipping off our…well, you know. 2019 has found its match: the Mary Jane. Think of it as the ten-year challenge for flat footwear: It’s a little bit cooler and a little bit smarter but just as versatile. Here are 25 pairs that we love.


leopard mary jane shoes
Shopbop

1.

Leopard Print

The exaggerated silhouette and bold pattern keep them from looking too prep school.

plaid mary jane shoes

2.

Mustard Plaid

But if prep school is what you’re going for, mustard plaid will do the trick.

burgundy velvet mary jane shoe
Saks Off 5th

3.

Burgundy Velvet

Burgundy velvet and an embellished clasp elevate the style (you know, when you don’t want to wear heels).

block heel mary jane
Madewell

4.

Low Block Heel

Elevated but still comfy.

cow print mary jane shoes
Nordstrom

5.

Cowhide Fur

Animal print keeps them fresh.

patent leather mary jane shoes
Nordstrom Rack

6.

Patent Leather

Pair these with your best slouchy denim to avoid looking twee.

mustard mary jane shoe
Nordstrom

7.

Cinched Velvet

The amber hue is anything but saccharine.

red silk mary jane shoes
Matches Fashion

8.

Bright Red Silk

A rich color with a pointed toe reads chic, not childish.

silver mary jane shoes
Nordstrom

9.

Mirror Finish

Disco ball feet…in a good way.

embellished beige mary jane shoes
Zappos

10.

Embellished Suede

Blush is in, guys.

square toe mary jane shoes
Zappos

11.

Square Toe Patent

A square toe *just* veers into “ugly cute” territory…and we’re here for it.

textured black mary jane shoes
Macy's

12.

Textured Leather

The textured patent isn't too prim.

blue suede mary janes
Nordstrom

13.

Blue Suede

[Insert musical joke of choice.]

rose gold mary jane
Matt & Nat

14.

Rose Gold

With an asymmetrical strap for an unconventional touch.

snake skin mary jane shoe
DSW

15.

Snake-Skin Cut-Out

Show a little skin.

sparkling mary janes
Madewell

16.

Glitter

Own the look.

studded mary jane shoes
DSW

17.

Studded Nude

Not your typical Hot Topic hardware.

navy velvet bow mary janes
Amazon

18.

Oversize Bow

We’re suckers for a bow.

jeweled buckle mary jane
Amazon

19.

Jeweled Buckle

They’re just sparkly enough.

rose mary janes
Modcloth

20.

Rose Velvet

Is there anything more ’90s than mauve?

waterproof mary jane shoe
Nordstrom Rack

21.

Rubberized White

They're a helluva lot cuter than wellies.

colorblock mary jane shoes
Nordstrom

22.

Colorblocked

For the indecisive.

gold mary jane shoes
Saks Off 5th

23.

Metallic Gold

Like jewelry for your feet.

bow tie mary janes
DSW

24.

Bow-Tie

If subtlety is your thing.

dr marten mary janes
Urban Outfitters

25.

Chunky-Soled

Straight out of 1993.


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Former Senior Food Editor

  • Headed PureWow’s food vertical
  • Contributed original reporting, recipes and food styling
  • Studied English Literature at the University of Notre Dame and Culinary Arts at the Institute of Culinary Education