Being Mary Jane — 20 Totally Grown-Up & Glamorous Mary Jane Pumps For Fall 2016
There’s a photo from my first day of kindergarten, many moons ago, in which I’m wearing a blue-and-whit plaid gingham dress (my school’s uniform) and ankle-high white socks with black patent leather Mary Janes. This, of course, isn’t a singular experience — after all, Mary Janes were once the go-to footwear style for rosy-cheeked school-aged girls and, as such, they became synonymous with the sweet innocence of childhood. This season, however, Mary Janes have matured to new heights — not only have they gotten taller thanks to this fall’s fascination with audacious block heels, but they’ve been re-envisioned through the usage of unexpected and luxurious materials like velvet, jacquard, and silk; made more assertive via details like spike and studs, animal print motifs, color-blocked patterns, and hefty hardware; and elevated to new heights of opulence via details like embroidered jewels and layered teardrop beads.
Want to wear these with ruffled ankle socks? Go for it! The contrast between the saccharine socks and the bold shoes will just add to these designs’ naughty-and-nice appeal.
Miu Miu Purple Red Mary Jane Pump, $790. Available at MiuMiu.com
Not only are they available in a decadent wine shade that’s perfect for fall, but these patent leather Mary Jane pumps feature the block heels we associate with the popular childhood footwear style — but, of course, significantly taller. The strap below the ankle, meanwhile, is decorated with a small Swarovski jewel for a hint of sparkle.
J. Crew Mary Jane Pumps in Colorblock Satin, $378. Available at JCrew.com
Talk about a block party! These Italian-made Mary Jane pumps will reawaken your interest in geometry, Mondrian’s gridded paintings, and Lego sculptures. The cobalt silk uppers on these 3/1″ tall pumps are dazzling, but the ruby red cap detail along the toe and the rounded jade green shape along the ankle counter both work to make the design all the more dynamic and joyful. The black piping, meanwhile, completes the color-blocking motif that makes these so special.
Gucci Nimue Mary Jane Pump, $980. Available at NeimanMarcus.com
Don’t let those grey reptilian scales fool you — this is no cold-hearted snake! Gucci’s Nimue Mary Jane pumps feature traditional glossy black leather uppers, but marries these with a 3″-tall, architectural, commanding block heel covered in genuine snakeskin and a matching snakeskin strap that tapers in width as it hits the center of the ankle, culminating in a sweet bow detail at the very middle.
Dolce & Gabbana Gold Jacquard-Print Leather Mary Jane Pump, $995. Available at BergdorfGoodman.com
Let your toes travel in time to 18th century Versailles with these regal, golden jacquard-print, leather Mary Janes pumps, then have them stop off in 1970s London for a touch of punk rock attitude — namely round studs and spikes along the back of the shoes’ 4″ heels.
Via Spiga Deanna Pumps, $194.95. Available at Shoes.com
Show the world your love for Mary Jane with these 3 1/2″-tall Moroccan jacquard pumps, which feature burgundy red hearts and floral swirls outlined in bold carnation pink and cerulean blue— all juxtaposed against spunky purple uppers.
Nine West Vaidin Mary Jane Pumps in Dark Green Suede, $99. Available at NineWest.com
You’ll feel like Heather Graham in Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me when you rock these shaggadelic, Mod-flavored, glossy patent leather Mary Janes, featuring white piping to accentuate the candy pink uppers.The square toes, chunky 3 1/4″ heels, and wide strap closures complete the retro effect.
Shoes of Prey Mary Jane Platform Pump, $188.95. Available at Shop.Nordstrom.com
Based in Sydney, Australia, footwear line Shoes of Prey has been amassing legions of fans all over the world since its 2009 launch thanks to its insistence on creating fashion-forward, expensive-looking but moderately priced, made-to-order shoes in a vast array of sizes and widths. The footwear brand is now offering a selection of its most distinctive styles exclusively at Nordstrom — all handpicked by the retailers’ discerning buyers. This 4 1/2″-tall Mary Jane pump, for instance, features smooth aubergine leather uppers and a classic round toe, but the 1/2″ gold platform sole and matching ankle strap add an unprecedented degree of elegance.
Gucci Gold Metallic Leather Mary Jane Pump, $850. Available at Gucci.com
A novel take on the Mary Jane flats of yore, these Italian leather Gucci pumps come in a striking molten gold color and feature higher-than-average vamps that cover most of the foot’s lower half. The slim front strap, meanwhile, features a GG pearl button closure. The 4″ heels, meanwhile, are constructed so as to have heft and width, but they’re also slightly curved along the back for a touch of sensuality.
SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker Tartt Embellished Mary Jane Pump, $385. Available at Shop.Nordstrom.com
If you start belting out “I Will Survive,” “It’s Raining Men,” or “We Are Family” while you wear these sparkling Mary Jane pumps, just lean into it and let the disco fever take over. After all, the holographic textile uppers nod to the hypnotic mirrored surface of disco ball. And since the heels are a moderate 2″ high, you can groove and move like you’re at the most epic party at Studio 54.
Valentino Soul Stud Rockstud Mary Jane Pump, $945. Available at NeimanMarcus.com
A distinctly modern take on the Mary Jane silhouette, these Valentino pumps feature smooth calf leather uppers in an ecru shade, higher-than-usual vamps, a 4.3″ stacked wooden block heel, and pyramid studs detailing the wooden outsole for the punk energy we associate with any Rockstud design. The slender ankle strap and muted color scheme all heighten the design’s sweetness and versatility, while the wooden heel adds a sensible and outdoorsy touch and the stud accents infuse a touch of bravado.
Dolce & Gabbana Mary Jane Pump with Chandelier Heel, $2545. Available at BergdorfGoodman.com
1,2,3, 1,2,3 drink if you want to hold on to these chandelier-heeled pumps. These lavish Mary Janes feature black velvet uppers and classic metallic gold leather piping, but they pack a jaw-dropping surprise along the back: 4.3″-tall heels modeled to resemble chandeliers, with rows of clear, teardrop-shaped stones dangling from golden loops to create a conical shape. The translucent details of the heel and the swaying of the crystals is enough to make anyone want to swing atop these chandelier-themed beauties.
Marc Jacobs Lexi Mary Jane Leather Pump, $350. Available at MarcJacobs.com
Don’t like teetering on sky-high heels? Then opt for these Marc Jacobs Lexi Mary Jane pumps, which feature a more sensible 35mm block heel but still manage to exude extravagance. Crafted out of glittery patent calf leather, these pumps are the perfect way to add some sparkle to a party ensemble.
Giuseppe Zanotti Velvet Mary Jane Pump Stiletto Pump, $695. Available at BergdorfGoodman.com
Think of a red velvet throne plucked from a Medieval castle or, for that matter, the iconic red curtains at a grand opera house. That’s precisely the type of regal treatment you’ll be giving your feet when you slip them into these Giuseppe Zanotti velvet pumps, featuring the rounded toe most closely associated with Mary-Jane shoes, thin 4″ heels for a dangerous femme fatale vibe, black contrast trim around the collar, and a slim black leather ankle strap. This is a footwear game of thrones anyone can win!
Elie Tahari Essen Mary Jane Pumps, $235. Available at ElieTahari.com
Like to keep things classic? Then you can’t go wrong with these Elie Tahari pumps, which feature the same black color and silhouette we associate with Mary Janes, but boast rich suede uppers for a more sumptuous textural touch and, of course, a saucy chunky heel!
Gucci Carly Grosgrain Block-Heel Pumps, $795. Available at SaksFifthAvenue.com
Salute those shoes! These military-inspired Mary Janes feature 4″-tall block heels, golden metallic leather piping along the collar, and two blue-and-red stripes straps with golden bottles that seem to nod to dress uniforms donned by the U.S. Marine Corps and the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment in Great Britain.
Vince Camuto Vanira Block Heel Mary Jane Pumps in Taupe, $128. Available at VinceCamuto.com
Made in Brazil, these taupe Mary Janes will look great with everything from skinny jeans to tailored shorts, pleated skirts, and sheath dresses. Featuring nubuck uppers, extra wide 4″ heels, and thick buckled stripes, the Vanira pumps demand to be noticed — and succeed admirable!
