Miu Miu started it. When Miuccia Prada (designing Miu Miu) sent models down the runway in a Mary Jane — the T-strap flat with the buckle across the instep, the shoe that peaked somewhere around 1998 — fashion\’s tastemakers paid attention. Not because of the nostalgia, but because of the specific quality she was after: something that was simultaneously schoolgirl and sophisticated, childlike and deliberate. The Mary Jane, when Miu Miu does it, becomes a statement about femininity that\’s both knowing and sincere.
That was two seasons ago. Now it\’s everywhere. Search interest is at a five-year high. The Mary Jane has moved from the front row to the street, from the street to the office, from the office to every closet that has any opinion about shoes. And the range of what\’s being called a “Mary Jane” has expanded considerably — from the classic T-strap flat to block-heeled versions, platform versions, pointed-toe interpretations, and the original low-heeled classic that Miu Miu made famous.
Here\’s what to buy, from $70 to $400, across every interpretation.
Why the Mary Jane Works Now
The shoe works in 2026 because of what\’s happening in the broader silhouette. Wide-leg trousers, midi skirts, cropped jeans — these shapes need a shoe that has a visual presence at the foot without being a boot. The Mary Jane\’s strap creates a frame that the eye can rest on; the rounded toe adds softness; the flat or low heel keeps everything grounded.
It also works because it\’s less expected than the loafer (which has been the dominant flat for five years) and less specific than the ballet flat. It occupies its own lane.
The Edit: 8 Mary Janes to Buy Right Now
1. Steve Madden Gingerly Mary Jane — $80
The most affordable option that looks genuinely polished. The rounded toe and classic strap placement are exactly right, and the width of the strap hits in a flattering position across the instep. In the black suede finish it reads as considerably more expensive than $80.
Shop Steve Madden
2. Sam Edelman Wren T-Strap Flat — $95
Sam Edelman\’s version has a slightly more delicate strap and a cleaner overall construction than the Steve Madden. The T-strap format — a vertical strap meeting the instep strap — is the most classic interpretation. Available in black, nude, and a pale gold that\’s particularly good for summer.
Shop Sam Edelman
3. Mango Buckle Strap Mary Jane — $79
Mango\’s version has a slightly squared toe that gives it a more modern, less vintage quality — if you want the Mary Jane but don\’t want it to read as throwback, this is your option. The white leather version has been particularly popular and makes a strong statement with a minimalist outfit.
Shop Mango
4. Zara Mary Jane Platform Shoe — $69
The platform version adds height while maintaining the rounded, vintage-inflected quality of the Mary Jane silhouette. Zara\’s version is the most trend-forward interpretation on this list — it reads immediately as 2026 rather than timeless. Best for those who want to lean into the moment.
Shop Zara
5. & Other Stories Leather T-Strap Flat — $110
& Other Stories produces what I\’d call the most effortlessly European Mary Jane at an accessible price. The leather is soft, the proportions are considered, and the overall feeling is closer to the Miu Miu aesthetic than anything else in this price range. The burgundy version is exceptional.
Shop & Other Stories
6. Free People Cecelia Mary Jane — $128
Free People\’s version has a slightly softer, more romantic quality — the leather is more supple, the strap is slightly more decorative, and the overall look has a gentle, vintage-shop quality that\’s distinct from the more architectural options on this list. Works especially well with flowy skirts and relaxed dresses.
Shop Free People
7. Reformation Cami Mary Jane — $248
Reformation\’s take on the Mary Jane is precise and clean — the proportions are exactly calibrated, the leather quality is excellent, and the overall feeling is more contemporary than most options at this price. The block heel version adds wearability for longer days.
Shop Reformation
8. Sezane Naomi Mary Jane — $295–$395
The investment option. Sezane\’s Mary Jane collection consistently sets the standard for what the shoe can look like at its most refined — the leather is exceptional, the construction is detailed in ways you notice after weeks of wear, and the overall aesthetic is exactly the Miu Miu-adjacent quality that made the shoe fashionable again. The deep burgundy and the classic black are both essential.
Shop Sezane
How to Style It
With wide-leg trousers: Let the trouser graze the top of the foot, just barely showing the strap. The shoe\’s presence anchors the wide silhouette above.
With a midi skirt: This is the most natural pairing — the rounded toe echoes the soft shape of the skirt, and the strap adds visual interest at exactly the right point.
With straight-leg jeans: Roll the hem once to expose the ankle. The Mary Jane reads as a deliberate choice rather than a default here.
With shorts: Tailored bermuda shorts with a Mary Jane is an underrated combination. The shoe adds a graphic quality that raw-hem shorts or loafers don\’t.
The Mary Jane\’s moment is well underway. Get in now, before the option that\’s right for you sells out.
*Sofia Reyes is Jebae\’s Trends Editor, based in Miami.*
