8 Australian creatives show us how they style their Mary Janes
IMAGE VIA @isabellachantal/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY IZZY WIGHT
Breaking the school-shoe stereotype.
Those who attended schools with regulated uniforms will remember the dreaded start-of-the-year uniform shop. You’re coming off the high of an eternally sunburnt and carefree Australian summer to the crashing reality of your local Myer shoe section.
The retail assistant chats to your mum about the most ‘practical’ shoe available, whips out the freezing metal foot-measuring contraption and starts rifling through boxes of orthotic-appropriate options. Despite the constant begging for a pair of contraband all-black Converse or Vans, we always left with a chunky, velcro Clarks Mary Jane – two sizes too big, because I was a ‘growing girl’.
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They plagued my primary school years, shiny leather skis peeking out from under my striped white-and-blue uniform sack. But these days, one look at my wardrobe will affirm I’m a Mary Jane convert. I now own not one, but two pairs. In an effort to break the school-shoe stereotype, I asked Australian creatives to share how they’re styling Mary Janes in their current wardrobe.
Olivia Walker, digital creator
I love these Mary Janes by Acne Studios because I feel [like] one of my childhood dolls when I wear them. The star detail is my favourite part – they’re so unique, total doll shoes! I dress quite casually and laidback, and I don’t always want a sneaker… these shoes quickly elevate a pared-back look. I’ll typically pair these with a midi skirt and socks but I’ve recently been opting for pants and feel so cute in them!
Eloise Dalais, digital creator and Fashion Journal intern
Ever since I was brought up with Alexa Chung as my muse, I have adored her French-chic style. As I delve into more explorative ways of dressing, I now have the perfect flat. With a small heel, these Charles and Keith Mary Janes are the perfect transeasonal shoe.
I love to pair these with acid-wash baggy jeans or a simple pleated skirt, with or without socks depending on the weather. I am guilty of having ordered the flat version, also from Charles and Keith (they’re one of the only brands that stocks a size 42). A girl can never have too many shoes!
Allie Daisy King, writer and digital creator
God bless the fashion girlies who decided to make Mary Janes trendy again, instead of being relegated to schoolgirl uniforms. I got this pair of Mary Janes from Acne Studios on sale a few months ago and they have quickly become a fixture of my wardrobe. I love the versatility of the style, and how they can pair with many different looks.
I can rock them with a skirt and go full cutesy but also when styled with graphic pants, they give the look a bit more softness and contrast. I also love the star cutouts and the musky pink colour, as they make the shoe more dynamic and I am a sucker for anything with a star on it.
Lillian Scott, digital creator
I’ve gone through some pretty distinct styles when it comes to footwear. Initially, it was boots – the chunkier, the better. Then sneakers, with an emphasis on TNs. Now, while I remain loyal to my two first loves, I’ve quietly snuck over to Mary Janes. A delicate shoe!
There is something so dainty and light about slipping on a pair of ballet flats. It adds a feminine touch to every outfit so I particularly love pairing them with baggy shorts and jeans. This pair is thrifted (no surprise) and while the brand is too faded to be specifically named, I’m fairly sure they are from an orthopaedic shoe shop (of the Kumfs variety). I could walk for days in them, so this checks out.
Tilly Quon, digital creator
I love Mary Janes because I think they are just so versatile. Since buying them, they have truly become a staple piece – I think they suit every outfit I own. I’m normally a big sneakerhead, but these Mary Janes definitely won me over. I think they make every outfit look cute.
I used to think they were just schoolgirl vibes, but now I wear them every other day. I bought my Mary Janes from Dr Martens (8065), and they’re definitely worth the price. I particularly love styling them with white socks always, usually paired with a thrifted skirt and cute blouse or singlet.
I think it adds the perfect final touch to outfits when I’m feeling like dressing a bit more feminine. Everybody should invest in a pair, they will become a staple shoe!
Jillian Arcenas, digital creator
I’m such a fan of the balletcore aesthetic, which is why I adore wearing my Mary Janes! They bring a touch of femininity into my outfits, which often feature somewhat masculine and oversized silhouettes. My Mary Janes are from Ganni, and I love the scrunch detailing as it adds an interesting texture to my looks. I find them to be super versatile and love adding socks, as it creates a contrast in the look.
Jessica Harris, stylist
I always find myself drawn toward traditionally ‘cutesy’ items with a twist – which explains my love for Mary Janes. I love the juxtaposition of the traditional style with unexpected elements like chunky soles, heavy hardware, or super modern textures. To contrast the feminity of the shoe, I love pairing them with menswear-style items like tailored pants or a structured jacket.
In winter, I’ll wear them with a colourful pair of stockings or socks to show off a pop of colour. This pair came from a second-hand hunt and while nothing beats the thrill of the search for the perfect vintage pair, some Nicole Saldana Mary Janes are definitely number one on the wish list!
Bella de Almeida Reis, Marketing Coordinator at Frank Green
I’ve been dreaming of owning these Ganni flats for months. I saw them when I had just arrived in Europe last October and couldn’t justify the purchase, as I knew I had four weeks of spending to go. Fast forward to Ganni opening their Sydney flagship store in June this year… obviously the first chance I got, I flew there and had the shoes boxed up, ready for me to wear. Now I’m officially a Scandi cool girl.
The scrunchie band is my favourite detail – it’s so special, and I haven’t seen any other shoe brand do this before. While unique, they’re also timeless and elegant. The brown satin finish pairs well with almost all looks and being a more feminine shoe, I like to work them into masculine outfits, too. I usually style them with a skirt and chunky socks, some fun tights, denim or basketball shorts, and long pants so the top is just peeking out.
For more of the best Mary Janes on the market, head here.
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