How to Work Mary Jane Heels into Your Wardrobe

The Mary Jane is a classic shoe for every closet. Regardless of which heel height you prefer, you’ll find lots of ways to wear Mary Janes. Although they’re commonly associated with school uniforms, Mary Jane shoes are also stylish for both work and play. They’re a comfortable choice for most occasions, especially if you choose a pair with a cushioned footbed.

You can wear Mary Jane heels with almost any type of apparel. Keep reading for outfit ideas featuring this versatile footwear style.

With Skirts and Dresses

Mary Jane heels and flats go well with almost any type of mid-length skirts and dresses. You can also wear Mary Janes with maxi dresses for an on-trend look that works for summer and early fall. Maxi dresses are easy to transition from season to season—when the weather gets cooler, simply wear your maxi dress with a cardigan sweater and boots for fall-ready style. Mary Jane shoes also complement most shirt dresses.

When it comes to choosing a type of Mary Jane shoe to wear with a skirt or dress, you can’t go wrong with suede or leather. For a shoe that goes with virtually everything, look for a black leather Mary Jane with a one-inch heel. A cushioned EVA footbed is another feature you’ll want in this type of women’s shoe.

With Slacks

For a streamlined look when coordinating slacks with Mary Jane heels, wear flat-front slacks in black or navy with your favorite top. Supima cotton is an excellent material for tees and other top styles because it’s soft, durable, and colorfast. Tunic tops are flattering with slacks or any other type of bottom because they fall to the hips and provide ample coverage. If you want an easy sweater that you can layer with slacks and Mary Janes, choose one made from a lightweight, smooth cotton/modal fabric.

If you need a supportive shoe for lots of standing or walking, consider a Mary Jane heel with a leather upper, nylon shank, and flexible Strobel construction. An EVA footbed and textile lining help keep feet cool and comfortable all day, while a rubber outsole provides plenty of traction on indoor or outdoor surfaces.

With Women’s Jeans

You can even wear Mary Janes with your favorite pair of women’s jeans. Straight-leg jeans are a versatile denim style that goes with any type of top, from tees to sweaters. You’ll find straight-leg denim in classic mid-rise and trendy high-rise styles. When it comes to washes, straight-leg jeans come in a variety of light and dark hues—including indigo and black.

Skinny jeans also go well with Mary Jane shoes. As with straight-leg jeans, skinny jeans come in washes ranging from light to dark. Some are equipped with compression panels for a smooth look. Find skinny jeans that are crafted from soft, sturdy fabric enhanced with Spandex or Elasterell for plenty of stretch. Pair your outfit with a knit top and women’s blazer, or go casual with a denim jacket.

Corduroy pants also coordinate with Mary Janes. There are petite, regular, and plus-size corduroy pants in autumn-inspired earth tones—wear them with a white women’s blouse for a dressy look, or go casual with a knit top in basic black.

With Capri Pants

For spring and summer, you can wear Mary Jane heels or flats with capri pants. This cropped pant comes in fabrics, colors, styles, and sizes to suit every body. Choose from mid-rise capri styles including those with elastic around the waist for comfort and stretch. If you want a casual look, try capris in denim fabric. For a dressier look, opt for jacquard capris or those in a khaki color. This pant style goes with lots of tops, from women’s boatneck tops to polo shirts and cotton cardigans.

No matter which kind of capri pants you choose, you can wear it with any Mary Jane shoes. Most Mary Janes have a flat heel or a low heel around one-inch high, so they go with any type of outfit. Although Mary Janes are excellent for the spring and summer, you can also wear them in the fall. If you’re wearing a skirt or dress with Mary Janes, you can add coverage with opaque black tights.

Other Versatile Styles

Mary Janes aren’t the only versatile type of shoe you’ll want to own. Ballet flats work with everything from dresses to jeans. A variation on this shoe style is the moccasin, which has a boxier shape than the ballet flat but is equally as versatile. Wear ballet flats with any type of slacks or jeans, or go for an athleisure look by pairing them with your favorite joggers or women’s yoga pants.