Step into autumn with a pair of Mary Janes

When I was around two, my parents bought me a pair of red patent Mary Janes. Runners probably would have been the smarter choice given how very extremely busy I was at that age, but obviously, fashion was more important a factor. 

Ruby slippers they were not, but I coveted those shoes as though they were the most precious things on earth. I wore them to the beach, to the bog, even to bed… on one occasion, my parents had to pry them off my grubby little feet before bathtime, such was my commitment to serving a lewk.

Naturally, those shoes fit me for all of five seconds but their memory lives on and I, for one, am extremely glad to see that Mary Janes are back on trend. 

From preppy schoolgirl to indie sleaze, we’ve seen many iterations of the classic shoe over the years so their resounding popularity should come as no surprise. Comfortable, versatile and very fashion, they have Parisian chic written all over them. 

Already a strong contender for autumn 2023’s it-shoe, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite styles for your perusal below.