Mary Janes Lead 2025 Footwear Trends With Platform and Metallic Styles

Mary Janes are making a strong comeback in 2025 as designers reimagine the classic silhouette with bold new materials, updated shapes, and modern styling options.

Mary Janes are experiencing a major resurgence in 2025, with designers like Prada, Miu Miu, Bally, and Wales Bonner reinventing the silhouette with bold platforms, metallic finishes, and unexpected materials. Their adaptability is a key reason for their popularity. As noted in a trend analysis, “Mary Janes now come in various iterations, including chunky platforms, minimalist flats, and edgy heels, making them compatible with everything from tailored trousers to streetwear staples”.

Celebrities and influencers like Olivia Rodrigo and Dua Lipa have also embraced Mary Janes, styling them for everything from grunge balletcore looks to edgy streetwear. As one fashion editor puts it, “There’s a quiet revolution happening below the ankles, and it’s anything but boring. Mary Janes, the prim-and-proper shoes, are having a full-on fashion renaissance. But this time around, they’ve traded innocence for edge, and nostalgia for novelty.”

How to Style Mary Janes

Mary Janes are celebrated for their versatility and can be styled for virtually any occasion. As the CHARLES & KEITH style guide notes, “Depending on their design and the outfit you wear them with, Mary Janes can come across as sweet and feminine, cute and quirky, preppy and punk, or polished and practical.”

• For a casual look, pair Mary Janes with a sundress or flowy skirt for a playful, feminine vibe. They also look great with skinny jeans or baggy denim.

• For work or office settings, neutral or black Mary Janes pair well with tailored dresses, pencil skirts, or trousers and a blouse for a polished, business-casual look.

• For a modern twist, try Mary Jane trainers—a hybrid of the classic Mary Jane and sporty sneakers. “The collision between practicality and daintiness sums up the appeal of Mary Jane trainers,” notes a fashion reporter.

• In summer, Mary Jane espadrilles offer comfort and breathability. Their natural fiber soles are extremely comfortable and durable, making them a much better choice for the warmer months than a stiff leather flat that lacks breathability.

• Add a pop of color with red or pastel Mary Janes, as seen on celebrities who style them with wide-leg jeans or vibrant knits for a joyful, everyday look.

Fashion experts recommend paying attention to the shoe’s details. “Look for daintier heels, stunning details, and stick to pointed or squared toes to eliminate the little girl vibe,” suggests a style blogger. Double-straps or wider straps can modernize the look, and pairing Mary Janes with matching or complementary tights can create a professional finish.

The Modern Mary Jane: Comfort Meets Style

Beyond their style, Mary Janes are also renowned for comfort. Features like cushioned insoles, supportive arches, and adjustable straps make them ideal for daily wear and for those with specific foot needs. As one reviewer puts it, “Sleek, comfy, and unapologetically chic, these pumps and flats are proof that timeless style can actually feel good”.

Designers are experimenting with metallic hues, platform soles, and embellishments. Designers are giving them platform boosts, square toes, metallic hues, and even architectural heels. Simone Rocha layered them with pearls and drama, while Maison Margiela went the Tabi route, yes, split-toe Mary Janes exist. And they’re glorious.

Final Thoughts

Mary Janes have journeyed from schoolyards and dance halls to high-fashion runways, now standing as a symbol of both nostalgia and innovation. Whether you prefer classic patent leather, sporty trainers, or bold, embellished styles, there’s a Mary Jane for every personality and occasion. As Namita Alexander summarizes, “Mary Jane shoes are versatile and can be styled in many ways, depending on the occasion and your personal aesthetic”. This season, let your Mary Janes do the talking, comfortably and stylishly.