Mary Jane flats are still in style in 2026, and they're one of the easiest shoes to wear. A strap across the instep, a closed toe and a flat sole make them polished enough for the office and relaxed enough for weekends. The simplest way to style them: show a little ankle, let the strap be seen, and match the shoe's color to one other piece in your outfit.
Below you'll find what makes a Mary Jane flat different, how to wear them with jeans, trousers, skirts, dresses and socks, 12 outfit ideas, and what to check if you want a pair you can wear all day.
What are Mary Jane flats?
Mary Jane flats are closed-toe flat shoes with a strap that crosses the top of the foot, usually fastened with a buckle, button or snap. The strap is the defining feature. It holds the shoe on your foot, which is why many people find them more secure than a strapless ballet flat.
Today you'll see them in a few main shapes:
- Round toe: the classic, slightly sweet version.
- Square toe: a cleaner, more modern line, and a roomier shape at the front.
- Mule (backless): the strap keeps the shoe on, and there's no heel counter to rub at the back.
- Woven or perforated leather: a textured, breathable upper that reads more casual and works year-round.
Are Mary Jane flats still in style in 2026?
Yes. Mary Janes have moved from a trend into a wardrobe staple. They're now sold in nearly every finish, from patent and suede to woven leather and metallics. Because the shape is simple, they don't date the way a very specific trend shoe does. The versions that look most current right now are square-toe styles, woven or perforated leather, and metallics like gold and silver.
Mary Jane flats vs ballet flats: what's the difference?
The difference is the strap. A ballet flat has no strap and stays on by fitting snugly around your foot. A Mary Jane adds a strap across the instep.
| Mary Jane flats | Ballet flats | |
|---|---|---|
| Strap across the foot | Yes | No |
| Stays on when walking | More secure, thanks to the strap | Relies on a snug fit |
| Look | Slightly vintage, more "styled" | Minimal and clean |
| Best for | Walking, commuting, wearing with socks | Very simple outfits |
If your ballet flats slip off at the heel, a Mary Jane is usually the fix.
How to style Mary Jane flats: 5 simple rules
- Show some ankle. Cropped trousers, ankle-length jeans and midi skirts let the strap be seen. Full-length hems that pool over the shoe hide the best part.
- Repeat the shoe color once. Brown flats with a brown skirt or bag, black flats with a black blazer. It makes the outfit look intentional.
- Balance the proportions. Flats keep the eye low, so wide-leg pants and fuller skirts look best when the waist is defined: tuck in your top or wear a belt.
- Let texture do the work. A woven or metallic Mary Jane is already a statement. Keep the rest of the outfit simple.
- Socks are optional, not compulsory. Bare ankles look cleaner. Socks look more playful and add warmth in fall and winter (see below).
12 Mary Jane flats outfit ideas
Every outfit here uses the Lorissa Orthopedic Mule Flats, a square-toe Mary Jane mule in woven genuine leather with a cushioned orthopedic footbed. It comes in black, brown, camel, gold, silver and white, so you can see how each color works.
1. With wide-leg jeans
This is the easiest way to wear Mary Janes with jeans. Choose a cropped or ankle-length wide leg so the strap shows, half-tuck a crisp shirt, and you're done. Shown: Virelle Curved Panel Denim Pants in Sky, Sloane Relaxed-Fit Shirt in White, Lorissa in White.
2. For the office, with tailored trousers
High-rise pleated trousers and a fine knit look polished without heels. Pick a flat in a tone close to the trousers to lengthen the leg. Shown: Romilly Wide-Leg Trousers in Brown, Giselle Lace Wool Sweater, Lorissa in Camel.
3. With a black suit
Metallic flats stop a black suit from feeling too serious. Add a bag in one strong color. Shown: Ophelia Blazer & Wide-Leg Trousers Set in Black, Avielle Top Handle Handbag in Red, Lorissa in Silver.
4. With a corduroy midi skirt and socks
Brown Mary Jane flats, a brown corduroy skirt and cream ribbed socks are a classic fall combination. Shown: Ariella Corduroy Midi Skirt, Portia Cashmere Sweater in Khaki, Lorissa in Brown.
5. With a flowy midi skirt and a statement cardigan
When the knit is bold, keep the shoe light. White flats look fresh with blue and stop the outfit from looking heavy. Shown: Eliza Flowing Midi Skirt in Deep Blue, Amelie Spotted Knit Cardigan, Lorissa in White.
6. With a lace dress for a wedding or event
Gold flats are a comfortable alternative to heels for garden weddings and long events, where heels sink into grass. Shown: Arabella Lace Midi Dress in White, Lorissa in Gold.
7. With a relaxed midi dress and cardigan
An easy weekend outfit. Silver adds a little shine to warm earthy colors. Shown: Talia Relaxed Midi Dress in Brown, Avielle Ruffle-Cuff Cardigan in Khaki, Lorissa in Silver.
8. With a peplum blazer for work
Black Mary Jane flats are the most versatile color for work. They go with navy, gray and black. Shown: Penrose Peplum Blazer in Navy Blue, Romilly Wide-Leg Trousers in Grey, Lorissa in Black.
9. With a wool coat in winter
Yes, you can wear Mary Janes in winter on dry days. Pair them with a long coat and ankle-length jeans, and add socks or tights when it's cold. Shown: Evelina Shawl-Collar Wool Coat in Khaki, Reina Ribbed Knit Sweater in Navy, Avielle Handbag in Brown, Lorissa in Black.
10. With a long denim coat on weekends
A long coat and slim trousers make a long, simple line, and brown flats keep it casual. Shown: Anya Fleece-Lined Denim Coat in Deep Blue, Livia Mock Neck Check Sweater, Lorissa in Brown.
11. With a tailored jacket and cropped pants
Olive, khaki and camel are an easy fall color story. Shown: Quintessa Herringbone Jacket in Olive, Virelle Curved Panel Pants in Khaki, Lorissa in Camel.
12. With a dress, a shawl and sheer socks
Sheer black socks with metallic Mary Janes look dressy, not schoolgirl. Shown: Comporta Dress in Black, Virelia Knit Sleeved Shawl in Brown, Lorissa in Gold.
How to wear Mary Jane flats with socks
Pick the sock by the mood you want.
- Sheer socks (black or nude): the most grown-up option. Good with dresses and tailoring.
- Ribbed crew socks (cream, gray, brown): relaxed and very fall. Good with midi skirts and cropped pants.
- Bare ankles or no-show socks: the cleanest look, and best with wide-leg jeans and trousers.
Keep the sock tone close to either the shoe or the hem for a smooth line. Contrast colors work too, but keep the rest of the outfit simple.
What color Mary Jane flats should you buy?
- Black Mary Jane flats: the safest first pair. They go with denim, black, navy and gray, and suit work and weekends.
- Brown Mary Jane flats: warmer and more relaxed. Great with fall colors, corduroy, olive and cream.
- Camel: a softer neutral that blends with skin tones and lengthens the leg.
- Gold or silver: a "neutral with shine" that replaces heels for events.
- White: fresh with blue denim and light colors, and works in spring and summer.
Are Mary Jane flats comfortable? What to look for
Mary Jane flats can be very comfortable, because the strap keeps the shoe in place, so your toes don't have to grip. Comfort still depends on the pair. Check these points:
- Cushioned footbed: a thin, completely flat insole gets tiring fast. Look for a padded or contoured footbed.
- Toe shape: a square toe usually gives the toes more room than a pointed one.
- Upper material: genuine leather softens and molds with wear. Woven or perforated leather adds breathability.
- Strap position: the strap should sit across the instep and hold the foot without digging in.
- Back of the shoe: if heel rub is your problem, a backless mule style removes it entirely.
The Lorissa flats tick these boxes: a genuine leather woven upper, a cushioned orthopedic footbed, a square toe and a backless mule shape with a secure Mary Jane strap. See all six colors or browse the full women's footwear collection.
Frequently asked questions
Are Mary Jane flats in style for 2026?
Yes. Mary Jane flats have become a wardrobe staple. Square-toe, woven leather and metallic versions look the most current.
What do you wear with Mary Jane flats?
Almost anything that shows a little ankle: cropped or wide-leg jeans, tailored trousers, midi skirts, and midi or knee-length dresses. Repeat the shoe color once in the outfit to tie it together.
Can you wear Mary Jane flats with jeans?
Yes. Ankle-length or cropped jeans work best, especially wide-leg and straight cuts, because the strap stays visible. Avoid long hems that cover the shoe.
Should you wear socks with Mary Jane flats?
It's your choice. Bare ankles look cleaner. Sheer socks look polished, and ribbed crew socks look relaxed and add warmth in fall and winter.
What's the difference between Mary Janes and ballet flats?
Mary Janes have a strap across the top of the foot, and ballet flats don't. The strap makes Mary Janes more secure for walking.
Are Mary Jane flats good for wide feet?
They can be. Look for a square or rounded toe, a soft leather upper and an adjustable or roomy strap, and check the size guide before you order.