I’ve been so in love with Mary Jane flats and ballet flats recently (along with tabis—coming soon!). I feel like for some people, flats can be a very love-or-hate thing; I used to think they looked very strange, especially in combination with modern jeans. At the same time, the combination of classic shoes like flats with jeans can be very eye catching and, in my current opinion, SO cute and chic.
These are the Trary Mary Jane Ballet Flats ($36.99). You can buy or just check them out here.
These particular flats air on the more affordable side, especially relative to quality. With these, I especially like the shape of the flats, with the neutrally round toes and the thin band across.
Of course, as with all flats and Mary Janes, there can be slight discomfort around the heel area (I happen to have gotten some chafing there this morning from my other Mary Janes), especially depending on each person’s unique foot shape or disposition. For example, generally, flats and Mary Janes can be more uncomfortable for wider foot people. As a general rule of thumb for these types of shoes, you probably want to size up, either half or one whole size, depending on the brand.
What to wear these with?
Lacy, ruffle rib, or slouch socks are default pairing with flats and Mary Janes (much like the shoe display above). In my opinion, lace and ruffles emphasize more of the chic factor of the shoes, and slouch socks give slightly more modern-cute. The slouch also is a bit reminiscent of ballet leg warmers, following the theme of the shoes. To me, lace and ruffle really do have a different effect in comparison to slouch socks and leg warmers. I personally prefer the look of the latter (I love a wide, loose appearance when it comes to the feet and ankles!)
Pairing these shoes with socks is a favorite in the fall season (at least, if the weather is mild where you live), and would be cute with a mini or midi skirt (or dress!), plus maybe a brown leather jacket if you can afford one! I’m still saving for one. 🥲 The simple little combo I compiled below shows a jean skirt, but I would personally go for a fabric skirt—black or dark blue is nice, brown would also sandwich the leather color—if possible! Throw in some hand warmers, accessories, a scarf if the weather calls for it, and I’d say that’s a super cute fall outfit for you going anywhere. 🍂 If it’s a little chilly, a pair of sheer tights could do the trick to keep in the skirt.
But my favorite way to wear flats and Mary Janes would just be with jeans! I said this toward the beginning as well, but I think the combination just feels so unexpected and yet right—its a cute pairing that always draws my eyes. With jeans, the socks don’t matter so much since you can’t really see them. Plus, they pass great in cooler weather, which is when I feel the style of flats and Mary Janes comes out more.
One thing I do feel strongly about is wearing some kind of (light-colored) socks. I think the socks are a part of the whole Mary Jane look, with the contrast of the shoe to fabric.
The look and its appeal
Not convinced? Like what is it about flats that is cute? I think it’s just how basic but classic it looks. The slim, narrow build of the shoes is part of that and the strap is definitely, too—simple, and cute against the socks.
The best colors, to me, are black and cherry red or burgundy, and I would love a shiny Mary Jane as opposed to a matte one. There are different types of flats, some which I think would look nice in matte or fabric material, but these particular Trary flats, I would go shiny! Matte can look a bit dull at times.
Like I emphasized in the outfit ideas, I do think these shoes are more of a fall, maybe winter, type of shoes; but I’ve worn Mary Janes around on cooler summer days as well! It’s more about the chic feeling of the shoes and what energy you want your outfit (and, as a result, you) to have for the day! 🙂
Rock or drop?!