Mary Jane shoes bring a distinct silhouette to the flat-and-low-heel category — a rounded toe and a strap across the instep, usually secured with a buckle or button, that gives the shoe a slightly retro, feminine shape you won't get from a plain pump or loafer. This edit includes both flat and low block-heel versions.

The strap does real work here, not just decoration — it keeps the shoe secured to the foot through a full day of walking in a way that slip-on styles can't always match, which is part of why Mary Janes have stayed a wardrobe staple across decades. Finishes range from smooth leather-look to patent, with round and slightly squared toe shapes both represented.

Pair them with a pleated midi skirt for a look with real vintage character, or with straight-leg jeans to soften a more casual outfit. Mary Janes suit dresses particularly well too, especially babydoll and A-line silhouettes where the shoe's rounded shape echoes the softness of the outfit above it.