Mary Jane Ballet Flats: How to Wear Them, and Which to Buy

Mary Jane ballet flats are flat, rounded shoes with a strap across the instep, a style that started as a children’s shoe in the early twentieth century and is now one of the most worn flats in a grown-up wardrobe. The strap keeps the foot secure, so they are more comfortable for walking than a plain ballet pump, and they work with trousers, jeans, skirts and dresses alike.

This guide covers how to choose a pair, how to wear them through the year and the Mary Jane and ballet flats from ME+EM on Coveti, made in Spain and Italy, from $620.

Mary Jane vs ballet flat vs Mary Jane heel

The ME+EM Mary-Jane Ballet Flat

The ME+EM Mary-Jane Ballet Flat in Black ($620) is black leather with a gold-toned buckle on the strap. ME+EM shaped it to an elongated almond toe so it sits neatly under the hem of a wide-leg trouser. The strap is elasticated for give, and the suede lining makes it comfortable from morning to evening. It is made in Spain.

The AM-PM Ballet Flat: the evening version

The ME+EM AM-PM Ballet Flat in Black ($660) has two elasticated straps, soft suede and a crystal toe cap, with a bespoke branded buckle. It is a party shoe you can wear all night.

More ME+EM flats

• Point Toe Flat in Tan/Chocolate ($660): snake-embossed Italian leather with a backstrap and a padded insole.
• Point Toe Flat in Black ($710), made in Italy.
• Round Ballet Flat in Port Brown ($620), made in Spain.
• Leopard Ballet Flat in Dark Brown Multi ($710), in baby calf.
• High Front Ballet Flat in Pecan ($660).

For a little height, the ME+EM Mary-Jane Heel in Black ($660) puts the same strap on a block heel.

How to wear Mary Jane flats

With wide-leg trousers

Let the hem fall to just above the toe so only the front of the shoe shows. This is the outfit ME+EM designed the shoe for.

With jeans

Cropped straight jeans with a flash of ankle. White socks make it deliberate and playful.

With skirts and dresses

A midi skirt with black tights and Mary Janes is the classic autumn look. With a fit and flare dress, see our fit and flare dress guide.

For evening

A crystal-capped flat with a velvet dress is as festive as a heel. Ideas in our Christmas party outfits guide.

Fit and sizing

ME+EM shoes are sold in EU sizes; on Coveti the ME+EM flats are listed in whole EU sizes from 36 to 42. ME+EM makes some half sizes at source that Coveti does not list, so if you are a half size, check the measurements on the product page before you choose. Leather flats with an elastic strap give slightly with wear; patent and snake-embossed leather give less. See our ME+EM size guide for UK and US conversions.

Caring for leather and suede flats

• Protect suede with a spray before the first wear and brush it with a suede brush after.
• Condition smooth leather every few months.
• Have a rubber sole protector fitted by a cobbler to extend the life of a leather sole.
• Store with shoe trees in a dust bag.

Browse all designer flats on Coveti and the full ME+EM shoes and bags guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Mary Jane ballet flat?

A Mary Jane ballet flat is a low, rounded flat with a strap across the instep. The strap holds the foot in place, so it is more secure than a slip-on ballet flat.

Are Mary Jane flats in style in 2026?

Yes. Mary Jane flats remain one of the key shoes for Autumn Winter 2026, in black leather, suede, and with crystal and leopard details.

What do you wear with Mary Jane flats?

They suit wide-leg trousers, cropped jeans, midi skirts with tights and fit and flare dresses. A crystal-capped pair works for evening.

Are Mary Jane flats comfortable?

Mary Jane flats are usually more comfortable than plain ballet flats because the strap keeps the foot from slipping. The ME+EM Mary-Jane Ballet Flat has an elasticated strap and a suede lining.

Where are ME+EM ballet flats made?

The ME+EM Mary-Jane Ballet Flat and AM-PM Ballet Flat are made in Spain, and the Point Toe Flats are made in Italy.