Like any good fashionista, I take inspiration for my fashion mood board from the queen Alexa Chung. Well, like any good fashionista who was raised on Tumblr during the 2010s. Recently this pic of Miss Chung from 2016 has been popping up on my Pinterest, Instagram Explore, and behind my eyelids when I’m trying to sleep, and one thing kept popping out at me… Those ruby red patent (or faux) leather Mary Janes.
Don’t get me wrong, I know Mary Janes have been a trend since preppy became a look again with celebs like Olivia Rodrigo added their own spin to the style. So like any good fashion lover, I have a few pairs in the standard black. But I have seen a surge of creators on Instagram and TikTok rocking the red and I want to help you find the red shoes that you’ll rock all summer and autumn (’cause who wouldn’t wear red shoes in the reddest month?).
Carel Paris – Kina patent red Mary Janes – £390
The original it girl. These shoes truly set the trend. This style isn’t exclusive to the brand but I believe they were the first to really popularise the fruity red shade in this style.
They are on the pricier side but if you have the money to spare, I suggest giving them a go. Carel also has a range of style of Mary Janes in the same colour, so if you want a flatter shoe or less buckles, they will have a pair of Mary Janes for you.
Mango – Patent leather buckled shoes – £49.99
Mango is the love of my life, and these shoes are a dream. They have them in black and red. As a wide-footed girl, I suggest you size up as they are narrow. They look amazing and feel quite comfortable when you get the right size for you, and they are miles more affordable than the Carel Mary Janes.
Boden – Double-Strap Mary Jane Shoes – £110
Similar to the Mango shoes, these have two buckle straps across the feet. But these shoes are flatter than the slightly heeled ones on Mango. Making these perfect for the girls that love a flat shoe but still want to be on trend.
Like the Carel shoes, these are a bit of an investment – not as much. But Boden tends to have sales, so you may be able to bag these shoes at a reduced cost if you keep an eye on them.
Charles & Keith – Patent Buckled Mary Jane Flats – £65
I personally love Charles and Keith, and I love how on-trend they stay. These have a slightly rounder shape than the other styles on this list, giving them a youthful feel. Perfect if you like the coquette look, or just want a simpler shoe that still stands out.
Next – Forever Comfort® Double Buckle Slingback Shoes – £38
Although these aren’t exactly the shiny patent Mary Janes, they carry the same vibe. I have seen other slingback styles also being classed as Mary Janes, so I’m counting these on my list.
These are specifically designed for comfort and are extremely affordable. So they’re a good option for the working gal who needs to commute or run around the city for tasks, whilst looking hot on trend.
Office – Marvel Triple Strap Mary Jane Block Heels
Red Patent – £49.99
These Office Mary Janes are almost a perfect dupe for the Carel shoes. They have the same 3 buckled look but they are a slightly deeper red. In person they are a lot brighter than this photo – I own a pair.
I love how these shoes look and feel, I did have to size up because they are narrow and I have wider feet but they are really comfortable. Office does this shoe in red and black.
The NewRxmantic 