Buckle up
The classic Mary Jane grows up to suit all 
ages and styes

By Tara Cuslidge
Record Staff Writer
Published Monday, October 20, 2003

As the weather begins to cool, it's time to slip into
heavier clothes for the holiday season. Just because
the temperature is dropping a couple notches doesn't
mean style must be sacrificed for warmth.

The best way to slip into the season is with a sexy
pair of Mary Janes. Replace those worn-out summer
sandals with a slick pair of these slip-on, buckle-up
shoes bound to make a hot fall fashion statement.

No longer just a "little girl" fashion for a trip to
Sunday school, this timeless shoe style is now a
feminine yet fun accessory for every woman, from the
working girl to the stay-at-home mom.

The Mary Jane is as versatile as the always sexy black
dress. The most popular wide-strap, funky look for the
high school teen accents everything from a favorite
pair of jeans to a plaid skirt.

With limitless possibilities of pairings, it's easy to
understand why everyone from teens to adults loves
buckling into the savvy Mary Jane. This stylish shoe
isn't just hip in the schoolyard.

A delicate thin-strap pair slims the foot and exudes a
feminine touch. A square-toe Mary Jane is another hip
look for the woman who wants sexy without girly. A
platform base not only elevates the body, but also
makes short legs look lengthy. Or there's the high-
and wedge-heel styles that can take a formal dress to
the next level.
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No need to get dressed up? A simple pair of flat Mary
Janes is perfect for lounging around the house.
Marshall Field's recent clothing catalog features a
thin-soled pair with an elastic band, perfect for a
quick stroll to the local store or a favorite coffee
shop.

This now-historic style had humble beginnings. "Mary
Jane" was the comic character sister of Buster Brown,
whose corkscrew curls and knee socks became a shoe
trademark. She always wore the round-toe, strapped
shoes that would later bear her name.

Buckle straps or delicate buttons, leather or vinyl,
tall or short, these happening shoes make a definite
statement of elegance while helping to reveal the
distinct personality of the wearer.

This season, Mary Janes are color-
coordinated to an outfit, blended with an enormous
amount of comfort. Heels are nice, but flats
accentuate the legs in a natural way. The basic black
pair continues to go a long way.

Worn with a nice pair of slacks, jeans or a
nude-colored pair of nylons, these shoes do much more
than a pair of basic pumps. The strap adds just the
right amount of innocence without taking away the
mature styling of a full-bodied shoe.

Now seen decorated with stylish cutouts, simple
adornments or a sometimes-shiny color, the line of
Mary Jane fashions are as diverse as the women who
wear them.

A no-frills personality can enjoy the flats, which can
be worn with just about anything. A nice heeled set
can be worn with a long skirt to an elegant dinner.
The punk princess can make a pair of fishnet stockings
and a tank top look hip -- think Gwen Stefani. The
typical "schoolgirl" persona with white knee-highs is
no longer the norm for the good old Mary Jane.

There's no need to go out and buy a new pair, not when
the Mary Jane is a classic. Raid Mom's closet, or
search through those old clothes that are on the way
to Goodwill. These popular shoes are bound to pop up
somewhere. Sure, that old pair might not fit, but it's
worth a shot before venturing out.

From department stores such as Dillard's to
economically priced Target, these hot shoes are
stocked up, ready for the holiday season. There are no
rules for wearing a pair of Mary Janes -- all it takes
to create a perfect outfit is a little imagination.

* To reach reporter Tara Cuslidge, e-mail
[email protected]