Zoë, Kaia and J-Law All Just Wore the Anti-Heels French Girls Love

By now we're all well and truly back on the ballet-flat train. There's just something so easy, comfy and chic about the closed-toe flats. It's no wonder French girls have worshipped this shoe style for so many years, and we're very happy to follow suit. Whatever season you're dressing for, they look so good with cropped trousers, wide-leg silhouettes, full-length, baggy jeans, mini skirts, midi skirts and even dresses. You name it, you can throw on some ballet flats with it.

But recently, there's one particular iteration of the ballet pump that the most stylish celebrities (not to mention fashion people everywhere) have been opting for more often than not, and that's the mary jane. This shoe is typically distinguishable by the band across the top of the foot, which is traditionally adorned with a buckle, though many modern versions just have a simple, elasticated strap, like Miu Miu's cult pair. This humble detail instantly elevates the average ballet flats into "fashion" territory, and devotees like Zoë Kravitz (who has been wearing her mary-jane flats for years), Dua Lipa  and Alexa Chung seemingly can't stop wearing them right now. 

Although some celebs are celebrating their love for mary janes with designer styles from The Row, Miu Miu and Margiela, the great British high street has cottoned on early for autumn, and we're starting to see incredibly chic pairs crop up from the likes of Zara, M&S and H&M, to name just a few. 

Of course, the quality of luxury buys can't be denied, but if you're looking to try out the trend for a more affordable price, it's hard to argue with these high-street styles. I'm sure you'll agree that the classic picks below could easily pass for designer. So whether you choose to style yours for weddings like Alexa Chung, with a simple jeans-and-white-shirt outfit like Dua Lipa, or with cute, white ankle socks like Olivia Rodrigo, you really can't go wrong with this surprisingly versatile flat shoe. 

Keep scrolling to see how celebs have been styling theirs, and then shop the best mary-jane ballet flats that the high street has to offer right now. 

Next Up: 6 Under-the-Radar Shoe Trends Everyone Will Want to Wear This Autumn