The Mary Janes comeback: how to tap into the best shoe trend for right now

As is very often the case in fashion, Mary Janes have swung in and out of favour over the decadesas frequently as double denim and flared trousers.But now the shoe that"s beenknocking around in oneform or another since the early 19th Century is back in style.Everyone from The Row, to Miu Miu, to Marni, to Jimmy Choo andGucci have revisited this longstanding favouriteto excellent effect.

It"s good news for anyone who wants aclassic, feminine, practical and sexy shoe all rolled into one.(And, quite frankly, who doesn"t?)As is the current infiltration of every iteration of theMary Jane.

Still not convinced?Here"s why a pair of Mary Janes will be the hardest working shoe in your wardrobe:

Call us radical, but we like a shoe that you can actually pound the pavements in. And Mary Janes are exactly those.With chunky heels and straps, these areshoes that are going to make your outfit rather than break your ankle, which is why they should form the backbone of your shoe-drobe.

The Row Ava velvet Mary Janes, ??680, NET-A-PORTER; cherry Mary Janes, ??195, Russell & Bromley

Onyour feet a lot?Opt for a chic flat pair.Desk bound?Try a mid heel.And for parties, hunt down a pair that"s just that touch higher - and in an opulent fabric.

Jackson high block Mary Janes, ??165, Whistles;velvet Mary Janes, ??119, Boden

They"re heels you can wearwith tights and socks

It"s cold.Although we"d like to kid ourselves that we can still brave barelegs or show off apedicure at a shindig, at some stage we"re going to have to accept defeat and put on tights.One of the best things about Mary Janes is that they actually look good with a pair of sparkly socks peeping through the straps.Thesame is even true of sheer or opaque tights.(However, a warning: do not wearwith nude tights unless you want to look like something off Strictly Come Dancing).

Glitter high heel shoes, ??29.99, Zara;Nicholas Kirkwood Ciara CarnabyMary Jane Pumps, ??525, Browns

Trousers?Yes.Dresses?Yes.Culottes?Yes.Skirts?Yes.Mary Janeslook right with just about everything, and it"s exactly thatversatility which makes them a failsafe optionthis winter.Wear with an LBD for a Christmas party, pair with a folky frock layered over a polo neck for work, or team them with cropped jeans, sparkly socks and a chunky knit for a weekend get-up.Bonus: they"ll also work withwhatever winter coat you decide to invest in.

Square toe block heel, ??68,Office; Marni Mary Jane block heel pump, ??480,Matchesfashion.com