Much like the classic pumps, Mary Janes are also versatile. But unlike the classic pumps, wearing it can be tricky. However, once you’ve mastered the art of wearing these shoes, you will find that it can be quite rewarding because Mary Jane pumps offer a bit more than the usual. These shoes add character and oomph, and it allows you to achieve certain looks where your classic pumps might fail. Allow me to illustrate:

Sweet and Preppy

Look sweet and preppy by wearing your Mary Jane pumps with a skirt, blouse, cardigan, and some pearl necklace and earrings.

Mischa Barton

Vampy

Channel your inner Megan Fox. Look vampy by pairing your Mary Janes with a short black dress. Don’t forget to wear your red lipstick.

Megan Fox

Old Hollywood

Reminisce the past and look “old Hollywood glamorous” by wearing your Mary Janes with a vintage inspired dress. Fix your hair by parting and waving it on the sides.

Kate Bosworth

Mod and Funky

If you’re not into the sweet and preppy get-up, you can opt to be mod and funky instead. Wear your Mary Janes with a short deconstructed or color block dress. Tights are optional.

Rachel Bilson

Posh and Sexy

Channel Serena Van Der Woodsen. Wear your Mary Janes with a short dress and a rich structured coat or blazer. Make sure your hair is fixed in a sleek bun. If you want to wear your hair down, make sure it is smooth with no stray hair in place. The textured stockings are optional.

Blake Lively in her Serena Van Der Woodsen character

There you have it. Five (5) different looks you can wear with your Mary Jane pumps. Don’t limit yourself to the five (5) though. If you find a certain look that works for you, then go for it. Experimenting with different looks is always a good way to discover your personal style.

If you don’t have a pair of Mary Janes yet, here are my recommendations:

Jean Paul Gaultier GA10029C0O G13, on sale for US$322 at Zappos.com

MICHAEL by Michael Kors Beverly Open Toe, US$110

DKNYC Claudine, on sale for only US$70 at Zappos.com

Cole Haan Carina OT Mary Jane, on sale for  US$222 at Zappos.com

Steven Fantasy, on sale for US$129 at Zappos.com

Style icon Sienna Miller apparently likes wearing Mary Janes. Here are different facets of her in this shoe style:

Sienna Miller posing with Anne Hathaway looking resort-chic in a short blue dress and off-white Louboutin Mary Janes

Sienna Miller looking ready for a candlelit dinner in a short white dress, a dark blazer and scarf, and the same off-white Louboutin Mary Janes

Sienna Miller looking like a party vamp in an off-shoulder striped black and white knee length dress, paired with some black pointy ankle-strapped Mary Janes

Sienna Miller looking sexy as she tries on a pair of boots while wearing an LBD and the same pointy ankle-strapped Mary Janes

Sienna Miller looking red carpet ready in a short gold lame dress paired with black tights, and black round toe Mary Janes

Dying to own a pair of Mary Janes? Here are some suggestions that look like Sienna’s, and they’re all on SALE!

Lumiani Janie White Mary Janes, on sale at US$69

Moschino C10270 IRPO, on sale at US$217

Stuart Weitzman Hiptown, on sale at US$243

RSVP Tala suede Mary Janes, on sale at US$59

Spotted shopping for flowers in France was none other than Burlesque Queen, Dita Von Teese.  As usual, her style reminds me of old Hollywood glamour.

Her look off (the Burlesque) stage is always  put together and polished, from the hair style down to the shoes. And despite being branded as the Burlesque Queen, her appearance is always classy, never slutty.

Dita Von Teese out flower shopping

This picture of her wearing a red Jackie O style trench dress paired with black Mary Janes simply looks elegant, a classic example of her signature look. If I were to cut her out from this photo and paste her onto another picture from the 1960’s, I’m sure she would easily blend in.

The red outfit complements her luminous skin and rich red lips. Speaking of her skin, I’m sure she doesn’t like staying under the sun. That skin looks so white and even! I want it!

To copy the look, grab a red trench dress, fix your hair in a bun, apply some cherry red lipstick, and use any of the following Mary Janes:

Stuart Weitzman Hiptown Mary Janes

CARLOS by Carlos Santana Infinity Mary Janes

Betsey Johnson Caitlin Heel Open-toe Mary Janes

Remember, a pair of black Mary Janes like the one on Dita Von Teese, is like your little black dress or your classic black pumps. It goes a long way because it is versatile. You can pair it with other outfits to achieve different looks. So make sure you have at least one pair in your closet.