What’s the difference between Mary Janes and ballet flats?

A ballet flat is a low-cut slip-on with no strap, shaped like a dancer’s slipper. A Mary Jane has a strap across the instep and can be flat or heeled. A Mary Jane flat is basically a ballet flat with a strap, so you get the same easy, low-cut look with a bit more hold.

Are ballet flats comfortable enough to wear all day?

The right pair is. Look for a soft, flexible sole and a little grip underfoot. Our Flabelus Mary Janes are handmade in Spain with organic cotton linings and non-slip recycled rubber soles, and they soften and mould to your foot after a few wears.

How do ballet flats fit? Should I size up?

It depends on the designer. Flabelus run slightly small, so go up if you’re between sizes. For Gianvito Rossi and ANINE BING, check the size chart on each product, or message our stylists and we’ll help you find your size.

What should I wear with Mary Jane flats?

Our favourite ways: cropped straight-leg jeans and a crisp white shirt, a midi or slip skirt with a fine knit, or black tailoring with a pop of red or leopard at the feet. In the cooler months, try velvet styles with sheer black tights.

Are leopard print flats a neutral?

Trust us, yes. Leopard works with denim, black, camel and cream, so it goes with almost everything you already own. Try Gianvito Rossi’s leopard ballet flats, ANINE BING’s Jamie flats or Flabelus Pierre in Leopard Garnet.

Are ballet flats in style in Australia?

They’ve become a wardrobe staple rather than a passing moment. A good flat works for Brisbane summers, school runs and long lunches, and pairs just as well with jeans as it does with a slip dress. Choose a shape and colour that works with three things you already own and you’ll wear them for years.

Can I try on ballet flats in store in Brisbane?

Absolutely. Come and see us at our James Street boutique in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. Our stylists will help you find the right shape and size, and you can book a personal styling appointment if you’d like some one-on-one time.

Ballet Flats & Mary Janes

Q: Do you offer free shipping and returns?

Yes. We offer free shipping on orders over $400, and free returns and exchanges for Australian customers. See our Shipping & Returns page for the details.

The fastest way to look like you made an effort when you absolutely didn’t. Our edit of ballet flats and Mary Jane shoes brings together Flabelus, Gianvito Rossi and ANINE BING, from handmade Spanish Mary Janes to sleek slingbacks, plus a leopard print that works like a neutral (trust us on this one).

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Model lying back with her legs crossed and raised, wearing the Flabelus Isabella in Nude to show the mesh uppers and patent leather straps

Pair of Flabelus Isabella in Nude angled from the front, showing the V-cut vamp, light beige mesh upper and patent leather buckle straps

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Flabelus

Isabella Mary Jane in Nude

$399

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Flabelus Isabella Mary Jane flats in red mesh, worn with black opaque tights and a black skirt

Flabelus Isabella Mary Jane flats in garnet mesh, worn with a red and white printed outfit

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Flabelus

Isabella Mary Jane in Garnet

$399

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Model wearing the Flabelus Isabella in Red with cream wide-leg trousers, holding one foot up to show the mesh upper and patent leather buckle strap

Model wearing the Flabelus Isabella in Red with cream wide-leg trousers

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Flabelus

Isabella Mary Jane in Red

$399

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Model wearing the Flabelus Frances in Rosa with a long white button-front dress, showing the cotton velvet uppers and buckle straps from the side

Overhead view of legs wearing the Flabelus Frances in Rosa with grey pointelle crew socks

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Flabelus

Frances Mary Jane in Rosa

$399

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Model in metallic green jeans and a black top holding a pair of Flabelus Pierre in Leopard Garnet behind her back

Single Flabelus Pierre Mary Jane in Leopard Garnet shown side-on, featuring the leopard print upper, contrast garnet piping and slim garnet buckle strap

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Flabelus

Pierre Mary Jane in Leopard Garnet

$399

Pair of Gianvito Rossi Gianvito Flat in Suede Leopard shown from the rear three-quarter angle, showing the low black heel and leopard-print suede upper

Pair of Gianvito Rossi Gianvito Flat in Suede Leopard angled from the front, showing the pointed toes and leopard-print suede uppers

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Gianvito Rossi

Gianvito Flat in Suede Leopard

$1,199

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Pair of Flabelus Pierre in Leopard Green angled from the front, showing the V-cut vamp, tonal buckle straps and printed custom insole

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Flabelus

Pierre Mary Jane in Leopard Green

$399

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Gianvito Rossi

Carla Ballet Flat In Almond Leopard

$1,099

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Overhead view of raised legs wearing the Flabelus Lago in Geranio, showing the linen uppers and pink buckle straps

Pair of Flabelus Lago in Geranio angled from the front, showing the classic Mary Jane silhouette, pink piping and organic cotton lining

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Flabelus

Lago Mary Jane in Geranio

$399

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Pair of Flabelus Claire in Sand angled from the front, showing the Mary Jane silhouette, double buckled linen straps and organic cotton lining

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Flabelus

Claire Mary Jane in Sand

$399

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Gianvito Rossi

Elda Ballet Flat In Camel

$1,299

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Gianvito Rossi

Carla Ballet Flat In Cuoio

$1,099

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Gianvito Rossi

Gianvito 05 in Texas

$1,199

ONE LEFT

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ANINE BING

Jamie Flats in Leopard

$799

ONE LEFT

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Gianvito Rossi

Robbie 05 Nuit in cream

$1,299

ONE LEFT

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$1,199

The Calexico edit

Designer ballet flats and Mary Janes

A good flat is the hardest-working shoe in your wardrobe. It does the school run, the long lunch and the dinner after, and nobody needs to know you could have run a marathon in it. Our edit of women’s ballet flats and Mary Jane shoes is made up of the pairs we’d actually wear ourselves, from handmade Spanish Mary Janes to sleek Italian ballet flats.

Four ways we wear them

How to wear ballet flats and Mary Janes

Cropped straight-leg jeans, a crisp white shirt and a red flat
A slip or midi skirt with a fine knit for long lunches
Black tailoring with a pop of leopard at the feet
Velvet Mary Janes with wide-leg trousers and a cashmere knit when the weather cools

Online or on James Street

Shop ballet flats online or in store

Every pair is chosen by Nicky and our stylists, so you only see the flats worth owning. Want a second opinion on fit or colour? Come and see us at our James Street boutique in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, or book a styling appointment. We’ve got you.

Book a styling appointment Visit the boutique

EXPRESS SHIPPING

Fast, secure delivery Australia-wide.

FREE RETURNS

Free returns and exchanges for Australian customers.

GIFT WRAPPING

Complimentary gift wrapping.

PERSONAL STYLING SESSIONS

Our stylists will work with you to ensure you feel comfortable, confident and inspired.

Ballet Flats & Mary Janes

Designer ballet flats and Mary Janes

How to wear ballet flats and Mary Janes

Shop ballet flats online or in store

Flabelus Mary Janes, handmade in Spain

Gianvito Rossi ballet flats and slingbacks

Leopard: the neutral nobody told you about