This Back-To-School Shoe Trend Is All Over Instagram

Heading back to school in 2020 looks nothing like it has in years past. And yet, the collegiate fashion trends that coincide with the arrival of the new school year appear to be holding steady. Pleated mini skirts are (yet again) experiencing an uptick in popularity, cardigans are thriving on TikTok, and sheer knee socks à la Cher Horowitz (but perfected by Miuccia Prada) are making their descent on our hosiery drawers. Like the sound of the, well, morning bell, back-to-school fashion is making a comeback — and its most iconic footwear style, the Mary-Jane, is once again at the helm. 

Mary-Janes appear to be making an even greater than usual return in the fashion world, with Riccardo Tisci’s T-bar style for Burberry looking to once again dominate the fall footwear scene and Cecilie Bahnsen’s quilted pair (designed in collaboration with Charles & Keith as part of a collection aptly titled Back To School) being spotted all over Instagram. Also in the mix are Prada’s iteration, which appears to be a hybrid between a Mary-Jane and an espadrille; Nodaleto’s early aughts-era chunky-heeled platforms, and Proenza Schouler’s platform take. Carel, the French footwear brand that The Politician star Lucy Boynton (who plays fashion icon Astrid Sloan on the Netflix series) favors both on and off the silver screen, is also a recent favorite on Instagram. (Whether or not that’s a product of the show’s second season being a quarantine must-watch is a question for another day.) And, of course, you can’t talk Mary-Janes without mentioning Dr. Marten’s Polleys, which, like cardigans, are a smash hit among Gen-Zers on TikTok.  

Whether you yourself are heading back to school or are a long-ago graduate opting to stay at home this fall, check out the season’s biggest shoe trend with our picks ahead.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

Burberry Aldwych Croc-Effect Leather Flats, $, available at mytheresa

ASOS DESIGN Maisie Chunky Mary-Jane Flat Shoes, $, available at ASOS

Carel Kina 40mm Buckled Pumps, $, available at Farfetch

Dr. Martens Polley Smooth Leather Mary Janes, $, available at Dr. Martens

Proenza Schouler Patent-Leather Mary-Jane Loafers, $, available at Matches Fashion

Justine Clenquet Kate Camel Mary-Jane, $, available at Justine Clenquet

Nodaleto High Chunky-Heel Pumps, $, available at Farfetch

T.U.K. Brogue Mary Jane, $, available at Urban Outfitters

Flat Apartment Circle Ballet Toe Mary Jane Platforms, $, available at W Concept

Nasty Gal Shoe Are You Faux Leather Mary Jane Shoes, $, available at Nasty Gal

Topshop Ace Black Chunky Mary Jane Shoes, $, available at Topshop

Pêche Nadee Flats, $, available at Pêche

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

Remix: Here's Your Back-To-School Shopping List

Ballet Flats Just Got A Summer Makeover

To My Fancy Shoes: I Love You & I Miss You