Katie Holmes & Margot Robbie Agree That This Is The New ‘Mum’ Shoe

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 10: Katie Holmes is seen on her way to the theatre in jeans and a Dune London bag on October 10, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Simon/WireImage)

When Margot Robbie made her first public appearance in Venice Beach following the birth of her son wearing denim overalls, a bohemian white shirt and Dôen’s velvet Mary Jane slip-ons, her shift into maternal postpartum dressing was almost palpable. So, you can only imagine our surprise when we saw perennial street style savant, Katie Holmes, wearing the same covetable flats the next day while running errands in New York.

It’s rare to see two Hollywood heavyweights coincidentally wear near-identical silhouettes so close together without there being a strategic manoeuvre to make the piece the next ‘It’ item. (Looking at you, Puma Speedcat!) But given that neither actress has ever pandered to what’s trending, this chance co-sign can only mean one thing: Margot Robbie and Katie Holmes agree that Mary Janes are the new ‘mum’ shoe.

NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 6: Katie Holmes is seen out and about on November 6, 2024 in New York, New York. (Photo by MEGA/GC Images)

The celebrities might be on either side of the parenting spectrum—Holmes is a newly-minted empty nester after dropping her daughter, Suri Crusie, to college while Robbie is a first-time new mum—but there is clearly something alluring about the girlish silhouette that is so enduring. In part, we can point to the shoe’s functionality.

Rather than dealing with convoluted laces or aching heels, this flat is perfect for long days on your feet chasing after children or keeping you stable as you deal with the added responsibility of raising another human being. And as Robbie and Holmes’ contrasting styling choices have demonstrated, Mary Janes have a versatility that few other shoes boast, while being instantly elevated thanks to their elegant shape.

Even if you’re combating stained clothing, the stress of postpartum dressing or running on few hours of sleep, the polish of the style makes your outfit automatically feel more cohesive and intentional. Plus, with the strapped shape interpreted so differently in designs from Alaïa, Tory Burch, Sandy Liang and Christian Louboutin, there are many iterations available to cater to a whole host of tastes.

Yes, it’s been over a decade since fashion first parentified footwear with the ascent of the chunky, oversized and orthopedic dad sneaker or ultra-strappy dad sandals. But, with ambassadors like Robbie and Holmes, it’s apparent this new uniform will stand the test of time.