As promised, we’re bringing yet another fabulous footwear trend for fall -- strappy shoes with a lot of height to them. It’s as if the Mary Jane has met RuPaul -- yet these ultra high shoes have a sweetness to them, provided by a strap (or two or three) across the ankle.

Strapping New Heights:

Runway looks we loved: Alessandro Dell’Aqua, Celine, Fendi, Chanel, Marni, Missoni

We noticed the “strapped in” trend last fall on the runways, which really picked up steam this season. We’ve witnessed the body of the shoe ranging from stilettos to wedges and platforms in materials such as jewel-toned satins, smooth, matte leathers, or wild python or croc skins. We remember from our schoolgirl days possessing several pairs of Mary-Jane style shoes in both traditional and funky styles, and we’d like to update that look with affordable versions, inspired by the runway’s offerings.

First off, we have to have these Mossimo Vester Mary Jane Pumps in Black/ Putty ($26.99, Target) -- we love the high placement of the ankle strap, and think the two-tone colors are spot-on, highly reminiscent of Chanel’s. If you’d like something a little more paired down, try the same pair in black. We’re really into the two-toned colors, funkier asesthetic, and height of these Colin Stuart Mary Jane Platform Pumps ($78, Victoria’s Secret). Exchange by Charles David Adorn Mary Janes ($26.25, Amazon.com), which will look great paired with a boucle or menswear print mini skirt. If you’re nervous about the strap looking too “school girlish” on you, there’s the option of going for a sophisticated, pointy-toed heel, that matures the somewhat youthful looking strap, such as these Carlos by Carlos Santana Gossip Pumps ($34-$55, Amazon.com) or the Patent Ankle Strap Pointy Heels ($14.99, GoJane.com ). If you’re willing to hit the $100 mark, the Fritarr Mary Janes ($100, Aldo) in gray or purple give a chic update to practically any look.

From sweet and youthful to sexy and sophisticated we hope you love several of our Mary Jane-inspired strappy heels!

-- Julia DiNardo