On European summer holidays, Zaira Nara continues to impress with her nighttime fashion choices by the sea. For a moonlit evening, the model once again backed Argentine talent and shone in a transparent strapless mini dress with lace and shimmering details by designer Joti Harriague.
Nevertheless, beyond the dress’s impact, the true stroke of her look lay in the footwear selection: a pair of barely there sandals—the ultra-thin strap model that has become this season’s must-have item.
What Are the “Barely There” Sandals
Literally translated as “barely there,” the barely there sandals—also known as “almost invisible” sandals—are footwear defined by an extremely minimalist design. Their silhouette reduces to a pair of ultra-fine straps that gently secure the instep and the ankle, leaving the rest of the foot almost uncovered.
Born in the 1990s amid the rise of minimalism, this style made a strong comeback to become the new indispensable basic. Its real trick lies in its ability to go nearly unnoticed: by avoiding heavy straps or platforms that interrupt the line of the leg, they create an optical illusion that immediately slims the figure and elongates the silhouette.
Why the “Barely There” Sandals Are the Perfect Match for a Statement Dress
When the main garment already carries so much visual information—such as sheer panels, lace texture, and the designer’s twinkles—overloading the look with bulky footwear or a platform can detract from its sophistication.
This is precisely where the barely there sandals come into play:
- Pure, minimalist lines: Consisting of only a delicate pair of straps over the instep and the ankle, they leave the foot almost bare, creating a clean, 90s-inspired aesthetic.
- Effect of endless legs: Since they don’t create thick visual breaks at the ankle, they streamline the silhouette and automatically lengthen the legs.
- Comfort without sacrificing elegance: With a kitten heel or a mid-heel spike, they offer the right posture for a night out by the beach or in the city without sacrificing comfort.
How to Wear the Barely There Trend, According to the Fashion Pros
The charm of these sandals lies in their absolute versatility. While Zaira wore them to enhance a high-fashion urban evening look, they’re a fail-safe option for crossing into a variety of styles:
- For a party night: As shown by Zaira, paired with slip dresses, sheer panels, or shimmering designs.
- For day-to-day wear or work: They pair flawlessly with straight-cut jeans, a basic white tee, and a structured blazer.
- For a formal event: They complement linen palazzo pants or fluid, tailored suits in neutral tones.
