The minimalist shoe trend everyone is obsessed with

You’ve probably seen it all over your Instagram feed. The super-sleek ‘90s throwback footwear that’ve won the hearts of style influencers, tastemakers and editors alike. The sandal trend that has reached peak popularity this 2019, helmed by major brands such as The Row, Prada, Jacquemus and Rejina Pyo. We’re referring to, of course, the hyper contemporary naked sandal. A sandal with such uber-thin floss-like straps, they look like they could cut like a blade – strictly a metaphor (writer’s note: as someone that has been wearing her pair of naked sandals consecutively all summer, I can attest that they are in fact, very comfortable). 

For a shoe that owes its moniker to its bursting-with-minimalism, skinny barely-there straps, the naked sandal is far from boring. This season’s hottest offerings sport haphazard crisscrossing straps that meet and converge to form modern shapes, vibrant colours, and interesting textures like faux snakeskin and crocodile skin. 

Sure, according to the fashion calendar, summer’s over – but Singapore’s weather practically permits, no BEGS, us to continue busting out the sandals. Which is great news by the way, considering all the practicality and comfort that comes out of a sandal. But the naked sandal isn’t just any regular sandal, it’s elevated with a more polished, refined take that will help you look way more put together and chic as compared to the run of the mill crossover strap slides we’re so used to seeing. It also looks streamlined and feminine, and will look great with anything from a tailored co-ord to a billowy floral dress. 

Without ado, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite ones to shop right now, from luxury offerings from Cult Gaia and Prada to affordable finds from the likes of Mango and Zara. Get ready to go bare, scroll ahead to see our top picks of naked sandals to own.

Photos: Zalora and Matchesfashion

ALSO READ: THIS IS THE STYLISH BUT COMFORTABLE SUMMER SANDAL STAPLE YOU ARE GUARANTEED TO LOVE

Rendered fully in an adorable retro-style emerald green, these glossy patent leather heels from Prada will bring a whimsical touch to your Boardroom Best. Sporting the Prada emblem on the sole, these thin heeled sandals are not only a statement collectible, they’re also versatile for any occasion from evening galas to weekend brunch. We’d imagine them breathing life into an ensemble featuring a tailored pantsuit and a button down shirt that’s brimming with zesty patterns. 

Photo: Matchesfashion

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There are many components of the Harley 60 sandal from Rejina Pyo that add to its sensible, and pared back sense of contemporary styling. First of all, there’s the sculptural wooden block heel, a trend that’s already been widely embraced by the It-girls Of Instagram. The same can be said for the sandal’s square toe – a trend recently made popular by Bottega Veneta.

There’s also the fact that its ultra thin crossover straps in crisp white wrap the centre of the foot to form a minimal pattern. All in all, it’s evident that we’ve found the ultimate accessory of choice for the minimalists among us.

Photo: Farfetch

ALSO READ: THIS IS THE STYLISH BUT COMFORTABLE SUMMER SANDAL STAPLE YOU ARE GUARANTEED TO LOVE

Featuring an intricately carved bamboo-effect sculptural heel which solidifies their status as a piece of art, these “Soleil” sandals from Cult Gaia come in a flattering soft nude peach hue in supple leather, and showcase straps that criss cross, knot at the sides, and lace up to tie at the calf. We’re teaming ours with a flowy patterned mini dress for hot and sunny weekends.

Photo: Net-a-Porter

ALSO READ: CHUNKY DAD SANDALS ARE THE COOL, NEW FOOTWEAR IN TOWN

Perhaps one of the frontrunners which started it all, we aren’t exaggerating when we say that The Row’s Bare leather sandals have been popping up left, right and centre on Instagram these past months.

It’s easy to see why; available in a bevy of colours that range of mustard, pastel pink and firetruck red to navy (there’s a pair for every style personality, y’all!), these sandals embody a laidback sophisticated feel. Get in on the hype pronto and own a pair yourselves.

Photo: Net-a-Porter

ALSO READ: THIS IS THE STYLISH BUT COMFORTABLE SUMMER SANDAL STAPLE YOU ARE GUARANTEED TO LOVE

Crafted with neon pink rubber arch straps that juxtapose and complement the tan leather perfectly, these sandals are set on a small white leather heel for a graphic colour block finish. Team this with a fun coordinate of clashing solid colours (in other words, try out colourblocking) to go with the triple hued theme going on here, or use these sandals as a reason to experiment with bolder pattern-on-pattern dressing.

Photo: Matchesfashion

ALSO READ: CHUNKY DAD SANDALS ARE THE COOL, NEW FOOTWEAR IN TOWN

Featuring contemporary squared toes and slender rubber straps, these camel hued sandals are set on a short block heel for maximum comfort and practicality. Affordable and versatile, we’d imagine these shoes being the perfect no-brainer, everyday workwear option for fuss-free mornings. Try them out with a neutral coloured silk blouse and cream culottes for a monochromatic outfit.

Photo: Zalora

ALSO READ: THIS IS THE STYLISH BUT COMFORTABLE SUMMER SANDAL STAPLE YOU ARE GUARANTEED TO LOVE

Is it just us, or does it seem like the animal print trend won’t be waning anytime soon? If you, like us, are still into the sultry faux python skin trend, look to these pair of heels of Topshop. Seen in faux snakeskin, they sport square shaped heels that mirror the square toes. Style these with an all-white blazer-and-trouser combo for a chic and polished get up.

Photo: Zalora

ALSO READ: CHUNKY DAD SANDALS ARE THE COOL, NEW FOOTWEAR IN TOWN

Coloured in a simple palette of ecru and featuring a thin wood-effect kitten heel, these chic sandals set a new bar for naked sandals everywhere with its see-through vinyl strap. If you really want to lean into the minimal sandal trend, this pair’s a good contender. The sharp silhouette gives it a clean and distinctive “cool girl” vibe, and we’re dying to wear ours with a shirtdress or have it accentuate our legs with a pair of wide-leg culottes.

Photo: Zara

ALSO READ: THIS IS THE STYLISH BUT COMFORTABLE SUMMER SANDAL STAPLE YOU ARE GUARANTEED TO LOVE

Available only online at Mango, these are your classic black stilettos with a sexier edge. Made exclusively for plus-sized ladies, these kicks will be the perfect full stop to your trusty LBD, or serve as a great companion for your next evening party. After all, there’s no such thing as owning too many black high heels right? No sarcasm here, we genuinely believe in the subtle, elegant transformative power a good pair of black heels has on any outfit.

Photo: Mango

ALSO READ: CHUNKY DAD SANDALS ARE THE COOL, NEW FOOTWEAR IN TOWN

With geometric slender straps, these pastel yellow wedges are a great alternative for those who can’t stand (perhaps literally) high heeled stilettos. Set on a 7cm platform heel, these sandals also feature a subtle croc-effect finish. Look to these to complete your outfit for a day at the beach, or style them with a satin slip skirt and button-up top for a look suitable for the office.

Photo: Mango

ALSO READ: THIS IS THE STYLISH BUT COMFORTABLE SUMMER SANDAL STAPLE YOU ARE GUARANTEED TO LOVE