The Under-The-Radar Summer Accessory That Makes Every Outfit Pop

With summer in full swing, it’s only right that we’ve swapped our shoe rotation for sandals, flats, and retro sneakers. With that comes the opportunity to show off a special piece of jewelry: anklets. For many, these are a staple that never went “away,” but it’s still worth calling out that the anklets trending today are not like the ones we grew up with.Today’s coolest anklets translate the whimsy and love for color we’re seeing across fashion into candy above the feet. They have a touch of fancy, brought forth by bright gems, charms, and layered metals. We’ve noticed them cropping up throughout the fashion world, on runways here and there, but mostly in street style and on celebrities like Rihanna, Hailey Bieber, and Gigi Hadid. Rather than the dainty chains that have traditionally been popular, today’s anklets are bigger and more embellished. “Anklet stacks are huge right now,” Christin Marie Nichols, founder and CEO of Christin Marie Studio, adds. “Just like bracelets, customizing your anklet stack is a statement of self-expression that speaks to your individuality. What you choose to incorporate, how creative you can get, how many you use, [how you mix] mixed metals and materials… [these are] all factors that I love to see. Anklets are moving from being a minimal aesthetic touch to a bold show of character.”Nichols’ own celebrity-worn jewelry brand is known for its maximalism, which extends to the brand’s array of anklets boasting sizable and multichromatic gemstones. “The combination of colors I use are made to complement anything you wear and are so eye-catching. It’s almost like organized chaos but pretty. With it being so unique it attracts attention where people normally wouldn’t pay attention,” the founder adds.Ahead, shop our 11 favorite anklets, including gold options, minimalist picks, and what maximalist dreams are made of. Several options ahead work year-round, and some others are especially good for wearing during the warmer months and on tropical vacations. All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products we may earn a commission.Layering anything in fashion, whether we’re talking about clothes or jewelry, isn’t easy to do well. It takes a certain level of finesse and self-knowledge. However, this beachy anklet by Ettika takes away all the hard work of knowing how to stack. This more affordable piece comes with two gold-tone chains: one with ovoid pearls intermixed, and another with a dangling assortment of charms. Ettika Layered Shell And Pearl Dangle Anklet, $, available at RevolveSeashell themes have been a dominant jewelry trend this summer, and Frasier Sterling's gold anklet channels that in a vibrant way. A mix of chunky charms — spanning gilded shells, pearlescent discs, and a single rhinestone-dotted star — make this a perfect oceanic statement piece for the summer, whether that's for a breezy brunch with friends or a day spent poolside.Frasier Sterling Tide Pool Anklet, $, available at For Love & LemonsOne of the most fun parts of wearing an anklet is spicing it up from traditional styles, like taking a classic pearl necklace and relocating it. That’s exactly what Mateo did for its luxurious 'Not Your Mother's' pearl number, which boasts a progression of freshwater pearls strung on a 14-karat yellow gold chain.Mateo 14k Gold 'Not Your Mother's' Pearl Anklet, $, available at ShopbopFor a more traditional look, Astrid & Miyu’s gold anklet is simply a thread of gold-plated silver. The square-link jewelry piece works just fine as is, whether wearing it solo or layering it in a stack, but it’s also able to hold some cutesy charms.Astrid & Miyu Essential Box Chain Anklet, $, available at Astrid & MiyuIf you gravitate towards uniformity, then Dean Davidson's anklet — which features spaced-out little blue gems hanging down — is perfect. Built on a gold-colored chain as a base, it is dainty yet durable.Dean Davidson Orsay Anklet, $, available at Dean DavidsonFor someone who’s looking for a more modern gold anklet that balances between a traditional chain with just a touch of something more, Agatha Paris’ seashell-inspired number is just right. Made with a stainless steel base and gold-tone finish, this one comfortably sits above the ankle while the tiny shell charms hover.Agatha Ankle Chain Cassis, $, available at AgathaFashion’s favorite hue seems to have moved away from butter yellow to a minty teal (perhaps a result of Creative Director Matthieu Blazy’s Chanelmania?) This gold anklet captures that perfectly, combining its 18-karat plating with interspersed seafoam beads for just a touch of color.Gorjana Capri Anklet, $, available at GorjanaHere’s a perfect anklet for candy lovers. Anni Lu’s take on the jewelry piece looks just like a Smarties bracelet. It combines an array of pearl discs, each a different color, strung together on a gold-plated chain. This one’s perfect for wearing during the summer months, especially with a similarly