The One Y2K Accessory That Looks Shockingly Timeless With All My Summer Outfits

Woman wearing colorful beaded anklet with white sandals, and white crochet bag filled with fashion items.

(Image credit: @himichelleli)

When it comes to my summer accessories, I shuffle around the usual trend-forward styles: sunglasses, waist chains, silk scarves, and crochet hats. But I'll admit there's one accessory I never take off, whether I'm stomping around the West Village during a New York City heat wave or dipping into the Mediterranean Sea while on vacation: anklets.

The Y2K staple was on every red carpet (and tweenage romance movie) in the early aughts up until the 2000s along with puka-shell necklaces and skirts over jeans, but somehow anklets fell to the back of fashion people's minds in favor of cooler, chicer accessories. Now, though, it seems that fashion people are paying attention to anklets again, especially as temperatures heat up and easy ways to elevate simple outfits are on the rise. From my all-time favorite waterproof anklets from editor-beloved label Jenny Bird to affordable, trendy finds coming in under $15, scroll below for all of your must-have anklet inspiration this summer.

Woman wearing anklet.

(Image credit: @balencianas)

How to wear: Try mesh ballet flats with several anklets layered together.

Woman wearing anklet.

(Image credit: @elizagracehuber)

How to wear: Opt for a simple, sleek mule paired with chunkier, structured anklets.

Woman wearing anklet.

(Image credit: @sasha.mei)

How to wear: A simple silver stack with classic black pumps is always a good idea.

Woman wearing anklet.

(Image credit: @himichelleli)

How to wear: If you're looking to depart from the usual gold or silver look, opt for colorful beaded elements or shells to kick things up a notch.

Woman wearing anklet.

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

How to wear: Opt for a minimalist anklet and your favorite heeled sandals for any summertime occasion.

Woman wearing anklet.

(Image credit: @elizagracehuber)

How to wear: Don't be afraid to mix metals, stones, or shapes when it comes to curating the perfect anklet stack.

Explore More:
Assistant Shopping Editor

Ana Escalante is an award-winning journalist and Gen Z editor whose work ranges from dissecting size inclusivity at fashion week to discussing how American Girl Doll meme accounts are the the answer to society's collective spiral. She's covered it all: Queen Elizabeth II's corgis, Roe v. Wade frontline protests, and the emergence of jorts (or jean shorts for the uninitiated). At Who What Wear, Ana is responsible for delivering smart, insightful, personality-driven shopping guides and trend features for a digital-first generation.Before joining Who What Wear, Ana was Glamour magazine's editorial assistant, where she focused on daily news and special packages, including leading the brand's 2022 Met Gala coverage. For more than half a decade, she has covered style, beauty, and digital culture for publications such as Paper magazine, Harper's Bazaar, Vogue Japan, and Allure, among others. Ana has been called a rising star in media by publications such as Nylon and Teen Vogue. (Her mother, meanwhile, calls her "the coolest person" she knows.)