Here’s The Perfect Pairing for Nostalgic Summer Footwear

anklet jewelry
Photographed by Arthur Elgort, Vogue, April 1993

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To say that summer 2020 has been challenging would be a vast understatement. In order to capture some of the magic of summers past, we’ve turned to treasured summer trends in the hopes of maintaining some sense of normalcy and nostalgia. Old-fashioned DIY tie-dye, camp-inspired friendship bracelets and pretty printed garments have helped to raise morale, even a little bit.

One piece that feels especially evocative of a carefree summer? The anklet. Despite its touristy reputation from a decade ago, brands are taking the ankle bracelet to new heights with both sculptural and bejeweled iterations. Missoni, Stella McCartney, and JW Anderson showed layered bohemian-beaded styles, simplistic links, and diamanté straps, respectively, in their recent collections. Anita Patrickson of Amanu and jewelry designer Amanda Assad Mounser of Mounser raised the bar even higher in creating an eco-friendly, two-in-one sandal and customizable charm anklet. Though Amanu originated as a sandal brand, Patrickson notes, “Adding in hardware and charms was an organic next step for us. I adore pieces that are functional yet feel really elevated and special. Each charm is inspired by natural stones found in the ocean or products grown from the earth, with the Prium drop as a sculptural interpretation of a pear and the Oceanus drop reflecting the smooth edges of the sea’s most precious gem, the pearl.

Whether it be a sustainably sourced piece with dangling charms, a cheeky beaded design, or a sleek gold chain for the modern minimalist, anklet jewelry is this season’s comeback trend. Pair it with an open-toe sandal and a coordinating pedicure for a full look.

Below, seven elevated perfect pairings of our favorite foot-focused trio for all occasions.

Seaside Stroll

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Amanu Style 17 chain + Mounser charms

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Amanu x Mounser: Amanu chain and Mounser charms

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Deborah Lippman Everytime We Touch Gel Lab Pro

Bare Minimalist

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Rag Bone Parker leather platform flip-flops

Laura Lombardi curb chain anklet

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Dior Palais Royal Vernis gel shine long-wear nail lacquer

An Elevated Evening 

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Bottega Veneta 10 MM leather slide flats

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Miu Miu crystal-embellished looped-chain anklet

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Essie Ballet Slippers

Picnic in the Park

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Brother Vellies Burkina Papaye stripe sandals

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Roxanne Assoulin daisy beaded bracelet

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Olive June Sweet Gracious nail polish

Sleek and Sporty

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Birkenstock Arizona Essentials sandals

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Grace Lee pearl silk cord anklet

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OPI Did You See Those Mussels? Neo-Pearl nail polish

Beachy Keen

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Cult Gaia Bea sandals

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Chan Luu Matte Tiger’s Eye anklet

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Pear Nova Biscuits Honey/One Piece Wonder gel lacquer

Business as Usual

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Gabriela Hearst croc-effect glossed-leather sandals

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Alighieri Il Leono sterling-silver 24kt gold-plated anklet

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Chanel New Dawn Le Vernis Longwear polish