Windbreaker Shorts Are Having A Moment — These Are The Best

The revival of windbreaker shorts was not on my 2026 bingo card, but alas, they’ve become a pillar of athleisure. First popularized in the ’80s and ’90s, the lightweight, swishy bottoms were known for bold, color-blocked designs reserved for the gym. Still, it wasn’t long before style icons like the Sex and the City character Carrie Bradshaw pushed the boundaries, wearing the silhouette with kitten heels and a crop top.

A similar reinvention is unfolding now, with It girls putting a fashion-forward spin on the nostalgic briefs, which take their name from their jacket counterpart. Oversized T-shirts, designer handbags, sculpting corsets, and sleek flats are becoming a natural extension of sprinter shorts — and while you’re bound to spot an abundance of hot pants in the park, you'll also start finding them on city streets, in airports, and potentially at a casual happy hour.

It’s all about knowing how to style the retro shell cutoffs. For an undeniably casual look, reach for a simple tee, crew socks, and sneakers. It delivers an unfussy gym-to-street look that may just be the easiest entry point into the trend. If you're aiming for a more elevated aesthetic, contrast is key. Slip into a slinky lace tank and add a structured layer, like an asymmetrical blazer or cinched trench coat. The interplay between sporty nylon and chic tailoring is where the magic happens. 

Unexpected footwear is yet another clever style direction. The shorts feel more intentional when paired with minimalist sandals, ballet flats, and pumps. It’s a simple way to upgrade the piece without overthinking the entire look — turning a sporty staple into a fashion-forward moment.

If you’re craving nostalgia and ready to give windbreaker shorts a try, keep reading for 15 elevated picks.

All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products we may earn a commission.

I own these exact shorts in blue and wear them everywhere, from cafes to the park. But the candy-red stripes and bubblegum-pink colorway might just be enough to convince me to grab a second pair.

edikted Nikki Side Stripe Nylon Shorts, $, available at Nordstrom

These feather-light bottoms offer maximum airflow, paired with built-in coverage so you always feel secure. Side zip pockets and a drawstring detail offer versatility for on-the-go moments.

Lululemon Track That High-Rise Lined Short 3", $, available at Lululemon

From the hidden drawstring waist to the vibrant side stripes, these playful cutoffs fully lean into the retro aesthetic. Look forward to stretchy satin that feels soft and smooth against the skin.

Aritzia Curva Dolphin Short, $, available at Aritzia

A juicy grapefruit-and-tangerine color combo brings an instant energy boost, while the easy pull-on design makes these shorts a warm-weather staple.

Revolve x FP Movement Now Or Never Short, $, available at Revolve

More refined than previous styles, these boat-ready bottoms are made for mules and sun hats alike. Dress them up or down with breezy linen shirts and simple tank tops.

J.Crew Cruise Drawstring Short, $, available at J.Crew

Handle the unexpected with weatherproof shorts. No matter the forecast, you’ll have a pair of trending eggplant-colored briefs at your fingertips.

Nike Water Repellent Running Shorts, $, available at Nordstrom

Made for adventure, these durable shorts keep things practical and polished thanks to breathable fabric and functional pockets. They’re an easy choice for everything from coffee runs to mountain hikes.

Quince Micro Ripstop Mid-Rise Hike Shorts, $, available at Quince

Feel free in these stretchy hot pants that fight odors, keeping you fresh for longer. The deep indigo hue is simple to style with gray hoodies, white sneakers, and tan hats.

Rhone Lightspeed Performance Shorts, $, available at Nordstrom

Bold piping adds a sporty twist to this timeless pull-on style, while the water-resistant fabric makes them perfect for surprise rain showers.

FP Movement Varsity Blues Shorts, $, available at Free People

It doesn’t get more Y2K than a pink-and-brown color scheme. Pair these low-effort minis with a tube top and trainers for an effortlessly undone look.

Old Navy High-Waisted TrekTech Run Shorts, $, available at Old Navy

A true wear-everywhere find, these black shorts are the definition of easy dressing. The quick-dry fabric makes them ideal for everything from quick workouts to midday errands, while the subtle sporty cut keeps them sleek and flattering.

Vuori Clementine 2.0 Performance Shorts, $, available at Nordstrom

While inherently sporty, these pink minis are so sweet, they might as well be styled with thong kitten heels and a tiny shoulder bag for a playful, off-duty twist.

Nike Dri-FIT Mid-Rise 3-Inch Brief-Lined Shorts, $, available at Nordstrom

The electric lime-green hue makes a statement, while the micro curved micro hemline gives you legs for days. They’re so lightweight, you’ll barely notice you’re wearing them.

Aerie OFFLINE By Aerie 2" Hot Stuff Short, $, available at Aerie

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

Every Cool Girl Is Wearing These Shorts

It’s The Summer Of Chunky Jewelry Maxxing

Snakeskin Bags Are Back—These Are The Best

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 Revolve

Seashell 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 & Lemons

One 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 Shopbop

For 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 & Miyu

If 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 Davidson

For 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 Agatha

Fashion’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 Gorjana

Here’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 colorful shoe like jelly sandals.

Anni Lu Holiday Anklet, $, available at Shopbop

Similar to ring and necklace stacking, you can do the exact same thing with anklets. Jenny Bird’s two-tone piece, which features two sinuous and mixed-metal chains, is the perfect base for multi-tonal stacking. (It’d even layer with some pieces on this list.) Plus, the Double Amalfi is water-resistant, which means you can dip into the pool worry-free while wearing it.

Jenny Bird Double Amalfi Anklet, $, available at Jenny Bird

This fancy-looking anklet is a feast for the eyes. Replete with a multi-hued medley of gems, this anklet, available in gold and silver, channels everything we love about how expressive fashion is right now. The best part about Christin Marie Studio’s piece? The jewels are large enough to catch plenty of light and visibly set off soft sparkles around your ankles.

Christin Marie Studio Solstice Purely Gems Anklet, $, available at Christin Marie Studio

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

It’s The Summer Of Chunky Jewelry Maxxing

Jessica Alba's Brilliant Group-Gift Hack

10 Tarnish-Free Gold Jewelry Brands To Wear & Gift