How to Wear an Anklet: Length, Outfits and Shoes

March 09, 2023

Comment porter une chaine de cheville ?

Anklets are a very trendy fashion accessory. Worn with a dress, a skirt or shorts, they add a real touch of originality and femininity to your look. But how do you wear an anklet so it really stands out? In this article, we share all our tips for wearing an ankle bracelet. And if you're wondering which side to wear it on, find out what an anklet on the right ankle means.

How to Wear an Anklet: Practical Tips

First, choose the right anklet. Silver anklets, gold and rose gold designs have been very popular in recent years. You can also go for beaded or braided anklets for a more casual look. The key is to find an anklet you love and are proud to wear.

anklet

Then follow these tips to wear your anklet with sophistication and elegance.

Choose the right anklet length

Length matters. If your anklet is too long, it can get in the way when you move. If it is too short, it won't show and may be uncomfortable. To find the right length, measure around your ankle with a measuring tape and add about 3/4 inch (2 cm). Most anklets are between 9 and 11 inches (23 to 27 cm).

anklets

Match your anklet to your outfit

To show off your ankle bracelet, pair it with the right outfits.

Wear your anklet with cropped pants or a short skirt to highlight your legs, even more so with high heels. Make sure your anklet is visible but not overpowering, so it stays subtle and pretty.

Avoid wearing it with long pants that hide the accessory.

An anklet also looks very elegant with an evening dress: it adds a subtle touch and draws attention to your shoes.

Choose the right shoes

Anklets look best with open shoes. Sandals and flip-flops are perfect to show off your ankle jewelry.

You can still wear one with closed shoes, like boots or sneakers: just wear it over your socks or tights for a fun pop of shine and contrast.

Open shoes are also a great way to show off a fresh pedicure and give your feet an elegant look.

anklet with sandals

Don't overdo it

An anklet is an accessory that deserves to be noticed, so avoid piling on other jewelry. With a women's anklet, keep the rest simple: a silver chain necklace or a dainty chain bracelet.

Wear your anklet at the right time

When should you wear an anklet?

  • Summer: the perfect season for an anklet. With sandals, flip-flops or espadrilles, it adds elegance to a casual outfit.
  • At the beach: an anklet adds a little something to your beach look, whether you're wearing a bikini, denim shorts or a beach dress.
  • Special occasions: for a wedding or another special event, an anklet adds a subtle touch to your evening outfit. Just choose one that suits the occasion.
  • At the office: in a relaxed workplace, an anklet is a great way to add style to your work outfit. Keep it subtle and elegant.
  • For a photo shoot: wedding, maternity or Instagram photos, an anklet adds a subtle, elegant detail.

Anklets are an elegant accessory that can add a subtle touch to any outfit. Choose one that suits your personal style and the occasion, and experiment to find your favorite way to wear it.

ankle bracelet

FAQ: How to Wear an Anklet

How do I know if my anklet fits?

Measure your ankle with a measuring tape and add about 3/4 inch (2 cm). If the anklet feels too tight or too loose, it's not the right size.

Can I wear an anklet with closed shoes?

An anklet stands out best with open shoes. If you want to wear it with closed shoes, choose heels to lengthen your legs, or wear it over tights for a playful look.


What length of anklet should you choose?

Most anklets measure between 21 and 25 cm (8.3 to 9.8 in), often with a small 4 to 8 cm extender to adjust the clasp. To choose with confidence, measure around your ankle just above the bone, then add about 2 cm (0.8 in) so the chain rests lightly on your foot without slipping off:

Ankle sizeRecommended length
19 to 20 cm (7.5 to 7.9 in)21 to 22 cm (8.3 to 8.7 in)
21 to 22 cm (8.3 to 8.7 in)23 to 24 cm (9 to 9.4 in)
23 to 24 cm (9 to 9.4 in)25 to 26 cm (9.8 to 10.2 in)
25 cm (9.8 in) and over27 to 30 cm (10.6 to 11.8 in)

No measuring tape at hand? Wrap a piece of string around your ankle, mark it with a pen, then lay it flat and measure it with a ruler.

Plus size anklets: our tips

If your ankle measures more than 24 cm (9.4 in), or if you like a looser chain that falls onto the foot, choose a model with a long extender. Our chunky anklet measures 20 cm with an 8 cm extender, up to 28 cm (11 in). Our adjustable 30 cm silver knot anklet suits larger ankles and can also be worn over tights or socks.

Which ankle should you wear it on?

There is no rule: simply pick the ankle that shows the most, depending on how you sit or cross your legs. Some people do give a meaning to the side they choose. To learn more, read our article what an ankle bracelet means.

Which material is best for an anklet?

Your ankle is exposed to sand, water, sweat and rubbing from your shoes, so the material matters as much as the style:

  • Stainless steel: the most practical material for an anklet worn every day. It handles water and sweat better than alloys and comes in silver, gold and rose gold tones.
  • 925 sterling silver: more precious, with a lovely bright shine. It can tarnish over time: a soft cloth brings back its sparkle.
  • Beads and shells: perfect for summer and the beach, with a boho feel. Take them off before swimming so they last longer.
  • Alloys with rhinestones or cubic zirconia: more sparkly, best kept for evenings and special occasions.

To find out which jewelry you can keep on at the beach or in the shower, read our guide to water-resistant jewelry.

Can you wear several anklets?

Yes, layering works on the ankle too. For a balanced look:

  • combine 2 or 3 chains of different widths: a fine chain, a bolder link and, if you like, a chain with a charm;
  • stick to one metal color, or tie them together with a two-tone piece;
  • for a layered look without tangles, choose a ready-layered model such as our double anklet.

You can also wear one anklet on each ankle: just choose two fairly delicate designs so they don't weigh down your look.

Anklets for men

Anklets are not just for women. Men usually go for a simple style: a steel chain, a cord or a small charm, worn with shorts or rolled-up pants. Our stainless steel men's anklet is a good example.

Our favorite anklets

Discover more than 150 designs in our anklet collection.

FAQ: how to wear an anklet

What is the standard length of an anklet?

The most common length is between 22 and 25 cm (8.7 to 9.8 in). For a slim ankle, 21 to 22 cm is enough; for a larger ankle, allow 27 to 30 cm.

Can you wear an anklet in winter?

Yes. Wear it over thin tights or socks, with ankle boots or loafers. A slightly longer chain keeps it from feeling tight over the fabric.

Can you swim with your anklet on?

It's best to take it off before the sea or the pool: salt, chlorine and sand damage clasps and dull most metals. If it gets wet, rinse it with clean water and dry it.

How can I avoid losing my anklet?

Check the clasp and the extender ring regularly, especially after the beach or sports. If the chain keeps turning, it's probably too long: shorten it by one or two extender links.

Can you wear an anklet on each foot?

Absolutely. Choose two matching, delicate designs, or mix a fine chain on one side with a more detailed piece on the other.


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