How to Style Anklets: Fresh Ideas for Every Shoe
- Words by
- Julio Arco
- Published
- Reading
- 4 min
Anklets are easy to wear once you treat them like any other piece of jewelry: pick one that suits the shoe and the outfit, keep it snug but not tight, and let it be the only loud thing on your lower half. A thin chain works almost everywhere, a beaded or charm style suits casual looks, and a bolder piece belongs with a simple outfit.
They are a nostalgic accessory from the 90s and early 2000s, and the current versions lean lighter and more minimal. Here is how to choose a type, match it to your shoes and layer it without crowding your ankle.
Which type of anklet should you wear?
Minimalist chain anklets
A fine gold or silver chain is the most flexible option. It sits quietly with denim, a slip dress or a tailored dress, and it looks right with strappy sandals. Choose an adjustable clasp so the chain rests against the ankle without sliding down onto your shoe.
Layering two or three thin chains of slightly different lengths adds texture without adding weight.
Beaded anklets
Beads bring color and a relaxed, vacation feel. They suit linen shorts, flowy maxi dresses and swimwear. If you wear a beaded bracelet or earrings too, echo one color from them in the anklet so the pieces read as a set.
Charm anklets
Small pendants add movement, which catches the eye when you walk. They show best with sandals or open-toe heels. Our guide to styling charm anklets for everyday looks goes deeper on choosing charms and keeping the rest of the outfit simple.
Statement anklets
Chunky chains, rhinestones or mixed materials work best against a plain background, like a sleek black dress or clean trousers. Keep your other jewelry quiet so the anklet is the one focal point.
Leather and rope anklets
Braided cord and leather have a matte, earthy look that suits casual and outdoor outfits: denim shorts, boots, festival weekends. They are also the simplest option if you want something unfussy and unisex.
How to wear anklets with different shoes
The shoe decides how much of the anklet is seen and how much it competes with straps, so start there.
Sandals and barefoot
This is the natural pairing. Pick delicate or beaded styles for strappy sandals, and avoid very chunky pieces that fight with the straps. Barefoot at the beach, beaded and charm anklets look most at home.
Sneakers
A simple chain looks good with low-cut sneakers and cropped jeans. Wear no-show socks so the skin and the chain stay visible.
Heels
Metallic or rhinestone anklets pair well with heels. The fit matters more here: a snug anklet will not catch on the ankle strap, while a loose one slides and tangles.
Boots
Wear a chain over the top of an ankle boot's opening, or let leather and rope styles peek out under cropped trousers. Through the lens of evidence-based design, I'd keep the anklet's texture close to the boot's: matte leather against matte cord reads as one idea, while a sparkly piece against a rough boot reads as a contrast.
How to layer anklets without overloading your ankle
Layering works when the pieces differ in one way and match in another. Mix a chain with a beaded strand, but stay in the same metal tone. Vary the lengths by a small amount so they do not tangle, and stop at two or three pieces. A crowded ankle looks busy from a distance, and the eye stops reading individual details.
If you want a more modern look, try wearing the anklet slightly above the ankle bone, which also keeps it clear of shoe straps.
Should your anklet match your bracelets?
It should relate to them, not copy them. The current layered bracelet trend and anklets share the same logic, so the same rules carry over. If you already know how to stack bracelets, apply the same thinking: one clear focal piece, a few supporting ones, varied widths.
On mixing metals in a bracelet stack, I'd say a mix of gold and silver reads as intentional when each tone shows up more than once. For the ankle, that means one tone in the anklet and a hint of it in your wrist jewelry or belt buckle, instead of a perfectly matched set.
Which outfits suit anklets?
- Maxi dresses and long skirts: a beaded or fine chain anklet shows when you move. See our ideas for maxi dress styling.
- Cropped jeans and wide-leg crops: the hem leaves the ankle visible, so a chain is the easiest choice.
- Evening dresses: choose a delicate chain or a rhinestone piece.
- Cropped trousers with a polished metal belt buckle: match the metal tone. More in our piece on wearing statement belts.
Fit and care
An anklet should sit comfortably with room for a finger or so of movement, without pinching. If you notice irritation on your skin, take it off and check with a professional.
Store anklets in separate pouches so fine chains do not tangle, and wipe metal pieces with a soft cloth. Beads and cord are best kept dry.
Frequently asked questions
Can you wear anklets in winter?
Yes. Wear a chain over tights, or let it show between the hem of cropped trousers and an ankle boot.
Are anklets appropriate for formal events?
A delicate chain or a simple rhinestone anklet works with formal outfits when the rest of your jewelry stays minimal.
Can men wear anklets?
Yes. Simple leather, cord or fine chain styles tend to look best and keep the look casual.
Are stacked bracelets still in style?
Layered wrist jewelry remains widely worn, and the same stacking logic applies to anklets: one focal piece, a few supporting ones and a consistent metal tone.
Filed under Accessory Trends
