A piece of jewelry worn just above your feet, anklets (worn on the ankles as the name suggests!) may seem like an insignificant accessory. However, they’ve carried rich meaning, style and symbolism for centuries. Whether you’re drawn to a dainty gold ankle chain or a bold beaded strand, anklet jewelry is making a strong comeback—and this time, it’s not just for warm weather anymore!
Read on to dive into anklets, exploring current styles and discovering modern tips for how to wear ankle bracelets with confidence. You’ll also find styling options for men and advice on choosing the right anklet for your look.
Types of anklets
Modern anklets, typically secured with a clasp, hook, magnetic closure or elastic band, come in a wide variety of materials and styles, ranging from sterling silver or gold (whether solid, filled or vermeil) to more rustic options like nylon cord, leather or hemp. Handcrafted designs may feature glass or clay beads, while gemstones or crystals offer a more luxurious or metaphysical allure. Many anklets also include charms or pendants that allow for personalization. Once considered a beach-day accessory, today’s anklets have become a versatile fashion statement suitable for all seasons and styles.
From subtle to statement-making, anklet types today are more diverse and expressive than ever. Whether you’re dressing up for a night out or styling your everyday look, there’s an anklet for every occasion, vibe and personality. Here’s a deeper dive into today’s most popular anklet types and how to wear them.
Gold & silver chain anklets
Sleek and endlessly versatile, gold and silver chain anklets are the wear-with-everything classics. No matter what type of chain you choose, these minimalist styles work well across outfits, from denim to dresses. Try wearing a single delicate chain as an accent, or layer two thin anklets together (even mixing metals!) for a more modern, stacked look. Anklets pair nicely with a variety of shoes, making them ideal for both casual and polished occasions.
Beaded anklets
Looking for something a bit more bold, colorful and full of personality? Beaded anklets bring an unmistakable sense of fun. Often handcrafted with seed beads, natural stones like turquoise or shell or even personalized charms, anklets are a go-to accessory for summer outfits, music festivals or date night out—especially when stacked for a boho, free-spirited look. Wear anklets with strappy sandals to highlight their textures and playful energy.
Gemstone anklets
Gemstone anklets add elegance and energy to your look, blending color with subtle sparkle. Whether you’re drawn to the spiritual side of crystals or simply the look of stones like moonstone, onyx or aquamarine, this style strikes a beautiful balance between refined and relaxed. A fine chain anklet with spaced gemstones looks stunning—and pairing it with matching rings or earrings makes it all look effortlessly polished.
Charm anklets
Charm anklets are all about storytelling, with each charm reflecting a piece of your personality, travels or beliefs. Popular designs include seashells, celestial shapes, nameplates or symbolic charms. To keep your look from feeling too busy, balance charm-heavy anklets with more minimalist pieces, such as a thin chain on the other ankle or pared-down earrings. Pair them with cropped jeans or flowy summer dresses.
Double-chain & layered anklets
If you love a layered look but don’t want to mix and match on your own, double-chain and pre-layered anklets do the work for you. These anklets often feature a mix of textures, such as one plain chain and one strand of beads or charms, or even mixed metals for a contemporary twist. Double-chain anklets add instant dimension and look great with a variety of shoes.
Anklets with bells or sound elements
Rooted in Indian and Middle Eastern traditions, anklets featuring bells or sound-producing charms offer a visual and auditory element. Often worn during dance or ceremonial occasions, these anklets have found their way into mainstream fashion as a bold, expressive option. They usually create soft chime noises or light coin clatters and are perfect for cultural events, destination weddings or just making a statement—especially when paired with henna or minimalist jewelry.
Leather, cord and macramé anklets
Earthy and understated, leather and cord anklets are ideal for laid-back, everyday style. Often featuring braided macramé, sliding knots or small beads, these pieces lean unisex and pair easily with everything from swim trunks to cutoff shorts. This casual anklet option is great for travel, beach days or casual weekends, and is comfortable enough for all-day wear. Try styling one with denim, linen or anything natural and relaxed to enhance their rugged, surfer-inspired aesthetic.
Anklets with ice (diamonds or CZs)
If you love sparkle, anklets with “ice” (from diamonds to high-quality cubic zirconia) bring glitz and glamour straight to your ankle. Tennis anklets featuring continuous diamonds, cubic zirconias (CZs), or other stones, paired with dainty chains adorned with pavé charms, are trending hard, especially in luxury streetwear and evening looks. Try letting the sparkle peek out from under wide-leg trousers, or wear it boldly with bare legs. Even when styled with sneakers, this anklet can provide a big blast of bling in an unexpected location!
Permanent anklets
Permanent jewelry, such as a permanent anklet, is a piece (usually made from fine metals like 14k gold) that is welded directly onto your ankle without a clasp. The result is a seamless, low-maintenance accessory designed to accompany you through everything from workouts to showers and special occasions. While “permanent,” they can be removed by having a jeweler safely unsolder the link if needed.
How to wear an ankle bracelet
Styling anklets today is all about intention and personal taste. Here’s how to make them work for a range of outfits and occasions:
Beachwear & vacation looks
Pair shell or beaded anklets with bare feet, sandals or slides. Stack multiple anklets for a layered, breezy feel. Natural materials like hemp, wood or turquoise work exceptionally well in tropical or ocean-side settings.
Workwear
Yes, anklets can be work-appropriate. Opt for a slim anklet chain in gold or silver, worn with cropped trousers, loafers or slingback heels. Keep it subtle and pair it with understated jewelry to avoid distracting from a professional outfit.
Evening and formal outfits
A delicate anklet can add an exquisite touch of glamour to formal wear. Choose fine metals with diamonds or gemstones. Let your anklet peek out from under trousers without socks, or a midi- or side-slit dress for an exciting pop of bling.
Casual street style
Sneakers and anklets? 100% on-trend. Choose a minimalist chain or a soft cord anklet with small charms and style it with joggers, jeans or cropped pants for a laid-back look.
Anklet meaning
The symbolism of anklets varies widely depending on culture, context and your own personal beliefs. In many traditions, anklets represent femininity and grace, drawing attention to the elegance of a woman’s step and form. In Indian culture, anklets often signify marital status, commonly gifted to newlywed brides as part of a traditional bridal ensemble.
In Western fashion, anklets have long been associated with freedom, playfulness and a carefree, summer-spirited vibe. Across various cultures, they can also carry spiritual or protective meanings, featuring charms, bells or symbols believed to keep bad luck at bay or attract good fortune. Even if you're not wearing an anklet for symbolic reasons, the rich history behind them adds some depth, making it more than just a stylish detail.
When should I wear an anklet?
While ankle bracelets were once seen primarily as summer accessories, they have evolved into versatile, year-round jewelry pieces. In the warmer months, anklets pair effortlessly with bare legs, sandals and beachwear. As the seasons change, anklets can still shine. Wear them over tights or sheer socks in fall and winter for a fashion-forward twist, or style them sockless with shoes to reveal just a hint of bling. Spring’s transitional weather allows anklets to complement cropped jeans, shorts, midi skirts or light dresses, adding some subtle shimmer as hemlines rise.
Outfits to wear with anklets
Anklets complement everything from casual to dressy looks. Pair minimalist anklets with cropped jeans and sleek sandals for an effortlessly polished daytime outfit. Layered boho styles look great with flowy maxi dresses, embroidered skirts or linen shorts and woven slides. Anklets that are a little more glamorous work beautifully with tailored pieces for an evening-ready vibe. Edgier anklets pair well with leather jackets and ripped denim for a bold street-style statement. For romantic looks, let delicate anklets peek out beneath a lace dress or add a soft finish to flats paired with dressy shorts or a midi-length skirt.
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FAQs
Can men wear anklets?
Absolutely men can wear anklets! Fashion is more fluid than ever, and anklets make a fabulous accessory for any gender.
Are anklets worn for social status?
Historically, anklets have been used to symbolize social status in various cultures. In ancient Egypt and India, for example, anklets made from precious metals or adorned with intricate charms often indicated wealth, marital status or even social status. While today’s anklets are more about personal expression and fashion, some traditional meanings still hold cultural significance in specific regions. Modern styles, whether luxury or handmade, are accessible to everyone, making anklets more inclusive and less tied to status than in the past. However, wearing high-end materials like gold or diamonds can still subtly signal affluence in certain circles.
What does an anklet on a married woman mean?
In some cultures, particularly in South Asia, anklets worn by married women symbolize marital status and are often part of traditional bridal jewelry. These anklets may be gifted during wedding ceremonies and can represent a woman’s connection to her spouse and family. In Western fashion, however, anklets worn by married women generally carry no specific meaning. They are simply a matter of personal style. Context matters. Cultural, religious and regional beliefs may influence how anklets are interpreted. Ultimately, wearing an anklet is about self-expression rather than symbolism.
