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Anklets, also known as ‘ankle bracelets’, have been a stylish accessory worldwide for a long time. They come in many styles, from simple and minimalist to elaborate, adding a bohemian touch to any outfit. Anklets aren’t just pretty – they have a rich history and cultural importance, worn by men and women in various cultures.
In this article, let’s explore the origin and history of anklets, what they symbolize, and take a look at some unique and popular designs that are fashionable right now.
The History of Ankle Bracelets
Ankle bracelets have a long and varied history, stretching back thousands of years and spanning different cultures. In ancient Egypt, people saw anklets as more than just decorations; they symbolized status and social rank. Often made of gold or silver, women from higher social classes wore them as signs of wealth and elegance, sometimes decorated with charms for protection and good fortune.
In South Asian cultures, especially in India, anklets, called ‘Payal,’ are an essential part of women’s traditional jewelry. Typically made from silver and featuring bells, they sound melodious when the wearer moves. These anklets often indicate a woman’s marital status.
In Africa, anklets had different roles, from showing marital status to being used in trade. Both men and women wore them, crafted from materials like beads, metals, and plants.
The Western world started embracing anklets in the 20th century as fashion statements of free-spirit and bohemian style. The 1920s saw them as symbols of rebellion, and in the 1950s and 60s, they became popular again, often adorned with charms.
Today, anklets are worn globally for various reasons, from fashion to personal symbolism. They have evolved from cultural symbols to a worldwide fashion trend, showing their versatility and lasting appeal. Each anklet carries a unique story, tradition, or meaning, making them timeless accessories.
The Symbolism of Ankle Bracelets
Anklets have various symbolisms in various cultures. Some wear them as good luck charms or talismans, but their meaning usually depends on which foot they’re worn on. Here are some associations with anklet bracelets. Note that these meanings can be specific to certain regions.
1. The right ankle
Wearing an anklet on the right foot is a sign that the wearer is unmarried and not in a relationship. In this case, married people should refrain from wearing anklets on their right foot since it will seem as though they’re having an affair.
2. The left ankle
Anklets worn on the left ankle are often charms or talismans. They’re believed to protect the wearer from diseases, and they also signify that the wearer is married or in a relationship.
An ankle bracelet can symbolize different things depending on its color. Here’s a quick look at the various anklet colors and what they mean:
- White Anklet: Purity, innocence, simplicity
- Yellow Anklet: Good fortune, energy, sociability
- Blue Anklet: Good luck in career, talent, intelligence
- Green Anklet: good luck, calm, balance
- Red Anklet: Good luck with competitions, games, and sports
- Pink Anklet: Love, union, marriage, romance
- Black Anklets: Secret-keeping
Today, anklets have become a popular accessory in the Western world. They tend to be worn for aesthetic purposes and not to represent certain meanings.
Types of Anklets
Whether you’re looking for a simple anklet for casual wear or to go with a formal outfit, there are hundreds of options available on the market. Here are some popular designs for you to choose from:
1. Beaded Anklets
Beaded anklets are a fun and casual accessory to wear, especially during the summertime. You can find them in various styles from tiny little beads to bigger, chunkier pieces. If you’re going for a unique look, stack a few together or mix them with different types of anklets such as metal or leather anklets.
2. Leather Anklets
Leather anklets are another perfect choice for an edgier look. These suit both men and women. Leather never goes out of fashion and is easy to pair with nearly any type of outfit, whether jeans, shorts, or skirts. Some leather anklets feature a closure that can be easily adjusted to fit perfectly, which would be highly convenient.
3. String Anklets
String anklets are simple yet stylish, making them a perfect choice for those who want a low-key accessory that won’t grab too much attention. This red nylon string anklet with 14K gold-filled microbeads is a minimalist but charming piece to try out.
4. Gold Anklets
If you’re looking for an anklet that looks luxurious and is durable enough to wear every day, you might like to try a beautiful gold anklet like this one. Due to its classy look, gold goes well with just about anything. You can wear a gold anklet while sporting fold-up jeans, or with a formal dress. You can choose a simple anklet with hardly any embellishments or you can go for a more dramatic piece with lots of dangling bits.
5. Silver Anklets
Silver anklets are popular for their bohemian look. Consider a simple silver anklet to which you can add all sorts of charms to make a statement or reflect your personality. It will surely draw attention to your feet and make them look more attractive at the same time. Silver matches anything which is why silver pieces are popular for everyday jewelry.
6. Barefoot Ankle Bracelets
Barefoot ankle bracelets are making waves, especially as bridal beach footwear. These are perfect for long strolls on the beach when you don’t want to wear slippers or shoes but prefer to dress up your feet a little. They also take the place of sandals and other footwear for performances like dance recitals where you have to go barefoot.
7. Tennis Anklet
Tennis anklets are designed in the same style as the classic tennis bracelet and typically feature several small stones set in a wide chain. They look classy and are perfect for a dressy look.
8. Cuff Anklet
Cuff anklets are similar to tennis bracelets in design but are much wider. These are bold statement pieces that can attract a lot of attention. They’re perfect if you’re looking to add a modern touch to your look and an added bonus is that they can also be worn to change the appearance of your shoe straps.
What to Consider When Wearing Ankle Bracelets
When it comes to wearing anklets, there are a few points to take into consideration:
1. Select the right setting to wear your anklet.
Anklets are usually not worn at workplaces or in professional settings, since they don’t belong in the ‘formal’ category. However, a classy, delicate anklet can suit any setting. Ankle bracelets that have bells on them and make noise when you move are inappropriate in public areas and at certain events such as funerals since the noise can cause a disturbance. However, you can always wear your ankle bracelets at the beach, at festivals, parties, or when you’re relaxing by the poolside or on vacation.
2. Wear your anklet right.
Anklets should ideally be worn on bare legs, so it likely won’t work to wear them with pantyhose or any similar garment. Some choose to wear them under their leggings, jeans, or pants so that they would remain hidden in formal settings. You can wear your anklet on either ankle, just above the ankle. Some people wear it loosely while others prefer to wear it snugly fitting above the ankle bone. Make sure to get the right-sized anklet since too tight could cause you discomfort and too loose means you could lose it.
3. Groom your feet.
Make sure that your feet are well groomed before flaunting an anklet. Anklets draw attention to the feet so if you’re not comfortable with the state your feet are in, you might want to groom them first.
4. Match your anklet with your clothes and footwear.
Your anklet should complement your shoes if you’re going for a cohesive look, so remember to pair them together carefully. Anklets generally go well with summer shoes such as backless loafers, flip-flops, or sliders. If you’re going for a chic look, match up your anklet with a crop top and a pair of jeans or a casual summer dress instead. You should look and feel good in what you wear.
5. Men can wear anklets.
Yes, men can wear anklets if they choose to, just like women. However, it’s important to note that in many cultures, it’s believed that a man wearing jewelry on the left side of his body it’s an indication of his homosexuality (wedding bands are an exception). The decision is up to you and you can choose to wear an anklet on either leg, regardless of what others may say.
6. Avoid wearing anklets in South Asian countries.
If you’re planning to visit a South Asian country, especially India, it would be a good idea to avoid wearing anklets during your visit. Since anklets are an important part of Hindu culture, it’s generally considered disrespectful when someone who is unaware of their significance wears an anklet.
When to Wear an Ankle Bracelet
Choosing when to wear an ankle bracelet mostly depends on your style and the event. Anklets are great for many occasions, from casual days out to beach trips and even some semi-formal events. They go well with summer clothes like shorts, skirts, and dresses, giving a fun and bohemian feel.
At the beach or by the pool, anklets match well with swimsuits and sandals, adding to the relaxed atmosphere. For dressier occasions, a simple and elegant anklet can be a subtle yet stylish addition. But, it’s better to avoid anklets in professional or conservative settings where they might seem too informal.
In the end, whether to wear an anklet should match your own style and feel comfortable, making it a fitting accessory for several situations, especially those that welcome a bit of personal expression.
Where to Buy Ankle Bracelets
If you’re looking to buy ankle bracelets online, try searching on Amazon and Etsy:
- Amazon offers a wide selection of ankle bracelets, catering to various styles and budgets. From trendy bohemian designs to elegant and minimalist pieces, there’s something for everyone. The platform’s user-friendly interface, customer reviews, and fast shipping make it a convenient choice for buying anklets.
- Etsy is ideal for unique, handmade ankle bracelets. It hosts a variety of artisans and small businesses offering custom, one-of-a-kind anklets. Shopping on Etsy supports independent creators, and you can find pieces that range from intricately crafted to simple and understated, perfect for adding a personal touch to your style.
Wrapping Up
Anklets take on a significant meaning in some cultures while in others they’re worn as unique and stylish accessories that allow you to elevate your fashion style. They’re available in various styles and designs so you can have fun adding to your collection and experimenting by working them into your jewelry collection.
