What is the meaning behind how you’re wearing your ankle bracelet? Let’s dive in and find out here what the true ankle bracelet meaning is and how to wear an ankle bracelet.
Anklets (aka ankle bracelets) are a fun and flirty accessory for spicing up casual attire or adding a finishing touch to more formal outfits. Whether you’re an ankle chain veteran or you want to experiment with new fashion trends, you’re in the right place.
Not only are we going to delve into the stories behind ankle bracelet meaning, but also reveal the top tips on how to look your best while rocking a new anklet.
Let’s get started!
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Ankle Bracelet Origin and Meaning
Anklets in the Eastern culture date back to ancient times. In fact, they were discovered in Sumerian tombs that were over 4,500 years old!
These were some of the first people to roam the earth, and they chose to adorn themselves in anklets.
These artifacts were crafted from various stones and metals that were both precious and common in nature.
However, in ancient India, married women would wear ankle bracelets adorned with charms. This way, men could hear them coming and stop talking about disrespectful things in front of them.
Show Status
If we jump further forward in time to the ancient Egyptians, anklets were worn by women to indicate their social status.
Ladies decked out in gold or silver anklets with precious stone finishings were usually the wives of wealthy men. Slaves, on the other hand, worn anklets made of leather.
This brings us to the present day. There are numerous rumors concerning the hidden meanings behind anklets.
One of them is that women who wear ankle bracelets on their left foot are showing they’re in an open relationship allegedly). However, this is rarely the case!
When Should one Wear an Anklet?
Unless you work from home or somewhere embracing a casual dress code
casual anklets don’t belong in the office.
Dainty anklets in gold or silver are the exception for work or formal occasions. They are perfectly suited for an office environment or even the opera.
You should also avoid wearing an anklet with chimes if you’re visiting somewhere quiet like a library, a church, or a cemetery. The last thing you want is to annoy people with your taste in jewelry.
Here are the few places you can confidently rock your anklet with pride;
- The beach
- The hotel pool
- Meeting up with friends
- While on vacation
- At a festival
- At a party meeting new people
Top Tip:
if you’re wearing an anklet, treat yourself to a pedicure and wear pretty sandals to round off the look (sliders, flip-flops, backless loafers, all work too!)
Never wear an ankle bracelet with pantyhose because it could cause damage it, which is never a good thing.
Also, make sure your anklet is loose enough to wear it comfortably. You don’t want it cutting into your skin.
Try an adjustable length anklet for the perfect fit.
Outfit Suggestions
If you’re unsure what outfit to wear your anklet with, start simple – try pairing a silver ankle bracelet with denim shorts, jeans, or skirt and a white blouse or tee.
You may also wear an anklet to complement a;
- Miniskirt
- Little Black Dress
- Bodycon Dress
- Leggings
Opt for a thin anklet. This is always a simple yet effective way of highlighting your fabulous choice of footwear.
If in doubt, avoid garish patterns on your clothes. In addition to an anklet, this could look too busy.
Which Anklet Looks Best?
Anklets come in all styles and colors. Here are some popular options:
Golden Anklets
These exude class and sophistication, especially if they showcase precious gemstones.
Typically, golden anklets come as a delicate singular chain or two dainty ones stacked on one another.
These models are best worn to a special occasion, paired with a beautiful pair of black pumps. Or, you could try matching a golden anklet with an elegant pair of heels. Both of these looks work really well.
Sterling Silver Anklets
Sterling silver anklets are more casual than golden anklets; they’re perfect for injecting a touch of boho-chic to any evening outfit. When teamed together with a glamorous pair of summer sandals, you have a classic look!
Top Tip: If your sterling silver anklet is dainty (as opposed to chunky), avoid big necklaces and bracelets. Instead, opt for jewelry that picks up the metal hues, such as a silver-toned toe ring or a simple silver chain necklace.
Beaded Anklets
Beaded anklets are the ideal addition to anyone looking to spice up a club dress, add some flirty fun to a romper, of to round off a bohemian themed outfit. You could even layer several beaded station anklets for a really unique look! Again, this style of ankle bracelet is extremely versatile as it’s perfect for heading down to the beach, hitting the bar, or going to a ball. Rock your favorite footwear and you’re good to go!
If in doubt, pick a plain colored anklet. This is a fabulous staple to have because you can pair it with virtually any outfit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What Does Wearing an Anklet Mean?
A: Wearing ankle bracelets, ankle chains, or anklets means different things in different cultures. For example, in some areas of the world, wearing ankle bracelets can indicate social status, while in others it can signify that a woman is married. In parts of western culture, some believe that a woman who wears an anklet on her left ankle is in an open relationship.
Q: What Does it Mean When a Woman Wears an Anklet on Her Left Ankle?
A: Most people wear an anklet on the left ankle without thinking anything of it. However, there is s subculture of anklet wearing people who view this quite differently. Wearing an anklet with heart charms on your left ankle could be a signal that you’re interested in “hooking up” without a serious commitment. Anklets are also commonly worn this way by a woman who is interested in an open relationship, a hotwife relationship, or a relationship with other women.
Q: What Does it Mean to Wear an Anklet on Your Right Ankle?
A: For most, it means they prefer it to their left foot, and nothing more than that. Some say that when someone wears an anklet on their right foot it means they are single and have no lover. In some subcultures, however, if a person is married or in a committed relationship and wears anklets on their right foot, it means that they are looking to have an affair or fling.
Q: Are Anklets Worn for Social Status?
A: In ancient Egypt women wore anklets as a symbol that they were married – similar to wedding rings in modern times. The practice was especially prevalent amongst the wives of wealthy Egyptian women. In modern times, women of all social standing enjoy wearing ankle bracelets as fun, flirty, ornamentation.
Q: What Does an Anklet on a Married Woman Mean?
A: For most married women, it means they like wearing an anklet and nothing more. Some believe, however, it is a symbol that she is a “hotwife” and open to relationships and sexual encounters with men other than her husband. Anklets are commonly worn by women who are in an open relationship or “swingers” as well. Those wearing anklets for this purpose will commonly have a charm or an ornament worn on the ankle chain as well.
Q: Can men wear anklets?
A: Men have been wearing anklets for millennia, but the practice is not common in modern cultures. A man may wear anklets as a fashion statement but it is rare to see anklets worn by men.