Anklets: Trend, History, and Styling Tips

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Kurz gesagt: Anklets: History, current trends, the right length, and materials checked. The ultimate anklet guide for the beach, summer, and beyond.

In short: The starting point: Anklets: Trend, history, and styling tips. Anklets have an amazingly long history. Archaeological finds prove their existence as early as ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt over 4,000 years ago. For everyday use, water resistance, clasp quality, and craftsmanship count for more than the price. Craftsmanship details say more about durability than the price tag.

As of: September 2026. By Phil Oberlaender, Corelune Jewellery, Düsseldorf.

In Indian culture, where they are called payal, anklets (often with small bells) remain a fixed component of wedding and dance traditions to this day. In ancient Greece, they were worn by upper-class women. In the West, anklets became popular in the 1970s through hippie and bohemian culture and have been considered a symbol of freedom and summer ever since.

The anklet, delicate, playful, and inseparably linked to summer, the beach, and freedom, is experiencing a massive revival in 2026. What was once considered purely beach jewelry has developed into a year-round accessory worn with both summer sandal looks and elegant evening outfits. In this comprehensive guide, you will learn everything about anklets: history, trends, styling tips, and what you should look for when buying.

The history of the anklet

Material note: The information here regarding gold and silver alloys is for comparison purposes. Our assortment consists of stainless steel with gold or silver plating without hallmark stamps, between €12.95 and €59.95. Free shipping from €59, 14-day returns.

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What does an anklet mean?

Anklets have various cultural meanings:

  • Freedom and lightheartedness: In a Western context, the anklet represents carefreeness, summer joy, and free-spiritedness.
  • Femininity and sensuality: The delicacy of the jewelry on the ankle is often associated with femininity.
  • Protection: In many Asian cultures, anklets are worn as protection against the evil eye and bad energy.
  • Status and wealth: Historically a sign of prosperity in India and Egypt.

The biggest anklet trends of 2026

Minimalist gold chain

A wafer-thin gold chain on the ankle, without a pendant, simple and elegant, is the most timeless anklet style. It goes with everything: from the bikini beach to a summer dress at dinner. Yellow gold on tanned skin is particularly beautiful.

Anklet with pendant

Small pendants on an anklet add character: a star, a heart, a moon, a seashell, an anchor, or a birthstone. The pendant usually sits on the side of the ankle and catches the light while walking.

Pearl anklet

Small freshwater pearls threaded into a delicate anklet, very feminine and good for the beach or summer events. Also very popular in colorful beads (boho style).

Gemstone anklet

Turquoise, moonstone, amethyst, or colored zirconia as small gemstone accents on an anklet bring color to the leg. Especially beautiful with sandy or bronze outfits.

Layered anklets

Two or three different anklets worn on top of each other, a trend that brings the arm layering trend to the ankle. A mix of different chains and materials for a boho-inspired look.

Charm anklet

Several small charms on one anklet, very popular as a customizable accessory. Collect charms for travel memories, birthdays, or special moments.

How to wear an anklet correctly?

A few practical tips:

  • Right or left: There is no rule. In some cultures, the side has meaning, but not in modern everyday life.
  • Ankle height: The anklet sits at the thinnest part of the ankle; too high up the leg, it loses the characteristic anklet look.
  • With sandals: The anklet looks best with open sandals. Especially beautiful: with strappy sandals or Birkenstocks.
  • With shoes: With shorts or skirts, the anklet can also be worn over socks (in the case of transparent socks) or with open shoes.
  • At the beach: Stainless steel anklets are waterproof, good for a beach day.

The right length for an anklet

Anklets are typically 22 to 26 cm long. The ideal fit: The chain lies loosely around the ankle, not too tight (pinching) and not too loose (falling down).

  • Slim ankle: 22 to 23 cm is often enough
  • Average ankle: 24 to 25 cm is the standard size
  • Strong ankle: 26 to 28 cm, or use an extension chain

Tip: Measure your ankle circumference with a tape measure and add 2 to 3 cm for a comfortable fit.

Which materials are suitable for anklets?

Anklets are often exposed to water and dirt. This places special demands on them:

  • Solid stainless steel: Ideal for the beach and pool. Waterproof, durable, corrosion-resistant.
  • Solid gold 585/750: Durable and classic in design. For frequent water contact, prefer 18-karat gold.
  • Sterling silver 925: Beautiful, but tarnishes quickly in salt water and chlorine.
  • Gold-plated stainless steel (PVD): A good middle ground between look and durability for everyday life.

How do you care for anklets?

  • Rinse with clear water after visits to the beach or pool
  • Clean occasionally with mild dish soap
  • Pat silver anklets dry after showering
  • Store separately to avoid tangling

What will you find at Corelune regarding anklets?

Your summer at your feet; discover our beautiful anklets at Corelune Jewellery. From minimalist gold chains to pearl anklets, we have it all. Browse our selection at Corelune now!

Matching this: Tennis necklace: The elaborate trend for the neck and wrist and Choker necklace: The trend that never dies.

Which chain length sits where?

Neckline Suitable length What to avoid
Round neck 42 to 45 cm Very long chains disappear into the fabric
V-neck 45 to 50 cm Short chains compete with the edge
Turtleneck 60 cm and longer Short chains lie on top of the fabric
Open shirt 40 to 45 cm Chains that are too long slip under the collar

Frequently asked questions

Which chain length suits me?

The safest choice is 45 cm, as the chain sits at the collarbone. Measuring with a tape measure plus two centimeters of leeway works best.

How many chains can I wear at the same time?

Yes, but not with two chains of almost the same length. The spacing creates the effect.

What to do if the clasp gets stuck?

The cause is almost always deposits in the mechanism. Warm soapy water and a soft brush will get it moving again.

Things get concrete with these pieces: Long fish gold necklace in stainless steel and Ocean Escape pendant necklace in stainless steel. You can find more necklaces in the category the necklace collection.

About the author

Phil Oberlaender runs Corelune Jewellery in Düsseldorf and has worked daily with stainless steel jewelry since 2024: pattern testing, complaints, and everyday wear tests. The information in this article comes from our own assortment and from customer feedback. Where Corelune does not offer something, it is stated as such.

Which categories match this topic?

The following from our assortment matches this:

Two pieces get a 20% discount, five up to 35%. Shipping costs are waived on orders over 59 euros. A combination of two pieces covers more occasions than a single item.

View sea and beach jewelry at Corelune

At Corelune, the following applies: Free shipping from €59, 14-day returns, shipping from the Netherlands.

→ View women's bracelets at Corelune

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