Womens Anklet

Which Ankle Should an Anklet Go On?

Either one. Fashion in the US has no fixed rule, so most people choose the side that shows best: the ankle that faces outward when they sit with crossed legs, or the one that is not tucked behind a car pedal all day. Someone who keeps a watch on the left wrist can balance it by choosing the right ankle, and the other way around. Two anklets on one ankle work too, as long as they share a metal tone. Height matters as much as side: an anklet that rests just above the ankle bone shows with sneakers and socks rolled low, while one that drops onto the top of the foot is made for sandals and bare feet.

• No fixed side. Pick the ankle that shows most.
• Balance the wrist. Opposite your watch or bracelet.
• Stacks welcome. Keep the metal tone the same.

Elastic, Sliding Cord or Clasp

The closure is the real sizing decision. An elastic strand rolls over the heel and settles on its own, so it suits anyone who hates fiddling with a clasp behind the ankle, but one length has to fit everyone. A sliding cord tightens and loosens like a friendship bracelet and fits nearly any ankle. A chain with a lobster clasp hangs most precisely, and its extender chain lets you choose how far the anklet drops toward the foot. For a gift, the cord and the extender are the forgiving choices, because neither depends on guessing an ankle measurement.

• Elastic. Rolls on, no clasp to find.
• Sliding cord. Pull to fit any ankle.
• Clasp and extender. Set the exact drape you like.

Anklets Around Sand and Water

An anklet meets salt water, chlorine, sunscreen and sand, things a bracelet rarely sees. None of that has to end its summer. After a swim, rinse the anklet under cool running water, blot it with a towel and leave it out in the open air for an hour before it goes back in a drawer; cords and elastic last longest when they dry flat rather than wet and stretched. Put sunscreen on before the anklet, not over it, so lotion does not dull silver tone beads and chain.

• Fresh water rinse. Washes away salt and chlorine.
• Dry flat. Keeps cords and elastic in shape.
• Sunscreen first. Then put the anklet on.

Finding Your Anklet Style

Start with the look you reach for in summer clothes. Relaxed, colorful and beachy points toward the beaded anklets, with seed beads, glass and charms. Polished and a little dressier points toward the layered anklets, where several fine strands on one clasp give the look of a stack without the tangle.

• Beachy and bright. Beads and charms.
• Polished and fine. Layered chains on one clasp.
• Gift shopping. A cord or extender makes size easy.