Anklet trend 2019 guide
Upgraded from souvenir status, the anklet is the hottest accessory of summer 2019. Here's where to buy anklets and how to style them
A pedicure - whether professional polish or DIY - is almost mandatory from May to September as we revel in this brief opportunity to expose our extremities.
Given this focus combined with the seemingly insatiable appetite for all things Nineties, it's little surprise that the anklet is currently undergoing a renaissance, showing up on the catwalk as well as the ankles of some of our favourite fashion influencers.
Clockwise from left: Palme de Perle 14-karat gold pearl anklet £600, Sophie Bille Brahe; Asti pearl and bead anklet £179, Eliou; Beaded pearl and gold-plated anklet £365, Timeless Pearly
At Chloe, Natacha Ramsay-Levi signed off many of her spring/summer 19 bohemian looks with stacks of anklets and cuffs.
Stella McCartney opted for delicate ankle chains, which provided a removable ankle strap on basket woven ballet flats. Gold ankle chains were paired with sheer pencil skirts and sky high stilettos at Versace.
And some of the most influential people in fashion are fans too, from Leandra Medine of Man Repeller to Elizabeth von der Goltz, global buying director of Net-a-porter: 'An anklet is such a chic accessory for the summer.
Whether you wear with a pair of cropped washed denim jeans, a floral midi skirt or your beachwear, an anklet is a simple touch but makes a bold statement.'
Clockwise from left: Beaded coral 18k gold-plated anklet £60, Anni Lu; Mexico braided anklet three pack £7, Accessorize; Say anything anklet £28, Free People
Currently adorning her own ankle? 'A chain style by Ancient Greek Sandals is my current favourite - I love the owl charm that symbolises wisdom and femininity.'
But what if your memories of the Nineties anklets trend the first time around are putting you off? As with so many fashion flashbacks, the devil is in the detail.
Forget the tell-tale green tide mark of the cheap tat of old. The 2019 anklet offers the most luxurious take on adornment, echoing current trends in jewellery with all manner of charms, shells and even pearls implying an enviable aura of romance and wanderlust.
Clockwise from left: Shell anklet £12, Urban Outfitters; Gold-tone shell anklet £90, Rosantica; Shell-embellished leather anklet £40, Ancient Greek Sandals
By the way, that green mark is a sign of oxidization, and most commonly occurs in plated copper jewellery although even silver and some gold can cause a reaction on some wearers.
Keeping your anklet dry and free from lotions and SPFs will help minimise oxidization. Or avoid metal altogether and choose a bright design crafted from colourful thread and beads.
If you're jetting off to some beachside idyll this summer, then be sure to comb the local crafts stalls for beaded and shell versions.
Clockwise from left: Lucy Williams beaded coin anklet in 18k gold vermeil £70, Missoma; 14k gold-plated leaf fringe anklet £67, J.Crew; The Scattered Decade 24k gold-plated anklet £115, Alighieri
There are plenty of styles to choose from closer to home too with high street retailers hopping on the trend alongside some of the new and unusual jewellery brands that are livening up a once-staid industry.
There's an anklet for almost every occasion. Choose from an office-appropriate delicate chain, a puka shell piece that keeps your holiday spirit alive, and even the most beautiful pearls to complete your bridal jewellery look.
Wear them bright or bejewelled, stacked up or solo, with flat sandals or heels. It's 2019, anything goes.
