Anklets 101: Types of Anklets and How to Style Them
Remember the chan-chan of anklets as a kid, the soft jingle that lingered with every step. That soft, rhythmic jingle isn’t just jewellery; it’s mischief, memory, and a quiet kind of joy all wrapped into one.
Anklets have grown with us, from playful childhood experiments to grown-up style statements. Today, anklets let you carry that same joy while elevating your everyday look. From delicate chains that whisper elegance to festive payals that mark celebrations, knowing the types of anklets and how to style them ensures every step you take feels thoughtful, beautiful, and just a little magical.
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Did you know? The materials, the sound, even the design of the anklets told stories about culture and craft. Today’s anklets may be modern, but that little chan-chan still carries centuries of tradition. |
A Cheatsheet to the Different Types of Anklets
Before you choose which anklet to wear, it helps to know the variety available and how each type can complement your outfit or mood. Here’s a curated look at the different types of anklets, their charm, and how to style them.
1.Chain Anklets: The Classic That Never Fails
Sleek, minimal, and endlessly wearable, chain anklets are the quiet heroes of the jewellery world. They move with you, catch just enough light, and complement everything from casual jeans to flowing sarees.
How to Style:
- Pair a single thin chain with rolled-up jeans or ankle-length trousers.
- Layer two delicate chains for soft shimmer during evening outings.
- Mix metals for a subtle modern twist without feeling overdone.
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Kumari Pick: Meet the Jamboree Gemstone Anklet, playful, polished, and perfect for every step. It adds just enough shimmer to make even your most ordinary walk feel like a moment. |
2. Charm Anklets: Your Personality in Miniature
Charm anklets are little storybooks on your ankles, stars, hearts, celestial motifs, or tiny beads that carry meaning. Every jingle becomes part of your day’s narrative.
How to Style:
- Pair with strappy sandals, flats, or barefoot beach moments.
- Combinecharms with subtle chains for layered movement.
- Perfect for pastel outfits or flowy dresses that let the anklet shine.
- They work especially well when paired with charm bracelets that echo the same personal, story-driven feel.
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Kumari Pick: Soft sway, subtle shine. Our Gemstone Anklet brings that effortless “I didn’t try, but it works” kind of magic to your ankles. |
3. Beaded Anklets: Colourful, Playful, Effortless
Beads bring a splash of colour and a playful rhythm to your feet. They’re casual, free-spirited, and a little mischievous, exactly like those childhood afternoons we all remember.
How to Style:
- Pair with shorts, skirts, or flowy cotton dresses.
- Choose beaded anklets with contrasting colours to pop against sandals.
- Combine multiple colours for a fun, carefree vibe.
- If you enjoy colour play, match your anklet with gemstone rings or enamel bracelets to carry the same energy across your look.
4. Kada Anklets: Bold, Sculptural, Regal
Kadas are structured anklets that demand attention. They’re perfect for when you want your steps to feel ceremonial, intentional, or festive.
How to Style:
- Pair with rich silks, lehengas, or sarees with heavy embroidery.
- Keep the footwear minimal so the anklet becomes the statement piece.
- A single kada anklet can stand alone or pair with a thin chain for layered elegance.
5. Pearl Anklets: Soft, Feminine, Timeless
Pearl anklets are understated but magical. One tiny pearl can elevate a look without feeling like jewellery is shouting for attention.
How to Style:
- Pair with delicate footwear to let the pearls peek softly.
- Combine with minimal jewellery for modern elegance.
- Layer with thin chains for subtle volume and movement
- Style them alongside minimal bracelets to keep the mood soft, feminine, and timeless.
6. Layered Anklets: Curated Drama
If you love a little drama, layered anklets are your best friend. Mix chains, charms, beads, and textures to create a visual story for your ankles.
How to Style:
- Keep your outfit structured so the layers shine.
- Mix metals or bead textures for a modern, eclectic look.
- Stop layering when it feels intentional, not heavy.
- Keep the rest of your jewellery balanced, opt for clean rings or simple bracelets so your layered anklets remain the hero.
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Kumari Pick: Make layering feel intentional, not accidental. The Starglade Gemstone Anklet offers a soft, luminous compass for your stack mix textures, metals, and charms without losing harmony. |
7. Toe-Chain Anklets (Payal Hathphool): The Bridal Favourite
Toe-chain anklets are heirloom energy meets modern revival. They drape elegantly across your foot, combining ankle and toe jewellery in one.
How to Style:
- Pair with traditional lehengas or sarees.
- Opt for neutral footwear to let the anklet shine.
- It can be layered subtly with thin chains for a modern edge.
Types of Anklets That Echo Your Story
There’s something about the jhankaar of anklets that instantly takes you back, a little memory, a little magic. What we once admired in the women in our families is now a part of our own style stories, paired with everything from sarees to denim.
Whichever style you choose, let it match your rhythm, playful, bold, sentimental, or serene. When the right anklet rests on your ankle, your whole stride feels different.
And at Kumari, we’re here to help you find the one that feels naturally, beautifully you.













