It’s fabulously feminine to show a bit of leg, so hiding less-than-shapely ankles under long pants is not always an option. If you are going to show them off, it is best to avoid certain shoe styles and stick to others.

Avoid…

  • Pointy flats – the thinness of the point makes your ankle look stumpy.
  • High ankle straps – enclosing your ankle will draw attention to it.
  • Kitten heels – the daintiness of the heel is not in proportion to the size of your ankle and gives you that “falling over” effect.

Choose… 

  • Loafers or clogs – the more substantial the shoe, the more in proportion it will look.
  • A simple thong – the detail is around your toes, thereby drawing attention away from your ankle.
  • Shoes with chunky heels – wedges and stacked heels will help balance the broadness of your ankle.

Finally, avoid tapered pants and pants cropped at the ankle – they are like spotlights on an area that you would prefer not to highlight.

     

Examples of footwear that will slim down thicker ankles – loafers, chunky heeled Mary-Janes and a pair of espadrille wedges (all from Zappos.com).