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Men probably go through life never thinking about the size of their ankles. In fact, they would probably laugh if the thought ever occurred to them. But for women, a little extra padding around those lower joints is a point of concern while shopping for shoes and clothes to slenderize their ankles. Thick ankles should never cause a woman's confidence to falter -- choosing the right pair of dress shoes can make a slightly chunky ankle look fit, fierce and fabulous.
Ankle Straps
When you have thick ankles, a shoe with ankle straps can be a woman’s worst nightmares. Although its meant to add an extra bit of flair and draw attention to your gorgeous gams, those straps can actually look like they are strangling a plump pair of ankles. Whether the straps are thin, thick, single or multiple, it’s usually safe to avoid them altogether. Instead, opt for a classic pump or slingback, which leaves the ankle uncovered and draws the eye down the length of the foot. Ladies with luscious ankles should also be wary of mules. These heeled shoes have one wide strap that crosses the foot just below the toes. Although they don’t have ankle straps, they can make a heavy calf and ankle look thicker and stumpier.
Heels
While ankle straps are your worst nightmare, a good pair of heels can be your best friend. Regardless of your body type, heels help elongate the legs by drawing your admirer’s eyes all the way down to your toes. But when you have thick ankles, be cautious about the type of heel you choose. Avoid really skinny heels or short kitten heels -- your calves will look even thicker on top of the petite pedestal. Instead, totter around on a thick, sturdy heel that looks more proportionate to your body shape. And make sure the heel comes straight down from the base of the shoe, as it helps give your pudgy ankles a bit of sexy shape.
Flats
Unfortunately, women with thick ankles often need to steer clear of flat shoes. Flats often have the unflattering effect of shortening the calves and ankles and making them look even wider than they already are. This is particularly true of ballet flats, loafers, sneakers and clogs. If you want to wear a flat shoe in the summer, opt for a simple pair of thong sandals. Since they reveal most of the foot and toes, they have a lengthening effect. And when the temperatures drop, it usually doesn’t matter what type of flat shoe you wear, since you’ll likely be wearing long pants anyway. So, rock that ballet-flat look if you choose to do so.
Color
When it comes to choosing the best color dress shoe for your body type, some people might suggest avoiding loud or crazy colors because they’ll only draw attention to the thickness of your ankle. But life as a fashionista can be much more fun when you get a little crazy in the color department -- whether your ankles and calves are thick, skinny, wide, muscular or extremely petite. Although fashion rules can help you look your best, they should never ruin your fun. So feel free to rock the rainbow, girl -- you deserve to look and feel fabulous.
