Accommodating Thick Ankles

Ankles are seldom mentioned in fashion magazines, yet they are pivotal elements of how our calves meet our high heels! A clever turning of your foot—started by your lovely ankle—for instance, gives poise and elegance! Furthermore, the size of our ankles can affect how our calves look.

It can be a bit frustrating, therefore, when they rank among one of our dislikes! Often, our ankles are wider than we would like or our calves aren’t large enough to balance our bone size. While this certainly shouldn’t rank too high in your list of concerns, there are definitely some techniques available for minimizing the appearance of your ankles….and I don’t mean wearing snow boots!

Flattering Choices:

Wear heels with pointed toes as rounded or squared toes stop the continuity of your leg abruptly, making it appear stumpy!

Heels...enough said!  Mules and slingbacks are great options!

Pair dark, opaque hose with the same color heels; the dark color has a slimming effect while the continuity of color draws attention away from the shape, shifting the eyes to other parts of your appearance that are more appealing.

If you're not wearing hose or tights, opt for heels that match the tone of your leg!  Once again, continuity will slim them!


Less Flattering Choices:

The ever-so-fun shoe shopping 'No-No' list:

* No flats or birkenstocks

* No flipflips or loafers

* Keep away from gladiators or lace up platforms

* Clogs and ugs will look horrible...on any woman!

* White tennis shoes or white heels will draw too much attention.

* Sneakers and even kitten heels can detract from your appearance.

* Also, refrain from wearing heels that greatly contrast with your skin color!

Thick Calves...Lucky You!

Our calf muscle can be quite the alluring object if handled correctly. It is for this reason that many were shocked in the early 1920s as women began showing their calves. Contrary to common knowledge, any scholar can attest to the fact that the flapper dresses of the Roaring Twenties came to the knee.

They weren’t these mini-skirt numbers you see creep out for Halloween parties amongst the wilder in our society. Add a bolero over those bare arms and a bra, and the flapper dress would hardly be recognized.

The key, however, is how sexy a calf or a nicely-turned ankle can be. If you notice, most flapper skirts had fringe on the bottom hem. Why? Because such adornment drew the eyes to the woman’s legs for closer admiration!

This being said, you already have gorgeous, full calves or you wouldn’t be reading this page! The key, however, is—once again—balancing the calf with the rest of your body to give a balanced—if somewhat curvaceous—appearance.

To this end, I hope the following tips get you started in the right direction!
Flattering Choices:

Solid colored pumps are best; having too much ornamentation can make your legs look a bit too chunky with items!

Solid color A-line skirts add width to the area just above your calves, adding balance.

Very cute and chic:  black hose (preferably opaque) with dark colored heels to lengthen the leg and slim it!

High heel boots work well as long as they aren't tight enough to cause 'muffin leg'!

Maxi dresses or shorter skirts in darker colors like black, brown, or navy are slimming should you have fluff higher up!


Less Flattering Choices:

Ankle strap heels are a mistake as they often appear to be cutting into your ankles!  Only wear these if you small ankles.

Gladiators are never good; neither are those that lace up your ankle!

Bright colored hose or those with busy designs draw too much attention as does pasty white skin so get some sun!

Steer clear of ugs or furry boots; they don't flatter any woman, unfortunately!

Final 'no-no's: leggings that end at the ankle or fishnet that will accentuate very large calves.  I know putting leggings under your skirt for outdoor activities is common but for dressier events, please refrain no matter what your size!

Slender Legs: Tweaking an Old Favorite

Having slender legs can really be an asset if dressed correctly! They make you look taller and, of course, slim and elegant! The problem usually occurs when the knee shows. No matter how slender the leg, it can look great a pair of heels with patterned tights…unless that bulky, unattractive knee is stealing the show!

Also, wearing clogs or large flip-flops or flats can really look odd with a pair of thin legs. I avoid them entirely for fear of looking like a duck! The point is, your body is fragile and slender; your shoes and even skirt styles need to mirror that.

Remember, it’s about balance!

Flattering Choices:

Pantyhose or tights with designs add interest to your legs, making their size less noticeable.

Skirts at least an inch below your knee are important; any higher and the bulk of your knee will make your legs look even thinner or misshapen.

Boots with built-in calves are great as long as they aren't too wide at the top!

Maxi skirts with cute sandals are always a plus--particularly with heels!

Heels actually make the calf ball up a bit so wear them whenever you wear those knee-length skirts!


Less Flattering Choices:

White, pasty legs look ill when your legs are slender; get some sun and you'll look much better!  They also have spray on tans and vitamins to help if you're not a fake-baker!

Stay away from dark or black hose as they slim; white--if it works with your outfit--or flesh colored is best!

Skirts at mid-calf or mid-ankle are murder for any size or shape of leg; showing the skinny ankle without the pretty calf isn't very attractive.  Opt for skirts just below your knee or at the base of your ankle!

Avoid heavy fabrics that will contrast with your size too much!