Life
If you're a fan of '90s-style revival, get excited because cute ankle tattoos are back. You can inscribe a small design on the inside of your ankle, or you could go full '90s retro with an ankle band. The above-the-foot ink has recently come back into style, because — in addition adding some flare to your feet — it has the bonus of being discreet when you want it to be. And if you ever tire of the design, all you have to do is pull up your socks.
But there is one downside to ankle tattoos: the pain factor. As someone whose friend once kicked her tattoo artist in the head, you need to make sure you're ready to stomach the pain before you commit to your ink. Obviously, a small design is going to be a breeze to sit through. For example, the star on my ankle the size of a quarter (filled in) took less than 15 minutes in the chair. But any tat on the bone is going to be a little more painful, so be prepared.
And if you can endure the pain, then it's totally worth. But once you make the decision to ink your ankle, you're gonna need a great design. If you can't decide what to get, take a look at the following 15 tattoos for a little inspiration.
1
Music Meets Ocean
Clean and simple, the fresh ink hits all the right notes.
2
Flower Power
The OG flower band is definitely '90s, but it's eternally charming on this lady.
3
Autumn Leaves
Note how the vine creeps down onto the foot, updating the floral ankle band for a more current look.
4
What A Star
A stellar style statement. Something to keep in mind with permanent ink.
5
Ankle Sleeve
With foot tattoos on fleek, are ankle sleeves the next trend? This one maintains its cuteness factor with a henna inspired look.
6
Dreamcatcher
Dream a little dream. And catch it for me.
7
Birth Year
R&B singer Rihanna had her birth year inscribed around her ankle by her friend and tattoo artist, Bang Bang.
8
Cherry Blossoms
Cherry blossoms are always in season with this ankle ink. Notice the intials at the center of each bud? Love the sentimental touch!
9
Rosary Wreath
Floral wreaths are still going strong, with the trend trickling all the way down to your ankles. The rosary falls on the foot delicately, as permanent jewelry.
10
Charmed, I'm Sure
Speaking of the new anklet, nothing says I 'heart' you like this ankle ink.
11
Under Lock & Key
The details add to the romance of this ankle tattoo, while the shading keeps the mystery. Cute was never so seductive!
12
Floral Beauty
Another example of the updated ankle vine tattoo that blooms blue buds.
13
Chains Of Love
A heart-to-heart silver ankle band that looks like an anklet.
14
Open Your Heart
This ankle tat was inspired by the agnes b. heart pin. C'est chic!
15
Very Fairy
Can you catch a glimpse of Traveling Pants star Amber Tamblyn's fairy ankle tat? Here she is, in between pals America Ferrera and Blake Lively.
Inspired yet? The best thing about ankle tattoos is that even when you're not wearing a stitch of clothes, your body is adorned in one of the most subtle places. The result is a design that's cute, sexy, and fun.
