How to Wear Animal Print

I’ve talked to a lot of people who think animal print is a little tacky and dated, and it can be, of course. But it’s making a huge comeback, and is really classic when done the right way. Today we’re going to chat about how I like to style animal print in my wardrobe, which suggests I have a ‘style.’ I don’t. But mostly I’d say my style is pretty classic and simple.

I like to throw in trendy, vintage, or statement pieces, but for the most part, I’m a white button down, dark jean kind of gal. And I’ve only recently started to enjoy animal print, mostly leopard print. The colors are neutral. The pattern isn’t too offensive. And it really is classic. Look at films like ‘The Graduate’ and Mrs. Robinson’s leopard coat, ‘Sunset Blvd.’ and Gloria Swanson’s printed swim cover-up, or Audrey Hepburn’s animal print pill box hat in ‘Charade.’ And Katherine Hepburn had a pet leopard in ‘Bringing Up Baby,’ which is kind of cheating, but still. The print has been iconic for a while.

So, these are the ways I would add pops of animal print into my own wardrobe. And note, while I talk about leopard print, feel free to wear whatever animal print you’d like. The same guidelines apply.

Keep the rest of the look simple. 

My favorite way to wear animal print is in a subtle way that makes a big statement. I’d keep the rest of your look neutral and simple to complement the print instead of competing with it, so the print can be the statement. I’d also suggest playing with texture to add added interest and dimension to the overall look without distracting the eye from the focal point (the print).

A few favored ways to add the print are:

As a coat: 

Who What Wear

As shoes:

Tory Burch

As a bag:

Le Fashion

As a skirt:

The Chriselle Factor

Pick one or two prints to work with. 

While you can mix and match prints and patterns (we can talk about how to do this is another post if you’d like), when dealing with animal print, I prefer to limit myself to one or two.

Imagine me wearing a leopard print top, zebra print skirt, and snake skin boots, with maybe a deer print bag. I would look a little silly walking down the street. I’m not trying to look like I’m headed on a safari, so I would suggest sticking to one print, even if you wear it in a couple of places.

The Saint Society

Go monochromatic. 

There’s something chic about a monochromatic look, don’t you think? Adding your pop of print as something that’s the same color as the rest of your outfit will add an unexpected textural element that won’t shock immediately, but will definitely make a subtle statement and look streamlined. And sometimes that’s all you need.

Glam Radar

And conversely, add color. 

I know, why did I just negate myself? Because fashion has no limits, so. That’s why. While you caaaan go the monochromatic route, you can also adds pops of color. Like I said before, most animal print items are neutral in color, so you can add pops wherever you please.

Street Style Seconds

 

There are no rules to fashion, and it’s most definitely about what you feel your best in, so the next time you want to add a bit of spunk into your outfit, try a little animal print.

Let me know in the comments or on social media if you do; I’d love to see photos.