Animal print is finding its way into early fall fashion. This season, it’s going far beyond the classic leopard and cheetah prints. Deer, giraffe, snake, cow, zebra, tiger, dalmatian and everything in between are making their way into clothing, shoes, handbags and accessories. Whether you’re wondering how to wear animal print for the first time or looking for fresh ways to style a print you already own, this beginner’s guide will show you how to shop, style and build animal print into your wardrobe.
Incorporate the latest trends into your fall wardrobe with Los Angeles personal stylist Meg Gallagher. Contact Meg here, or check out her women's styling services below.
Gaudy or Iconic? A History Lesson in Animal Print
Animal print doesn’t resonate with everyone, and that’s perfectly fine. But before you write it off as gaudy or a trend, consider its history. Animal print has been part of fashion for a VERY long time, quite literally dating back to the Stone Age!
Over the centuries, animal patterns evolved from a symbol of royalty and wealth into a fashion statement associated with Hollywood glamour, rock 'n' roll and eventually punk. Its popularity has ebbed and flowed, but animal print has never truly disappeared. Its latest resurgence has been fueled in part by the growing interest in thrifting and vintage fashion, as well as the evolution of the mob wife aesthetic bringing dramatic coats, statement accessories and bold patterns back into the spotlight.
But here's the thing about animal print: it isn't really a trend. The specific animal or color combination may change from season to season, but animal prints have proven themselves to be timeless. A leopard-print shoe purchased today can still feel relevant years from now, and the same can be said for a well chosen zebra jacket or snakeskin bag.
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How to Rock Animal Print (Hint: It’s in Your Color Palette)
Think you don’t like animal print? Or that it's difficult to wear?
If traditional golden leopard feels harsh on you, that doesn't mean you can't wear animal print. Maybe you just haven't found the right one for you.
Need a visual example? Take a look at how varied a zebra pattern can look between thickness of print, intensity of color and alternative fabrics:
Just like clothing colors, animal prints can either complement or compete with your natural coloring. Two people can wear the exact same print and have completely different results depending on their contrast level and color palette. Start by considering your personal color analysis: your contrast level and whether you suit warm, cool, bright or muted colors.
Know Your Contrast
Your contrast level is the difference between your hair, skin and eye colors. Choosing an animal print that reflects that level of contrast can make the print feel much more harmonious with your overall appearance.
High Contrast Animal Print
High-contrast individuals look fantastic in graphic, bold animal prints with strong differences between light and dark.
Medium Contrast Prints and Fabrics
Medium-contrast individuals should look for prints that are a little more sparse, blended or softened. Prints that are slightly “blurred” by the fabric can be particularly flattering.
Low Contrast and Sheer Prints
Low-contrast features tend to work beautifully with muddied, faded or sheer animal prints. Look for prints with less definition and softer transitions between colors.
Next, Consider Your Color Palette
The colors within animal prints can vary dramatically, too. Choosing an animal print that works with your seasonal color palette can make it much easier to incorporate the pattern into your wardrobe.
Winters look great in dynamic prints featuring black, white and cool gray. Try zebra, Dalmatian or a high-contrast leopard print.
Falls can embrace warm, rich animal prints featuring caramel, chocolate, amber and golden tones like classic golden leopard, tortoiseshell and tiger prints.
Springs look beautiful in brighter, lighter animal prints with honey, cream and warm tans. Look for light cheetah, giraffe or warm-toned snake prints.
Summers can gravitate toward muted, cool tones such as taupe, cocoa and light gray. Deer print, gray leopard and muted zebra are ideal.
How to Style Animal Print for Beginners
Start With Accessories Away From the Face
Shoes, bags and belts are the easiest way to wear animal print.
Because they're away from your face, you don't have to worry as much about whether the colors perfectly complement your complexion.
A leopard-print belt can break up a monochromatic black outfit. A cow-print bag can add interest to jeans and a cream sweater. A leopard-print ballet flat can instantly make a simple outfit feel fun.
Animal Print Works Beautifully With Neutrals
If your wardrobe is primarily neutral, you're already halfway there. Animal print works exceptionally well with black, white, cream, camel, brown, denim and other neutrals because, at its core, an animal print is really just a combination of neutral shapes and colors. Think of animal print as a neutral with personality.
Pair Animal Print With Color
Noting that animal prints are essentially a cluster of neutrals, they’re surprisingly versatile when paired with color. Pre-Fall trending colors like pink, red, teal, chartreuse, turquoise and plum all work beautifully back to animal print.
Buying Tips From Personal Stylist Meg Gallagher
1. Pay Attention to the Pattern and Fabric Quality
If you want animal print to look chic rather than costume-like, pay attention to the print AND the fabric quality.
High quality leathers, pony hair, fur and fabrics allow animal print to look its best. If you're shopping on a budget, look for a print that is slightly softer, more nuanced or less obviously repetitive. More subtle animal prints can camouflage less expensive fabrics.
2. The Top Three Animal Print Must-Haves: Shoes, Bag and Jacket
If you want to build animal print into your wardrobe, my top three picks are: Shoes. Bag. Jacket.
These three pieces can completely transform an outfit with relatively little effort.
An animal-print shoe is one of the easiest entry points for beginners. An animal-print bag can turn a basic neutral outfit into something much more interesting. And an animal-print jacket is the ultimate statement piece when you're ready to embrace the trend more fully.
Animal print may seem intimidating at first, but it doesn't have to be.
The secret to how to wear animal print is choosing a pattern that works with you - your contrast level, your color palette and your existing wardrobe. Start with an accessory, pair it with your favorite neutrals, or experiment with one of the season's trending color combinations.
And don't feel limited to leopard: The best animal print for you might be zebra, giraffe, snake, cow, tiger, dalmatian or something you haven't even considered yet.
Animal print has survived decades of fashion trends for a reason: when chosen thoughtfully, it isn't just a trend. It's a wardrobe classic.
The Animal Print Edit
FAQ: How to Wear Animal Print
Q: How do you wear animal print without looking cheap?
A: The key to wearing animal print in a chic, modern way is to choose a pattern that complements your personal coloring and pair it with pieces you already love. Start with animal-print accessories like shoes, handbags or belts, and style them with neutral colors such as black, cream, camel, brown or denim.
Q: What is the easiest animal print to wear for beginners?
A: Animal-print shoes, handbags and belts are the easiest way to start wearing animal print. Because these pieces sit away from your face, you have more flexibility with color and contrast. Leopard-print shoes, a snakeskin handbag or a cow-print belt can add personality to a simple outfit.
Q: How do you choose the best animal print for your skin tone?
A: The best animal print for you depends on your color palette and contrast level. Warm-toned individuals may look best in golden leopard, tiger or warm snake prints, while cool-toned individuals can try zebra, Dalmatian or gray leopard. Your contrast level can also help determine whether a bold, graphic print or a softer, more blended pattern is most flattering.