When you want to take a walk on the wild side, wear animal prints. While animal prints are considered one of the most fierce, eye-catching fashion trends of the season, they are notorious for being a little tricky to wear (as they can easily come off looking cheap and tacky). Featured here are style tips showing you how to wear animal prints in a classy, glamorous way.
How To Wear Animal Prints
Style Tip: Choosing Colors
One of the first things to keep in mind about animal prints is that they always look best in natural colors. That means, avoid those glaringly bright neon hues and wild colors. Opt for earth tones and neutral shades, which are more understated. When in doubt, ask yourself a simple question: Do a lime green zebra or a hot pink leopard exist? The answer is no. To keep your look tasteful, opt for nature-inspired shades only.
Style Tip 2: Accessorizing
Another key tip to think about when you want to wear animal prints is to keep the rest of our outfit simple and tasteful. The animal print is such a bold, strong pattern, that it should be the focal point of your ensemble. All the other pieces (including your jewelry and accessories) should ideally coordinate with the animal print piece, rather than compete with it.
As shown here, sleek gold & black jewelry (such as the Caravalle New York gold-tone bracelet watch, and Kate Spade jeweled drop earrings and bow ring) add a luxurious touch without conflicting with the classic leopard design of the animal print sweater, since the tonalities reflect the hues in this animal print sweater from Warehouse.
In addition, black skinny jeans, black quilted leather riding boots, and a metallic envelope clutch pull the overall look together, while adding a bit of edgy drama to the outfit.
Top: Warehouse (c/o) | Jeans: Paige | Boots: Vince Camuto | Bag: BCBGMaxAzria (similar)
Ring: Kate Spade | Earrings: Kate Spade | Watch: Caravelle New York (c/o) | Lipstick: Clinique
Bracelet: Forever 21 (similar) | Necklace: Forever 21 (similar)
Style Tip 3: Choosing The Right Fit
Because animal prints tend to have a sexy connotation already, it’s advisable to choose silhouettes that fit your shape without being too tight or revealing.
As an example, the cut of this particular animal print sweater is on the conservative side, as it has a slightly boxy shape and features ruched shoulders (which add a sweet, demure touch). Plus the round crew-neck style tones down the sensuality of the look, making it appropriate for daytime wear.
When paired with skinny jeans, the relaxed fitting top combined with the form-fitting bottoms balance each other out, so that the ensemble ends up having a classy look, rather than a provocative one.
By following the three style tips outlined here, if you decide to wear animal prints this season, you can feel confident knowing that you’ll look pulled-together and stylish, without ever going wild.
Jaz Minnie says:
So true about pairing it with neutrals and choosing the right fit. It really does matter!
Christina-Lauren says:
Hi Jaz! Thanks for your comment.