Animal prints have long been a popular fashion trend, offering a bold, fun way to make a statement. From leopard spots to zebra stripes, these prints can add a touch of excitement to your wardrobe. However, many people are unsure how to incorporate animal prints into their outfits without overwhelming their look. In this article, we’ll answer the top 10 most common questions about how to wear animal prints, providing you with tips and insights on how to incorporate them into your wardrobe with confidence.
What Are the Most Popular Types of Animal Prints?
There are several types of animal prints, each offering a unique style and feel. Some of the most popular ones include:
Leopard Print: Perhaps the most iconic animal print, leopard print is versatile and can be worn in both casual and formal settings.
Zebra Print: Known for its bold black-and-white stripes, zebra print is perfect for making a statement.
Snake Print: Snake print adds a touch of sophistication and can be found in a variety of neutral tones like brown, grey, and black.
Cheetah Print: Similar to leopard print but with smaller, more closely spaced spots, cheetah print is another fun option.
Tiger Print: With its striking stripes, tiger print offers a bolder and more dramatic look.
Each type of animal print brings its own personality, allowing you to mix and match them depending on your style.
How Can You Wear Animal Prints in a Subtle Way?
If you’re new to animal prints or prefer a more understated look, there are several ways to incorporate them subtly into your wardrobe:
Accessories: Start small by adding animal print accessories like scarves, belts, or handbags to your outfits. These items can add a pop of pattern without overpowering your look.
Footwear: Animal print shoes, such as leopard print flats or snake print heels, can elevate a simple outfit without being too bold.
Layering: Pair an animal print top with a solid-colored blazer or cardigan to tone down the print while still making a stylish statement.
By starting with subtle pieces, you can gradually build up your confidence in wearing animal prints.
How Can You Make a Bold Statement with Animal Prints?
For those who want to make a bold statement with animal prints, there are several ways to embrace this eye-catching trend:
Animal Print Dresses: A leopard or zebra print dress can make a powerful fashion statement. Pair it with simple accessories to let the print take center stage.
Full-Length Coats: A long animal print coat, such as a faux fur leopard print coat, is a chic way to turn heads while staying warm.
Head-to-Toe Prints: For the fashion-forward, try wearing matching animal print separates, such as a top and skirt, for a runway-inspired look.
Bold animal prints work best when paired with minimal accessories, allowing the print to be the focal point of your outfit.
What Colors Pair Well with Animal Prints?
Animal prints are often made up of neutral tones, making them surprisingly easy to pair with other colors. Here are some ideas for color combinations:
Black and White: Zebra prints pair perfectly with solid black or white pieces, creating a sleek, monochrome look.
Neutrals: Browns, beiges, and greys complement the earthy tones found in leopard and snake prints, creating a cohesive, elegant look.
Bold Colors: Pairing animal prints with bold colors like red, cobalt blue, or emerald green adds a playful contrast and makes the outfit pop.
Metallics: Gold and silver accents, such as jewelry or shoes, enhance the glamour of animal prints, particularly snake or cheetah print.
Experimenting with different color palettes can help you find the best combinations to suit your personal style.
How Can You Style Animal Prints for Different Occasions?
Animal prints can be styled for various occasions, from casual days to formal events. Here’s how to adapt them for different settings:
Casual Daytime Look: Pair an animal print t-shirt or blouse with denim jeans and sneakers for a relaxed, yet stylish look.
Workwear: Incorporate animal prints into your office attire with a sleek, leopard print blouse or a snake print pencil skirt. Keep the rest of the outfit neutral for a professional appearance.
Evening Out: For a night out, a bodycon cheetah print dress or a zebra print jumpsuit paired with heels and bold accessories can create a glamorous look.
By adjusting how you style animal prints, you can make them work for any occasion.
How Can You Layer Animal Prints for a Chic Look?
Layering is key to creating a chic and balanced look when wearing animal prints. Here are some layering tips:
Blazers and Jackets: Layer an animal print blouse under a solid-colored blazer for a sophisticated yet fun look. Alternatively, wear a leopard print jacket over a plain t-shirt and jeans.
Sweaters and Cardigans: A cozy knit cardigan in a neutral color can soften the boldness of an animal print dress or top.
Scarves and Shawls: If you’re wearing a solid-colored outfit, an animal print scarf can add a playful touch and tie the look together.
Layering animal prints with classic, solid pieces allows you to create depth and balance while still showcasing the print.
What Are Some Tips for Mixing Animal Prints with Other Patterns?
Mixing patterns can be tricky, but when done right, it can create a fashion-forward and unique look. Here are some tips for mixing animal prints with other patterns:
Stick to a Color Scheme: Keep the color palette consistent when mixing animal prints with other patterns like stripes, polka dots, or florals. For example, pairing a black and white zebra print with a monochrome striped shirt creates a cohesive look.
Balance the Proportions: If you’re mixing prints, balance them by choosing one larger, bolder pattern and one smaller, subtler print. This prevents the outfit from looking too busy.
Keep Accessories Minimal: When mixing patterns, keep accessories simple and understated so that the focus remains on the prints.
By following these tips, you can confidently mix animal prints with other patterns for a bold, eclectic look.
How Can You Incorporate Animal Prints into Your Accessories?
Accessories are a great way to dip your toes into the animal print trend without fully committing to a bold outfit. Here’s how you can incorporate animal prints into your accessories:
Handbags: A leopard print clutch or snake print crossbody bag can add a touch of luxury to any outfit.
Footwear: Leopard print ankle boots or snake print loafers can be paired with jeans or dresses for an elevated look.
Belts: A thin zebra print belt can cinch the waist of a dress or oversized sweater, adding structure and style.
Jewelry: Look for animal print-inspired jewelry, such as bracelets or earrings with subtle patterns, for a more refined approach.
These small, stylish additions can make a big impact on your overall outfit.
How Can You Transition Animal Prints from Day to Night?
Animal prints are incredibly versatile and can easily transition from day to night with a few styling changes. Here’s how to make the switch:
Daytime: For a casual daytime look, pair an animal print top with jeans and flats. Keep accessories minimal for a relaxed vibe.
Nighttime: To elevate the same outfit for an evening event, swap the flats for heels and add bold accessories like statement earrings or a leather jacket.
Work to Dinner: If you’re wearing animal print at work, like a snake print blouse, switch out your blazer for a chic leather jacket and add some metallic accessories for a night out.
Transitioning from day to night is all about swapping out key pieces to make your animal print outfit more formal or glamorous.
How Can You Keep Animal Prints Looking Timeless?
Although animal prints are often seen as bold and trendy, they can also be timeless if styled correctly. Here are some tips to ensure your animal print outfits remain classic:
Stick to Neutral Tones: Animal prints in neutral tones like black, brown, and grey are more likely to stand the test of time than brighter, trendier versions.
Opt for Classic Silhouettes: Choose classic clothing cuts like tailored blazers, pencil skirts, or A-line dresses in animal prints for a timeless look.
Invest in Quality Pieces: High-quality fabrics and well-made pieces, such as a leopard print silk scarf or a snake print leather handbag, will remain stylish year after year.
By choosing timeless colors, cuts, and fabrics, you can make sure your animal print pieces stay relevant for seasons to come.
Incorporating animal prints into your wardrobe doesn’t have to be intimidating. Whether you’re going for a subtle touch with accessories or a bold statement with full-length coats and dresses, animal prints offer endless versatility and style. By following these tips, you can confidently wear animal prints in any setting, from casual outings to formal events. With the right styling, animal prints can become a timeless part of your wardrobe, adding a fun and fashionable edge to your everyday look.
