How to Wear Animal Print: A Wild Guide to Taming Your Inner Fashion Beast

blog 2025-01-25 0Browse 0
How to Wear Animal Print: A Wild Guide to Taming Your Inner Fashion Beast

Animal print has long been a symbol of boldness, confidence, and a touch of the untamed. Whether you’re a fashion novice or a seasoned style enthusiast, incorporating animal print into your wardrobe can be both exciting and intimidating. This guide will walk you through the art of wearing animal print, offering tips, tricks, and inspiration to help you unleash your wild side without going overboard.

1. Start Small: Accessories Are Your Best Friend

If you’re new to animal print, dipping your toes in with accessories is a great way to start. A leopard-print scarf, zebra-striped handbag, or snake-skin belt can add a subtle yet striking touch to any outfit. These pieces allow you to experiment with the trend without committing to a full-on animal print ensemble.

2. Mix and Match with Neutrals

Animal print is inherently bold, so pairing it with neutral colors like black, white, beige, or gray can help balance the look. For example, a leopard-print blouse paired with black trousers or a zebra-print skirt with a white blouse creates a chic and sophisticated outfit. Neutrals allow the animal print to take center stage without overwhelming the overall look.

3. Layer It Up

Layering is a fantastic way to incorporate animal print into your outfit without it becoming the focal point. Try wearing a leopard-print cardigan over a simple dress or a snake-print blazer with a plain top and jeans. This approach adds depth and interest to your outfit while keeping it wearable for everyday occasions.

4. Choose the Right Print for Your Body Type

Different animal prints can have varying effects on your silhouette. For instance, larger prints like zebra stripes can make you appear broader, while smaller prints like leopard spots can create a more streamlined look. Consider your body type and choose a print that complements your shape. If you’re petite, opt for smaller prints; if you’re taller or curvier, larger prints might work better for you.

5. Experiment with Color

While traditional animal prints come in natural hues like brown, black, and white, don’t be afraid to experiment with colored versions. Pink leopard print, blue zebra stripes, or green snake skin can add a fun and modern twist to the classic trend. Colored animal prints are perfect for making a bold statement and standing out from the crowd.

6. Balance is Key

When wearing animal print, it’s important to strike a balance. If you’re wearing a bold animal print top, keep the rest of your outfit simple. Conversely, if you’re wearing animal print pants or a skirt, pair them with a solid-colored top. This ensures that your outfit doesn’t become too busy or overwhelming.

7. Dress Up or Down

Animal print is incredibly versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. For a casual look, pair a leopard-print t-shirt with jeans and sneakers. For a more formal event, opt for a zebra-print dress or a snake-skin blazer with heels. The key is to adapt the print to the setting, ensuring you look appropriate and stylish.

8. Confidence is Everything

Perhaps the most important tip for wearing animal print is to wear it with confidence. Animal print is bold and daring, and it requires a certain level of self-assurance to pull off. If you feel good in what you’re wearing, it will show, and you’ll exude the kind of confidence that turns heads.

9. Consider the Fabric

The fabric of your animal print clothing can significantly impact the overall look. For a more luxurious feel, opt for silk, satin, or velvet in animal print. For a casual, everyday look, cotton or polyester blends work well. The right fabric can elevate your outfit and make the print look more sophisticated.

10. Don’t Overdo It

While animal print is a fantastic way to make a statement, it’s easy to go overboard. Avoid wearing multiple animal print pieces at once, as this can create a chaotic and overwhelming look. Instead, focus on one statement piece and keep the rest of your outfit understated.

11. Seasonal Considerations

Animal print isn’t just for fall and winter; it can be worn year-round. In the warmer months, opt for lighter fabrics and brighter colors. A leopard-print sundress or a zebra-print swimsuit can be perfect for summer. In the colder months, layer up with animal print coats, scarves, and boots.

12. Customize Your Look

Animal print doesn’t have to be limited to clothing. Consider incorporating it into your makeup, nails, or even hair accessories. A leopard-print eyeshadow, zebra-striped nails, or a snake-skin headband can add a unique and personalized touch to your overall look.

13. Know When to Say No

While animal print is a fun and exciting trend, it’s not for everyone. If you’re not comfortable wearing it, that’s perfectly okay. Fashion is about expressing yourself, and if animal print doesn’t align with your personal style, there are plenty of other trends to explore.

14. Inspiration from the Runway

Take inspiration from fashion shows and celebrities who have successfully incorporated animal print into their looks. Designers often use animal print in innovative ways, and seeing how they style it can give you fresh ideas for your own wardrobe.

15. Have Fun with It

At the end of the day, fashion is about having fun and expressing yourself. Don’t be afraid to experiment with animal print and make it your own. Whether you go all out with a head-to-toe leopard print outfit or just add a subtle touch with a snake-skin belt, the most important thing is that you feel good in what you’re wearing.


Q: Can I wear animal print to the office? A: Absolutely! Opt for subtle animal print pieces like a blouse, scarf, or shoes, and pair them with neutral colors to keep the look professional.

Q: How do I clean animal print clothing? A: Always check the care label, but generally, animal print clothing should be washed in cold water and hung to dry to preserve the print and color.

Q: Can men wear animal print? A: Yes, animal print is not gender-specific. Men can incorporate it into their wardrobe through accessories, shirts, or even shoes.

Q: What shoes go well with animal print? A: Neutral-colored shoes like black, white, or nude work well with animal print. For a bolder look, you can also match your shoes to the color of the print.

Q: Is animal print still in style? A: Animal print is a timeless trend that comes and goes in waves. It’s currently very much in style and can be seen on runways and in street style around the world.

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