How to Rock Animal Prints

Animal prints have been exuding boldness, confidence, and sophistication for decades. They make a statement and will turn any outfit into a stylish look. But of course, as with any pattern, mastering the art of wearing them without overdoing it needs a balanced approach.

Small accessories are a start

If you are somehow new to animal prints, you can ease into this trend with accessories. A good example is adding a pop of snakeskin or leopard prints to elevate your outfit without overwhelming it.

A good way to start is with handbags or clutches with a print. They’ll add a touch of sophistication to any monochrome outfit. Also, boots or flats with animal print can instantly upgrade simple tee and jeans combinations.

A scarf and a belt will be the perfect accent for neutral looks. You should keep the rest of your outfit simple and always let the accessories be the focal point.

Image from: https://camillestyles.com/design/animal-print-accessories/

Always one statement piece

These prints are bold by nature. One piece should always be standing out rather than mixing multiple ones. If you want some examples or pieces that will make statements of their own, they can be a leopard print dress or a snakeskin jumpsuit.

Some examples of how mixing statement pieces are the following. Consider neutral trousers or a pencil skirt and pair it with an animal print blouse for a more sophisticated look. A solid-colored top can be well balanced with a zebra print skirt. You should also avoid wearing more than one animal print piece at a time. This way you’ll keep your look refined.

Image from: https://brightontheday.com/how-to-style-animal-print-for-the-office/

Balancing prints with neutral colors

To be able to make animal prints look elegant you should pair them with neutral tones. A good example are white, beige, grey-brown, and black. They will always create a polished and chic contrast.

You can pair a leopard print blouse with black trousers or a blazer to create a timeless and effortless look. You can also pair a zebra print top with white jeans for a more modern and fresher outfit.

Pair a snakeskin skirt with an olive green or beige top to create a harmonious balance. Monochrome outfits with a single animal print piece always look the most put-together.

Image from:  https://www.thezoereport.com/fashion/stylish-animal-print-outfits/amp

Mix textures and not prints

Instead of mixing multiple animal prints, better play with textures, so you can add dimension to your look. Pair a leopard print skirt with a leather jacket to create a stylish and edgy outfit.

Tuck a zebra animal print into high-waisted jeans to strike some balance between chic and casual. A cozy knit sweater with a snakeskin skirt also adds texture without clashing the patterns. Keep your accessories to the minimum when you mix textures to avoid overwhelming your look.

Image from: https://www.instyle.com/how-to-style-leopard-print-8720854

Choosing the right fit for a flattering look

These prints always draw attention, which makes it essential to have the right fit so your outfit keeps looking polished. A well-fitted dress in leopard print will accentuate your figure perfectly and won’t overwhelm your whole look. Fitted pants or a structured blazer in animal print will keep your whole look sophisticated.

You can add a lightweight chiffon animal print blouse, that drapes beautifully, and it won’t make you look too busy. If you opt for an oversized animal print piece, you can balance it with fitted clothing, to maintain the proportions.

Image from: https://www.instyle.com/animal-print-outfits-5380454

Keeping accessories simple

When you are wearing animal prints, you are already making a bold statement. This is why you should choose minimalist accessories. Simple silver and gold jewelry pieces always complement animal prints perfectly without competing with them.

Stick to neutral bag colors like tan, nude or black when you want to pair them with an animal print outfit. For your makeup and hair, stick to a sleek hairstyle and neutral makeup. This will allow your outfit to take center stage. But if your outfit is minimal, always play with bold lipstick to add a pop of color.