Animal print, leopard print, zebra print - it's never really gone anywhere but it certainly has seen a resurgence recently. This is thanks in part to social media influencers who are regularly posting pictures of themselves wearing various combinations and volumes of the pattern. But it is also thanks to the versatility of this great pattern - it suits a variety of style personalities and can really create a statement.
If you've never gone down the animal print path before it can feel like a big step and a little scary although thankfully, it is no longer associated with the "Bet Lynch" vibe (if you're too young to know who she is, google this legend!). So here's a little beginner's guide to mastering animal print. I've a few style tips to hep you pull off a gorgeous, chic look effortlessly as well as a few pieces which are currently in the shops.
As always, all images are clickable if you'd like further info.
Your Style Personality
My first tip is to consider your personal style when it comes to thinking about incorporating animal print. It can be quite a dramatic statement piece and so needs to be in keeping with your style.
If your style is the romantic, feminine type you may be better off trying something which isn't the traditional leopard print colours - instead try something like this gorgeous blue/pink dress from Aspiga.
Whereas if you are more of a classic style personality, these wide leg trousers (pictured) from Zara may be more in keeping with your style as they are more subtle and could pass for a reasonably neutral pattern.
On the other hand, if you're quite creative in your style you might be more prepared to be bold in your use of print and to have fun with it. Keeping in alignment with your style personality will have a big impact in mastering animal print.
2. Your Colour Palette
Luckily there are now so many versions of animal print to suit all palettes, so choose the colour(s) which best suit your palette. Personally as a winter palette, orange is not one of my better colours. So, if considering an animal print something high in contrast (for example, a black and white zebra print) would work well on me. Having said that, I do have a leopard print belt (which has orange within it) but as it's a belt and not worn close to my face, I'm happy that works for me.
Broadly speaking, patterns with warm, orangey, earthy tones will look great on an autumnal palette; greys (as in the Zara trousers above) and pale pinks work for summer palettes; zebra print/patterns with high contrast will look good on those with a winter palette; and a more yellow-toned pattern will work best on those within the spring palette. But of course there is so much more mileage than this to work with so don't feel these are strict rules.
3. Scale of the Pattern
Next take in the proportions of the pattern and print itself. If the pattern is large and you are petite, the print will probably overwhelm you. Conversely, if the pattern is too small for your frame the pattern may get lost.
Your style is also a factor when considering the scale of these patterns. If you tend be dramatic in your style you can afford to go larger with the print. But if you prefer a more delicate look, a smaller pattern will work better. You want to make sure you're wearing the print and not the other way around.
4. Style it!
Finally a few tips for styling animal print:
Start small. If animal print is new territory to you and it feels like a big step, start small. This is what I did a number of years ago. I wasn't sure if animal print was for me but felt drawn to the leopard print belt I mentioned earlier. Obviously a very simple, non-scary step and easy to incorporate into an outfit. It offered a little elevation in my style and I discovered I really enjoyed wearing it. There are so many gorgeous accessories out there at the moment to help you if you'd like to start small.
Pair with neutrals. If animal print feels intimidating, keep things simple. Pick a colour from within the pattern (e.g. white, black, brown) and pair the animal print with that. It will help keep the look overall quite neutral and less "statement making" if this is your introduction into wearing this pattern.
Wear away from your face. Again, if animal print feels a bit scary I would suggest not wearing it too close to your face. This way you won't feel like it's over-powering you too much. Trousers or a skirt will show a fun, flash of the pattern and it can be a gentler way in starting to wear it.
Try a coat. Hear me out! You want to try leopard print but you're not sure. Well how about an item of clothing which we regularly take off? A coat (or a scarf if you want to start smaller) is a great way to incorporate animal print, showing a bit of style flare but you don't have to fully commit as it can be removed.
Add your flare. Think about those little touches I've mentioned before to complete your chic look. The roll up of the sleeves, the jewellery, the sunglasses to finish off the outfit - things you often do to make an outfit feel more you. It might be useful to remember also the leopard print top you see in the shops might look like a lot but once you roll up the sleeves or put your flare to it, there's already "less" of it.
And there you have it. Hopefully it's not so scary now! Animal print can be a great addition to your wardrobe once it's in keeping with your style. So don't be scared of it, stand tall and own your look!
Helping you discover your style personality is something I do as part of my Wardrobe Restyle service. If you've been reading this and thinking "What if I don't know what my style personality is?", I can help. It's a key part of what I do and I love guiding clients through their style journey to help them discover their personal style. Get in touch if you'd like to arrange a no obligation chat to see if this is something you'd like help with.
Love,
Lou x
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