Thankfully the Fall temperatures have arrived, the leaves have turned vibrant fall colors and begun their decent, fashion lovers everywhere are ready to swap their summer wardrobes for stylish cozy fall pieces. One fall trend that never goes out of style, is animal print. From classic leopard to bold zebra stripes, animal prints are making a roaring comeback this fall, adding an element of adventure to your seasonal wardrobe. Let’s explore how to incorporate this timeless trend into your fall looks.
The Allure of Animal Print
Animal prints have long been associated with boldness and confidence. They evoke a sense of the wild and the free spiritedness of adventurous fashion, making them the perfect choice for those who want to make a fashion statement. This season, animal prints are more versatile than ever. The variety of fashion pieces designers have to offer their customers shows that they recognize the level of desire to have endless possibilities for mixing and matching animal prints with traditional pieces.
Stand out Prints to Watch
I love giraffe and cow print in brown and white but because these prints aren’t as widely produced as other prints, they can be hard to spot in stores. Crocodile and alligator are easily to find but are far too often cheaply produced. For these reasons there are other animal prints that make the list of stand outs.
- Leopard: The quintessential animal print, leopard offers a timeless, chic option that pairs well with almost any color and fashion piece. This print can be spotted in both elegant and casual styles. This fall, consider oversized leopard coats or accessories like scarves and bags to add a touch of sophistication.
- Zebra: Striking and graphic, zebra prints bring a modern edge to your outfits. We tend to not know how to style zebra print beyond wearing it with yellow or red pieces, but at good tip is to treat zebra print like stripes and pair them with a floral accessory for a little something unexpected. Whether you opt for a tailored zebra-patterned blazer or a flowing dress, this print is a definite head turner.
- Snake: The snake print has slithered into more and more wardrobes of the fashion seasons and has evolved into a must-have for fall. This print was considered elusive and for the elite due to the cost of snake print pieces. But snake print embossed leather has won over more fashion enthusiasts. Its earthy tones make it an excellent choice for pairing with autumnal hues as it is seen being used as a neutral. Look for boots or handbags in this trendy texture to inject a bit of elegance into your look.
- Cheetah: Often confused with leopard, this print has a more playful vibe, cheetah print can be a fun way to spice up your fall wardrobe because it too can be pair with many colors and can be dressed up or down. Consider a cheetah-print mini skirt, blazer and a heeled mule for an on-trend look that you can easily transition from day to night.
The key to styling animal prints is to strike a balance. Here are some styling tips to help you wear these bold patterns with confidence and style:
Mix it up with Neutrals
Pairing animal prints with neutral colors is a foolproof way to create a chic ensemble. Consider these pairings, a leopard-print blouse with black tailored trousers or a zebra-striped sweater with classic denim. Neutrals will help ground the outfit while allowing the print to stand out.
Frame and Balance
As the temperatures drop, layering becomes essential and brings balance. Consider an animal print turtleneck under a solid-colored oversized blazer or long light trench coat or an animal mini dress layered with a cozy cropped cardigan. This not only keeps you warm but also adds visual interest to your look and frames the animal print so that it does not overpower your overall look.
Be Fearless, Accessorize Boldly
If you’re hesitant to go all-in on animal print, don’t be and start with accessories. A statement animal print belt, handbag, or shoes can elevate any outfit. Take a simple outfit and style it up with a pair of leopard print ankle boots or a scarf for a pop to your style.
Controversial Pattern Mixing
Pattern mixing has been cause for controversy and is often considered unacceptable by most. For this reason, it is not for the faint at heart but for the adventurous fashionista. Mixing prints, animal prints or not, can create a truly unique and daring look. Try pairing leopard with stripes or floral prints for a bold fashion moment. The key is to keep one print dominant while using the other as an accent.
Footwear Roaring
Footwear is that one fashion item that always roar, so I would like to give homage. Fall is the perfect time to invest in some animal print footwear. Whether you opt for knee-high boots or classic pumps, these shoes can elevate your fall wardrobe in an instant. Here are some shoes styles for your fall shopping:
Ankle or knee-high boots in leopard or snake print add a fierce touch to any outfit. This shoe type is popular for a night out at the bar or for a fabulous concert outfit. Pair them with a chunky knit sweater and jeans for a casual yet chic vibe.
Choose statement flats for the office or a casual outfit for a more understated approach. Flats adorned with animal prints bring the benefits of style and comfort for extended wear, making them perfect everyday essential piece.
Heeled Booties brings a lift to your look for evening outings is a classic shoe for fall so consider adding a good pair to your fall capsule wardrobe. Versatility comes into play because animal print booties can be paired with dresses of various lengths or tailored trousers for a sophisticated look.
As the fashion industry shifts toward sustainability and shoppers are more waste conscious, many brands are offering animal print options made from eco-friendly materials. Look for items crafted from recycled fabrics or those that emphasize ethical production. Embossed leather pieces are quality versions of the real thing and lowers the price of items when manufactured in this way. Us shoppers now have more options to which to choose from when adding more animal print to our wardrobe.
Animal print does not have to be scary or difficult to style once you give them a try. Go out and but an inexpensive animal printed item and use the tips in this post to explore and experiment with fashion to expand your personal style. If you have not defined your personal style, this is a great tip for you as well to help you carve out exactly what clothing items speak to you most and make you feel great wearing. Animal prints provide a playful yet chic way to express ourselves. Whether you’re wearing a bold statement piece or subtly incorporating prints through accessories, the versatility of animal prints allows for endless styling possibilities. So, don’t shy away from the wild side but embrace the trend with confidence, and let your style have a little bite this fall! With the right pieces, you can create outfits that are not only fashionable but also uniquely you!