Love them or not, animal prints are a classic and are back this fall more than ever. I laugh a little when I read fashion headlines like that because my thought is: Have animal prints really gone away? Not really. While I like all three: leopard, snakeskin and zebra, leopard dominates so I’ll focus there.
One difference we are seeing this fall are more subtle prints. This is a welcome change if you don’t want to go “full-on” leopard. I mentioned this and gave an example in my post on Fall Trends.
I like animal prints; I’ve had plenty of it over the years. I really believe it can be more neutral than you think. Bold leopard or zebra prints can be a little too dramatic for many women. I suggest it in small doses then. But how do you put it all together?
To help break it down for you, I headed to Pinterest. Recently I re-did my account and my fashion blog boards. I’ll be continuing to perfect this. Check it out and follow my boards. When Pinterest first came out, I spent hours looking and just pinning things I liked. Then I rarely looked at it. Now I’m much more intentional and specific about how I use it.
GET INSPIRED: Search your topic
I knew that I love leopard print with warm colors like mustard, coral and orange and of course red. My searching confirmed that and reminded me of these great combinations.
Begin Creating New Combinations:
I got out everything I owned with an animal print. This is the fun part for me but can often be a “chore” to many women. If you own an animal print, challenge yourself to find a couple new ways to wear it after reading this. If you don’t own one thing in a leopard print, maybe you’ll be inspired to add something.
Left Photo: I’ve had a pair of dark red pants I rarely wear. Notice how the denim jacket dresses them down. I pulled the cognac color of the print in the handbag to choose the color of shoes (more subtle than black) This is a great choice if you are not sure if you want to wear a lot of leopard.
Jacket//Top//Similar shoes//handbag
Right photo: The top is one I’ve had for a few years and it actually looks great with a burnt orange skirt I have and brown leather jacket. But I don’t think I’ve tried this combination. I styled this outfit with a burgundy boot which is nearly the same shade as the jean. Black would be fine. This adds a little continuity and extends the leg line (I need all the help I can get!)
Similar black leather jacket//similar sweater//burgundy denim//booties
Left Photo: Just a touch of leopard: a belt! I’m actually working on a future post of how to wear white denim in the fall. I can’t tell you how much I love these white jeans by Madewell. The higher waist trend may take some getting used to for some, but I’m a fan. They are comfortable and hold in the middle.
Similar Jacket//white denim// belt//necklace//shoes and top (same as above) Madewell is actually price matched right now at Nordstrom–certain styles. Check it out for good savings. I actually like this belt from Ann Taylor as well and I think makes more of a statement.
Right Photo: This is probably my least favorite combo I put together, but wanted to show a more subtle print and these mules fit the bill. Jacket is Kut that I’ve shown a number of times with the same pants and top from all the other views.
When I was trying on, I meant to put this with my black denim and totally forgot. That’s how I would style it going forward.
Similar Jacket or Sweater //chambray shirt//taupe booties // These booties, by the way, were a find! The leather is extremely soft and I like how it has a lower cut. Grab them before they sell out.
This is my favorite combo! There are so many leopard print blouses that are silk or rayon. This is a cotton blouse and helps give more of casual look.
Blouse//similar sweater//bag// denim and booties (same as above)
Creating this post made me realize how many different combinations I have sitting in my closet! Do you have something with an animal print or is it something you would like to add?
