Animal prints never go out of style – so don’t be hesitant to invest in that fierce splurge you’ve had your eyes on!
Animal print is the new black. Except, donning something cheetah, zebra or tiger is bolder and more stunning.
Animal prints have been in style for so long now that it is considered less of a trend and more of a rule. There was a brief moment in the 80’s when animal prints had taken a backseat, but that time is definitely long gone.
In various shapes and sizes, there have been the zebra and tiger stripes, the snake coils, the giraffe, the spotted hyena, and the black and white Dalmatian spots. But when it comes to style of the jungle, it has always been the leopard. Dominating the wardrobe of the fashionistas since decades, we can’t help but use the adage oh-so-appropriate ‘A leopard can’t change its spots’.
Using the pattern from the animal and putting it on as design became popular in the 60’s during the Bohemian movement, when artists and intellectuals incorporated animal prints into their wardrobe to be ironic at first, and eventually iconic. If we delve deeper into history, kings and monarchs have used mounted animals and also animal print rugs as trophies. Trendsetters today, too, love to wear these prints as a means to symbolize their status. Although expensive, items with animal prints are considered to be exotic. And so, you see these prints almost everywhere – handbags, footwear, eyewear, jewelry and even watches and nail art!
Fall 2013’s Burberry Prorsum collection displayed a lot of animal print elements in their outerwear – pointy leopard shoes, a tiger lapel on a tech-fabric jacket and some zebra too!
FIERCE…AND WE LOVE IT!
Over time, women have adored animal prints because the style makes them feel cool, trendy, wild and different; bold and fun. The prints reflect their own personality while adding charm, romance, confidence and adventure. Not for clothing, animal prints have been commonly used for home decorations, building exteriors and even race cars!
The idea of animal prints on clothing and accessories is no longer limited to the animal’s skin or fur pattern. It could be any part of the animal and still be referred to as animal print. With newer variations and broader horizons to the designs and concepts, this trend is one to stay!
“LESS IS MORE”
Custom-designed for all age groups, animal prints add a tang of gorgeousness to your style. Stay elegant and sophisticated with basic non-controversial items such as shoes, handbags, sunglasses and coats. They are all versatile in colour and can be easily carried off with a lot of other items.
Roberto Cavalli and Prada have often showcased collections inspired by animal prints. Other notable designers who have invested their creativity toward making animal print one of the most popular trends include Dolce & Gabbana, Mulberry, Michael Kors and Christian Dior.
The eternal advice to all those who are reluctant to trying out this trend is to introduce animal prints into your wardrobe with small accessories such as shoes, belts, scarves or sunglasses. Once you get comfortable with these, bring on the clothing.
But, never, wear more than one accessory at a time. It would only look like a safari gone wrong. Mixing animal prints with each other can make the outfit complicated and awfully mismatched. The attitude of ‘less is more’ is a good rule to follow.
MAKING HEADS TURN
The beauty of animal prints is that they can be worn during the day as well as at night. An animal print accessory like a belt or handbag would work just well during daytime. Or even considering a subtle animal print shirt may be a good idea. At night, leaving all your inhibitions behind and popping on a wild animal print dress would be welcome for sure. For your workplace, opt for subdued tan and brown-based patterns. Or add sophistication by choosing a cream or black base with soft patterns.
And why not become the attention grabber at that party? Just keep the outfit simple and let the print do all the talking. For instance, if you are wearing a zebra print dress then choose simple black or white heels because they will not clash with the printed dress. Also, they will not divert attention from the dress.
Stay on top of fashion trends in any season with leopard print boots and heels. Another popular trend is the zebra print footwear. Sensational, beautiful, yet classic – pink zebra shoes have been the eye-grabber for a long time now.
LET THE EYEWEAR DO THE TALKING
Animal print in eyewear is a fairly new trend considering the animal print trend in general has been here for decades now. If you want to keep up with the times, we strongly recommend making these sunglasses a regular in your wardrobe. After all, don’t we all want to keep our assortment current with fashion trends!
When it comes to style, Dior is always around. Engage yourself in an endless time affair with the dazzling Christian Dior sunglasses. With enough stripes to accent the glasses, without overpowering the entire image, a pair of these purr-fect brown sunglasses only does justice to your stylish wardrobe.
Add some extra charm with the fashion-forward Persol sunglasses with a sultry leopard print. Brown spotted acetate frames and the iconic supreme metal hinges – these youthful sunglasses will definitely bring out the cat’s stunning ferocity.
For those craving nostalgia, DKNY is your answer. With the chic cat-eye frames and the charming DKNY branding at the temples, look glamorous like your favorite stars then! If you prefer retro-inspired glasses, Vera Wang offers colourful arms with unique detailing.
And ever since Jessica Alba sported the leopard print blue sunglasses, Dolce & Gabbana
likes it animalistic. With the introduction of a pop-pink version and the cat-eye twist, these are highly reliable glasses, only more attractive.
In fact, celebs have always loved the animal print in their attire. Everyone, including Nicki Minaj, Jennifer Lopez, Nicky Hilton, Emma Roberts, Kim Kardashian, Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga, Kristen Stewart and Heidi Klum, has been spotted in ferocious prints. When done right, the wild animal prints can be quite classy and professional. If you don’t believe us, take lessons from the US First Lady, Michelle Obama herself!
From zebra to leopard to snake, there are innumerable options for you. Make sure to wear it with classic style and have a ferociously good time!!
The idea of animal prints on clothing and accessories is no longer limited to the animal’s skin or fur pattern. It could be any part of the animal and still be referred to as animal print.
QUICK TIPS
- Pull of the bold and stylish trend tastefully by following these rules:
- Start off your outfit with one piece, such as a handbag, or scarf or shoes. Build it on from there.
- Match an animal print blouse with a pair of neutral trousers. One piece is plenty. The rest should be basic and simple.
- Beware of your body shape because the prints draw attention toward the areas they cover.
- Unless it’s a glamorous party, avoid tight and clingy animal print dresses.
- Stay with one print. Don’t mix leopards with zebras or snakes with tigers. Don’t even overlap leopard on leopard!
- For animal print in office-wear, make sure it’s a dress and not a suit.
- Try colours with leopard prints. Green, red and orange compliment the print beautifully.
