Animal prints are trending hard this Fall/Winter, and while this trend isn’t new, it is evolving and showing up in new ways. I love accessorizing with many animal prints, but leopard print remains my favorite.
Styling on the wild side! Animal prints are often more versatile and stylish than people think. They really never go out of style–it’s timeless, bold and chic. While I also love to sprinkle zebra and leopard accents around my home, when it comes to clothing and accessories leopard, snakeskin and cow prints are my favs.
How I Style:
—Cow prints: I love the black and white options, but I limit to accessories (handbags and shoes) rather than clothes. It’s simply my preference to wear smaller animal prints.
—Snake prints: Classic! They are often more refined finishes. I prefer to use as accents (handbags and shoes), they have lasting style whether trending or not.
—Leopard prints: Suffice to say, I use it all. As far as I’m concerned, leopard is a neutral! I enjoy leopard handbags, shoes, blouses, sweaters, boots and dresses. However, I tend to gravitate to the smaller prints and muted tones.
—Tortoise shell: think of it as the animal print cousin–not considered an animal print, it mimics the marbled look of the turtle/tortoise shell material and is classically used in eyewear and jewelry.
Tips:
–Instead of large, bold spots opt for more minimal, tonal, or muted applications.
–Small, leopard-style flecks make for different statements.
–Pair loud prints with solids, neutrals, or muted textures for balance and so the print stands out.
How to dive into the Fall 2025 wild side? Remember:
–Animal prints don’t have to be overwhelming. Start small (accessories) or go bold with one hero piece.
–When wearing animal print consider limiting to one piece and one accent. After all, you do not want to become a moving target.
–When in doubt, less is more! Fashion stylists sometimes call it the 10% rule—meaning leopard (or any bold animal print) should be treated as an accent, not the main event. That’s why it works so well in shoes, belts, scarves, or one standout garment.
Ultimately I don’t break the bank on trends (e.g., the leopard tunic vest and slouch bag). If choosing to walk on the wild side with animal prints, invest in pieces that are not simply adhering to a trend, but items with classic lines that you love (e.g., tortoise slingback shoes, calf hair leopard pumps) with staying power. Are you in?