How to Style Animal Prints Without Overdoing It
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Animal prints are bold, edgy, and timelessly chic. From leopard spots to zebra stripes, these prints make an impactful fashion statement. However, mastering the art of wearing animal prints without overdoing it requires some balance and thoughtfulness. If you’re looking to add a fierce touch to your wardrobe while maintaining a sophisticated style, here’s how to wear animal prints tastefully and with confidence.
Start Small with Accessories
If you're new to animal prints, a great way to ease into the trend is by starting small. Opt for accessories like a leopard-print scarf, a snakeskin belt, or a pair of zebra-patterned shoes. These pieces add a subtle yet stylish touch to your look without overpowering it. An animal print clutch or handbag can elevate a neutral outfit and serve as a statement piece, allowing you to experiment with the print without fully committing to it in your clothing.
Balance with Neutrals
One of the best ways to wear animal prints without looking over-the-top is to pair them with neutral tones. Neutrals like black, white, beige, and grey balance out the boldness of animal prints, creating a chic and polished look. For example, you can style a leopard print blouse with black trousers or pair a zebra-print skirt with a simple white tee. The neutral tones keep the outfit grounded, letting the animal print take center stage without overwhelming your ensemble.
Stick to One Animal Print Piece
Less is more when it comes to animal prints. To avoid an overwhelming look, stick to one animal print piece per outfit. Whether it’s a printed dress, blouse, or skirt, keep the rest of your outfit simple and understated. Mixing different animal prints or wearing too many printed pieces at once can make your outfit look chaotic and mismatched. By focusing on one key piece, you allow the print to shine without creating visual overload.
Choose Classic Silhouettes
Animal prints are inherently bold, so choosing classic and timeless silhouettes can help balance the print’s wildness. For example, a well-tailored leopard print blazer or a sleek snakeskin pencil skirt can look sophisticated when paired with more classic items like a white button-down shirt or slim-fit jeans. When styling animal prints, it's essential to keep the rest of your outfit simple and structured, ensuring that the overall look remains polished and chic.
Opt for Subtle Prints
If you're not into loud, bold prints, you can opt for more subtle variations of animal prints. Look for smaller, more understated patterns that give a nod to the trend without being too in-your-face. For instance, a muted snakeskin print or a toned-down leopard pattern in softer hues can add just the right amount of edge to your outfit while still keeping it elegant.
Use Animal Prints as a Statement Piece
Animal prints are naturally attention-grabbing, so consider using them as the focal point of your outfit. Whether it’s a printed coat, dress, or pair of boots, let the animal print piece be the star of your look. Keep the rest of your outfit simple with solid colors and minimalist accessories to let the print stand out. A statement leopard coat, for instance, paired with black skinny jeans and ankle boots, can create a stylish and balanced outfit.
Mix with Solid Colors
One of the easiest ways to style animal prints is by pairing them with solid colors. For a chic and effortless look, choose one or two solid colors to complement your animal print piece. Black, white, beige, and even deep shades like burgundy or olive green work well with most animal prints. The key is to create a balanced outfit where the solid color acts as a neutral backdrop, allowing the animal print to shine without clashing.
Tone Down with Casual Pieces
To avoid looking too dressed up or flashy, consider toning down your animal print with casual pieces. For example, you can pair a leopard print blouse with distressed jeans and sneakers for a laid-back yet stylish look. Mixing animal prints with casual pieces helps to create a more relaxed, everyday outfit while still keeping it fashionable.
Opt for Muted or Earthy Tones
While traditional animal prints like leopard and cheetah often come in bold colors, consider experimenting with more muted or earthy tones for a more subtle take on the trend. For instance, you could try a grey or soft pink snakeskin print instead of the usual brown or black. Muted tones offer a more understated way to wear animal prints, making them easier to incorporate into your everyday wardrobe.
Layer with Simple Basics
Layering is a great way to wear animal prints without overdoing it. For example, you can layer a zebra-print blouse under a black blazer or throw on a denim jacket over a leopard-print dress. By pairing bold prints with simple, neutral layers, you create a more refined and balanced look that’s perfect for both casual and formal occasions.
Experiment with Footwear
Animal print footwear is a great way to add a pop of style to your outfit without going overboard. A pair of leopard print flats, snakeskin boots, or zebra-patterned heels can elevate even the simplest outfits. Pair them with jeans and a basic top or a monochrome dress to create a subtle yet stylish look. Animal print footwear can be a fun way to experiment with the trend while keeping the rest of your outfit understated.
Keep Accessories Minimal
When wearing animal prints, it’s best to keep your accessories minimal. Let the print speak for itself and avoid piling on too many accessories, which can compete with the boldness of the print. Instead, opt for simple jewelry, like delicate earrings or a minimalist watch, to keep the focus on the animal print piece and ensure your look stays polished and elegant.
Animal prints are a fun and stylish way to make a fashion statement, but the key to wearing them well is balance. By incorporating one bold piece at a time, pairing prints with neutrals, and keeping your overall look simple and refined, you can embrace this timeless trend without going overboard.