Lions and zebras and leopards, oh my! Hands (or paws) down, animal print is my favorite pattern, and this season’s hottest fashions are only fueling my addiction! I asked Jenny Altman, celebrity stylist and ILOVEAGOOD.com founder, how to stand out in animal prints without getting lost in the jungle.
Which types of animal prints are in style? Animal print is always hotI have seen some gorgeous leopard this season, mixed in with zebra, alligator, and snakeskin.
Where have you seen animal print featured the most? I'm seeing animal print a lot in accessories, as well as in the intimates market. They both feature it perfectly - nice little punches of print to mix in with your daytime or evening looks.
Vince Camuto Oversized Snake Print Clutch, $198
Would you recommend animal print for daytime, nighttime or both? Animal print can certainly be for day, or for night. For day, pick an animal print accessory and let it be the eye-catching wardrobe piece. For a subdued, work-appropriate look, look for tan and brown-based patterns. At night, you can go wild - let the animal print pop! In general, animal prints with cream or black will add more serious sophistication, while choosing a brighter base or even a sparkly pattern will steal the show!
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River Island Animal Tank, $16.11
What should you pair animal print accessories with? Pick a fabulous animal print shoe, skinny belt or scarf and pair it with something simple. For example, adding one great snakeskin accessory to your favorite LBD can change your look entirely. Depending on the print, it can make a simple outfit luxe, sophisticated, glam or fun.
How about an animal print top? Pull out the base color of the animal print (brown or black) and create an outfit around that. A brown-based leopard print would look great with a skinny black pant and a brown or cream cardigan, or a dark jean with a great little jacket. Let the top be your accessory, and keep jewelry to a minimum. If the colors if the top lean towards browns, tans, and creams, go gold. If there are more greys and blacks in the print, go silver.
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MICHAEL Michael Kors Sequin Zebra Pattern Top, $43.90
But how much is “too much”? Any more than one clothing item is generally too much, and one accessory per outfit is usually enough, as well. You don’t want to drown in the print – let it be the centerpiece!
How do you choose the right animal print piece? In general, have fun with animal print, but keep it simple. A little goes a long way, so pick a classic animal print piece that you can integrate into your wardrobe. Since animal prints never go out of style, this might be the time to invest in that fierce splurge you've had your eye on!
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Jenny Altman is the Founder of ILOVEAGOOD.com, a website dedicated to women’s lingerie and lifestyle. She was formerly the Fashion Editor at Oprah, Lucky, and Marie Claire Magazines. Often quoted as a style expert, she loves helping women make great fashion choices!
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