Animal Print and How to Make It Work For You

Animal print is the big trend for autumn/winter 2018, so we're taking a look at how you can incorporate some into your wardrobe no matter how brave you're feeling!

Some people would describe me as a woman of ‘a certain age’.  To be clear: I am 45 years old. I’m not exactly sure what qualifies me, or any woman, to be a ‘woman of a certain age’, but I get the idea. But the thing about being a certain age is this: it tends to make many women overthink a trend or fashion. I know this because they so often seek my advice on such questions as: can I wear it? How should I wear it? And will I look like I’m trying too hard? It’s arguable that such questions are more likely to be raised in regards to wearing animal print than any other trend you can mention.

Animal print is set to be a big trend, from now until the end of this year at least. This blog then is a sliding scale of how to go for the right degree of animal print for you. Let’s face it – animal print is one of those Marmite things. You either love it (like me) or you hate it and wouldn’t wear it to your own funeral. So read on to learn how to look sophisticated and elegant in animal print rather than channelling Bet Lynch.

Head to Toe Animal Print

You love this trend and can’t get enough of it.  I’m with you! There are some great animal print dresses out there, such as this Lily and Lionel leopard print maxi from ASOS. It has the benefit of capped sleeves which I love!  I’m not great with sleeveless anything and it’s very flattering.

This is great for a summer holiday as you waft around the poolside or beach bar. It will see you through autumn worn with a biker jacket and boots.  Then you can breathe new life into it for Christmas events with heels, a killer clutch and gold hooped earrings.  A dress like this is a great investment buy that you should get plenty of wear from.  

The 50/50 Animal Print

You love a bit of animal print but don’t want to wear it top to toe, especially if you want it to work your existing wardrobe of clothes.  Here a skirt or top is the best way to go.  This way you can tame it – sorry! - and keep it under control.  Nor will it scare your partner on date night.

Urban Outfitters does a great cheetah print skirt, which I tried on recently and it looked fab.  It came to my ankles and it had the added benefit of pockets.  It was also elasticated - hallelujah!  I teamed it with a summer silk top (also from Urban Outfitters) for a summer look. But again, this would be a great skirt to wear throughout the rest of the year with an oversized jumper and boots for a casual look. Or, as before, with heels and a plain fitted top for a more formal look.

Supermarket Sweep

Supermarket fashion is a great way to try a trend without splashing the cash.  Tu at Sainsbury’s have a fab animal print jumper for colder days and George at Asda have a super little animal print skirt.  You don’t have to hunt too far to find animal print in the shops for any budget.

A Nod to the Animal Print Trend

You’re not a dedicated follower of fashion, but you do like to acknowledge a trend.  Or you may simply worry about wearing too much animal print.  So, go for bags, shoes, scarves and belts.  Marks and Spencer have some great animal print ankle boots and Boden does a great belt.

I also love the leopard print bags at River Island at the moment.  There’s so much choice, it’s worth going on a shopping safari.

More tips on how to style Animal Print

Because there is so much out there, you have to decide what sort of print to go for and in what colours.  If you can do big and bold, go for a larger print, but make sure it doesn’t overpower you. Ask yourself, are you wearing that dress or is it wearing you?  If you are petite, go for a smaller, delicate animal print.

Thinking of colours, the warmer toned, leopard, cheetah and giraffe prints in varying shades of brown tend to suit cooler skin tones.  If you have a warmer olive toned skin, go for zebra prints or prints with blues, greys, whites and black in them.  They will make your skin glow.

And as for any age limitations on wearing animal print, well - there aren’t any. It’s all in the mind.  If you have the confidence and the sass to wear it then do it. Unleash your inner Beyoncé (we all have one) and think ‘fierce!’

However, if you’re still worried about someone asking you for a pint of lager and a packet of pork scratchings you might be best to let this trend pass you by. When you get dressed each morning you should feel amazing. If animal print doesn’t do that for you, something else will.