A Straight-Forward Guide to Wearing Animal Prints

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BABY! Animal prints might be super hot right now, but they’re a fashion statement that can go horribly wrong, if you’re not careful. Sure, Shania Twain can dance in a cheetah bodysuit while rocking an audience of thousands in a stadium, but that’s not an entirely practical look for the rest of us (no matter how much we wish it were, sigh! …Hearts, Shania.) 

HERE IS A STRAIGHT-FORWARD GIRL’S GUIDE TO WEARING ANIMAL PRINTS

1.) Think of any animal print you put on your body as a Statement Piece. Everything else you wear should be subdued, letting the wildcat aspect of your outfit make the loudest statement. Leopard jeans rolled up with heels, a tank top, and a black blazer can look incredibly chic for the workplace, for example. A cheetah skirt with a cheetah jacket and cheetah heels is… TOO MUCH! Don’t go there.

2.) Remember, you only need ONE. One item, in One print. Don’t wear zebra and cheetah together, or the fashion police will hunt you down, tackle you, and haul you off to the zoo. Just… Don’t! (But if you do, we promise to come visit and smuggle you bananas.)

Personally, I adore the Wild Beast line from COACH that’s out right now for Fall 2015; any of these pieces would be a stand-out conversation-starter, when worn as a singular part of your outfit. For example, the watch would look stellar with a white t-shirt, jeans, and heels. The shawl would rock over a sleeveless black jumpsuit, with a messy hair bun. And the bag… Oh my, I’d wear that in a heartbeat, with overalls, a black off-the-shoulder fitted top, and sunglasses. The key is balance!

3.) Animal prints draw attention, so CHOOSE your focus. A cool online boutique Shop Trendy recently sent me these adorable leopard-print wedges. They’re sky-high, but with a padded insole that’s super comfy! They’re great for a late-summer dinner party, with a simple black tank and cropped pants, and a cool necklace from COACH. So purrrrfect! 

(Outfit details below)

4.) Be careful with color. Leopard prints can look fantastic with shades of red: burgundy, coral, and bright red are fantastic accents. Be sure to keep everything else neutral, and don’t go crazy on the accessories. A simple handbag and shoes in tan or black will keep your look chic and grounded. Navy blue also looks amazing with leopard or cheetah. If you’re wearing a black & white zebra print, opt for a pop of color like yellow or hot pink to cheer up the neutral-ness!

5.) When in doubt, try denim. Denim infuses any outfit with a laid-back vibe, so it’s the perfect balance to wild-child animal prints. Pair a fitted cheetah skirt with a white blouse and denim jacket, for example. Or a leopard print tank top with jeans, black ankle boots, and simple gold jewelry.

However you choose to embrace animal prints this Fall, be sure to have fun, and embrace your wild side!
XOXO,
Tanya

Pave charm necklace, Coach / Leopard Print Wedges, Shop Trendy / Layering & Loops rings, Unigon Specialties / Silver Rebel Ring, Stella & Dot / Tank, BCBG / Talulah Pants, Aritzia / Outfit Pics by Ammophotog

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