Animal prints are a wonderful way to add spice to any outfit. Whether you are wearing zebra stripes with their stark contrast, to the uber sexy leopard print, to the ever so exotic snake print, you are sure to turn heads wherever you go! Animal prints will never go out of fashion. Every year, there are designers churning out gorgeous pieces in ostrich skin print, alligator, snake, fish scales, leopard…the list keeps going on and on! There are so many popular prints and patterns available that it’s hard to figure out what to wear and more importantly, how to wear it! Here are some ways to help you curate your own personal look with the most popular three: zebra, leopard and snake prints!

Zebra prints are quite bold due to their inherent contrast. The safest way to wear them is to pair with neutrals. Try wearing a form fitting black top with a zebra pencil skirt and black pumps. OR for a bit of daring fun, you can swap the black heels for a pair of red ones. A v-neck zebra sweater will also look nice paired over dark skinny jeans and leather boots. If you are still shy about zebra clothing, try carrying a zebra clutch or purse to start!

Now, “safe” isn’t always the most fun choice! You can pair zebra with ANY color, as long as it is solid. A zebra tank top worn over a shimmering gold skirt and gold heels is a great look for a night out. Red leggings with a zebra tank and a loose black cardigan is an eye-catching look as well. You can even wear zebra with a pattern, as long as the pattern is small and subtle, such as pin stripes or tiny dots. Another fun option is to wear a zebra print button down shirt with a high waisted turquoise skirt. Hot and cool, both at once!

Leopard print is considered the “safest” of the animal patterns, simply because it’s the most popular. It is a classic pattern dating back to the early days of fashion. It is wonderful on accessories such as scarves and purses because of its sophistication. It instantly adds class to any outfit! But as easy as it is to wear, it is just as easy to over do it. Here are some ways you can wear leopard print without going overboard.

Ballet flats are a casual option that can be worn with either daytime or nighttime outfits, and leopard printed ones are just as easy to wear as solid ones. You can wear them with a pantsuit and white collared shirts for work, or skinny jeans and a tank top for the weekend! These shoes make it easy to transition from day to night without having to carry an extra pair of shoes around!

A leopard skirt or leggings can be worn with ANY color top. Consider leopard to be a neutral in this case, as long as your top is solid. Your shoes or purse can be the same color as the top, but never both! One has to be a neutral to keep the balance, else you end up looking tacky.

Another fun way to wear leopard is through your handbag. Casual purses and fancy clutches all come in this exotic print and the choices are endless!

Now, for something on the other side of the animal kingdom: SNAKE PRINT.

Snake print was extremely popular during the 2013 style, but its obsession has been long before that. Real snakeskin can be expensive, but luckily there are many faux and vegan versions that are animal friendly AND come in a myriad of colors.

Because of its leathery appearance, snake print is very popular for shoes and handbags! However, don’t limit yourself to just accessories! This particular pattern is extremely attractive in fabrics, especially on ones that drape very well and seem to “slither” like rayon and silk. The snake is a very sexy, sultry and mysterious creature. Women have had an interesting relationship with the snake, starting with the famous story of Eve’s temptation by the serpent. By wearing this print, it seems almost symbolic of women’s triumph over adversity. So wear it proud!

Like the two patterns mentioned earlier, a skirt or pair of leggings in this print can be easily paired with neutrals, but why stop there! Complete the look and pay homage to Eve’s story by wearing red with snake print! A red handbag and cardigan is very sexy, especially when paired with crystal heels. Or if you are still apprehensive about snake print, maybe start with a wallet or clutch.

As sexy and outgoing as animal prints may seem, they are easily neutralized if you wear them the right way. Luckily for us, they never go out of style. Their longevity in the fashion world makes it easy for us to find the right article of clothing or accessory that fits each of our own unique personality, style, and budget.

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