Oh, that’s really chic: animal print
We have a soft spot for leopard print. Nothing adds a sassy edge to an outfit like a dash of animal print – if the high streets current offering is anything to go by, sass is high up on their agenda this season. Animal prints have are a ubiquitous presence for Autumn/Winter collections but far from tiring of it, it has become as classic and timeless to us as wearing black. Along with the staple neutrals in our wardrobes, prints are also becoming investment buys, partially because worn well they instantly read as fashionable forward and chic.
Whilst leopard remains a perennial classic there is a whole menagerie of prints to choose from, from snakeskin to giraffe spot and crocodile. Whistles printed silk wool dress is a favourite of ours, the sculptured skirt shape, defined waist and minimalist lines perfectly offset the oversize snake print. This is a great 24 hour piece, wear it with a blazer at your desk and add heels and a statement necklace when dusk comes.
Antipodium have nailed this trend with their Intersection range in “feline”, including a fabulous panelled coat made up with a tapestry of prints with a luxurious feel. Jaegers brightly coloured leopard print dress, available in bright blue or dark gold, is great for a touch of quirkiness in a classic silhouette.
Even if print clashing is not for you, there are more classic ways to incorporate print into your daily look. For an understated take on the trend go for Topshop’s chiffon animal print blouses in moody greens and greys, paired with a black vest and wetlook leggings for a chic off duty look. Ruby and Ed’s faux fur neck warmer in snow leopard has a feel of old school glamour and would beautifully add drama to a black coat and this boxy snakeskin clutch from Accessorize is a great subtle way to add a touch of animal print to an ensemble.
Boldness comes from wearing print in the same way we turn to a red lip or heels to give an extra shot of glamour. Worn meekly and prints can swallow you up so be fearless and experiment; the key ingredient to pulling off this trend is confidence.
Shop the trend:
Collage 1, left as clockwise: scarf – £39 by Beckongard from The Dressing Room, Coat – £299 by Antipodium, Bag – £55 by River Island, Trousers – £98 (approximately) by Eleven Paris, Skirt – £28 by Madam Rage, Boots – £649 by Brian Atwood from www.enamoda.com, Dress – £1775 by Lanvin from www.net-a-porter.com
Collage 2, left as clockwise: Coat, £49.99 from Quiz, Bag, £25 from Accessorize, Dress, £199 from Jaeger, Shirt, £38 from Topshop, Faux Fur Scarf, £40 by Ruby and Ed from Whistles, Shift dress, £24 from TK Maxx, Dress, £165 from Whistles
