Animal prints are a perennial repeating pattern and stylish print. This guide is about styling sophisticated animal print Outfitsin a timeless way.
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Signature Clothes of the Decades
The 1950s are known for the wide skirts, the 60s for the Mod. In the 70s, it was the era of Bohemian style. Read flared legs and tie-dye T-shirts. The 80s had the wide shoulders and long jackets. The 90s were black everything. Jeans with crotches hanging at the knees and exposing the Y were everywhere. The 00s were famous for the empire-style tops. Every woman looked like she were pregnant. The 10s probably will be known for the leopard print everything like leopard print tights, footwear, coats, dresses, bags. You name it. This print is thought of as a neutral, on the contrary to the 50s. Back then it was for date night only. Now snake and zebra joined the animal print trend.
Animal prints are It right now
The current animal print trend is dominated by this cat’s nice pattern. But what about all the others that we saw on the runways like giraffe, zebra or snakes? They are as easy to style, may be even easier in case of zebra and giraffe. Black and white is a classic. Thus, a white or black skirt or pair of pants and you’ll be office appropriate with a zebra top, blouse, or cardigan. Brown and yellow giraffe works well for all fashionistas whose color palette is Fall.
Tip: Zebra is a classic with a twist.
How to Wear Animal Print in Midlife
Styling sophisticated animal print outfits is a challenge at any age. Nobody wants to look like a feature of the animal as a Halloween costume shopped from the own closet. But the older one gets, the more urgent it is to get it right.
As a neutral leopard is mixed with plaid, stripes or floral as well as solid colors others than red – again on contrary to the sex-bomb look of the 50s. … and yes, unless worn tight, super mini, extreme cleavage, it is totally work appropriate in classic cuts. So to speak it lost it’s “sex appeal.”
Which Animal Prints Work over 40
- The easiest way to wear animal print is on a pair of shoes.
- Animal prints should be in the colors (or close to the colors) of the animal’s fur or skin. In this case, you can treat the animal print as a neutral.
- Wear only one animal print item per outfit unless you have an Eclectic Style. You don’t know your style? Take this free online style quiz to find out.
- Animal print requires tailored clean, sleek and simple cuts like a shirt dress, pencil skirt or cardigan. Style the pattern like you style your neutrals.
- Animal print scarves, pumps, clutches, totes, satchels are easy to style.
- Wearing animal print with pieces that harmonize with the print rather than compete with each other it is a safe bet as well.
- Leopard print with red is a classic.
- Try leopard print with spots larger than the floral print that picks up at least three colors of the leopard print. It may or may not work. Read risky! See this guide for mixing prints and patterns.
Outfit Ideas with Animal Prints
Below you can find some photo inspirations for how to style the various animal prints over 40.
Snake Print Outfit Ideas
Zebra Print Outfit Ideas
Black and white is easy to style. Zebra is not considered to be sexy. Thus, it’s a safe print to wear, but often overlooked.
A zebra print is a great choice for all women who are trying the animal print trends for the first time. Since zebra is black and white, it is easy to style in a classic way. Recall that black and white are an eternal classic. Since zebras are vegan, they don’t have the sultry/dangerous association of a carnivore. In other words, it’s even easy to style office appropriate. Another advantage of a zebra print is more unexpected and unique. Thus, it is very unlikely that you and your colleague will wear the same print at the office on the same day.
Tip: To stand out when wearing the animal print trend go for zebra.
Even when you pair the print with a leather skirt it still looks modest.
Unique Giraffe Print Looks
Because giraffe is a neutral you can pair it with floral, stripes, plaid in all its variations. Just stay in the color family and ground the mix with black.
This combination also works with a sheath dress as is show in the outfit idea below.
Timeless Leopard Print Looks
Leopard is the easiest to style of the animal prints. It works with most neutral colors as well as some bright ones like orange or red. Leo pumps are a classic. Thus, they are an easy way to start when you are new to animal pattern.
Stand Out with Snow-Leopard Print Outfits
How to Wear Animal Print at the Office
Times have changed. In the 50s, animal print was considered too sexy for the office. However, today it’s ok, even when your work dress code requires classic attire. All that is needed is that the outfit consists of classic pieces and the print has the beast’s natural colors. Feline pattern are easier to get away with than snake. A snow leopard print is a nice variation.
Tip: Always go for natural colors when wearing animal print.
Tip: You can wear a trendy item in a conservative work environment when everything else is classic.
Tip: Always style your outerwear too.
The wide statement belt gives the outfit some twist and keeps it interesting. The boxy cayenne colored leather coat gives the outfit a modern touch.
Tip: When you have clients with whom you have to go for a work lunch your outerwear outfit must meet the work dress code too.
What Doesn’t Work for Ageless Style in Animal Pattern
- Animal prints from head to toe
- Different animal prints in one outfit
- Animal prints in colors that are far away from the actual animal’s fur or skin colors
- Tight, short, and shiny leopard dresses, skirts or tops
- Baggy clothes with animal print
- Ruffles, embroidery, sequins, lace and animal print all together in one outfit
- Ruffle animal print tops or tired animal print skirts
- Animal print patchwork in bags or leather jackets
Tip: Never wear one animal print head-to-toe. You are not the animal and it’s not Halloween.
My Experience with Styling Sophisticated Animal print Outfits
Animal print trends are perennial trends. Leopard print seems to be an eternal classics. It works on many occasions except for a Military Ball, and Black or White Tie formal events like inauguration or formal weddings.
Photos: G. Kramm
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