I’ve been eyeing animal prints for a number of years but never took the plunge until now. I hit a milestone birthday last year during COVID and asked myself, why not try walking on the wild side for once??

There are tons of of animal prints – leopard, tortoise, tiger, zebra, giraffe, python, lizard, cheetah, crocodile, ostrich, etc. and I know that it can be a little daunting figuring out how to wear them. You might have even asked yourself the following questions:

• Are there rules for wearing animal print(s)?
• What colours can you wear with animal print?
• Can you wear leopard print with a striped shirt?
• Can you wear animals prints in the summer?
• Are animal prints shoes in style for 2021?

I don’t foresee animal prints going out of style. They come back seasonally as far as I am concerned. If you are looking for that print that is timeless, then I would incorporate animal print into your wardrobe.

The one exception I might add are coloured versions of animal prints. I try to stay true to what the actual animal skin tones would be. So, if I see a pink croc purse, I’m likely not going to purchase it. If I see metallic silver lizard shoes – I’m likely not going to buy it. However, if you love it, you should buy it. Coloured animal print just wouldn’t fit into my current wardrobe very well.

Now to strut those animal prints in baby steps...

1. My first introductory step up was getting a handbag with animal print. For me, this still felt relatively “safe” because it’s just a small portion of the overall look. It’s also not something that I’d have to wear all day long for the first time out. I would simply carry it with me to work, and then set it down. Therefore, you can literally just dip your toes into animal print before diving right in.

Here are some of my suggestions if you are looking for that animal print purse. I would suggest getting a neutral colour like black so it’s a bit more subtle and refined. Try a smaller pattern like Lizard and if you are ready for something a little more bold, then try Crocodile.

_{Givenchy Antigona Small Leather Embossed Lizard – Available Via 1st Dibs}

_{Givenchy Antigona Small Black Calfskin Crocodile Embossed – Available Via FashionPhile}

_{Givenchy Antigona Small Black Calfskin Crocodile Embossed – Available Via The Luxury Closet}

2. My second step was to look for small amounts of animal prints that I would actually wear on my body for a full day. I hunted high and low for accessories that I would wear at work without committing to an entire outfit of animal print(s).

I fell in love tortoise shell. Since I was on the market for new glasses, I selected a pair of Christian Dior frames with tortoise shell. Ok – perhaps this might be cheating a bit because nobody can really sees the sides of the glasses. But I love them and wear them daily!!

_{Christian Dior Montaigne Violet Havana Eye Glasses}

Other accessories that I thought might ease me into animal prints were hair accessories, earrings, rings, bracelets, necklaces, belts and scarves. Little exposed hints of animal prints that other people would see, and I wouldn’t be overwhelmed with the feeling of “am I wearing this right?”

3. These hair barrettes are a fabulous introduction to wearing animal prints. You don’t have to even see them; especially if you wear them at the back of your head. But everyone will get to see them.

_{Tortoise Domed Barrette 2-Pack – Available at Banana Republic}

4. If you want to be able to see your animal print hair accessories, why not try a headband then? It’s still a relatively “safe” option when starting out. Here are a couple of options by J. Crew.

_{Tortoise Headbands (Galactica Tortoise and Toyko Tortoise) – Available at J. Crew}

5. Earrings are just as fun to wear in animal prints. There are endless choices from studs to hoops.

_{Here is a modern take on hoop earrings Available at Bauble Bar.}

_{For smaller sized earrings, try these Nugget Drop Earrings Available at Ann Taylor.}

6. If you don’t prefer to wear animal prints so close to your face, then there is an option of a belt. The belt can feature the animal print on just the buckle or have it on the entire belt. I’ve got four different animal belts in different widths and different patterns. Since I mainly wear animal prints in the fall/winter, I only have one belt in the white colour tone.

Here are some lovely options available at Banana Republic. This one is meant for spring/summer as it feature the pattern on the belt buckle and the main part of the belt is straw, but the others can be worn through the year.

_{Banana Republic – Resin Buckle Stretch-Straw Belt}

_{Banana Republic – Resin Buckle Stretch-Straw Belt}

_{Banana Republic – Resin Buckle Stretch-Straw Belt}

7. Bracelets are always another lovely addition to your wardrobe of accessories for animal prints. You can start with just a hint on the wrist by wearing this bracelet from Loft.

_{Loft – Braided Charm Bracelet}

_{Banana Republic – Resin Cuff Bracelet}

^{Ann Taylor – Zebra Print Haircalf Cuff Bracelet}

8. Necklaces are interesting in itself but having it feature animal print will take it to the next level. Here are some fabulous options.

_{Ann Taylor – Tortoiseshell Print Pearlized Link Statement Necklace}

_{Banana Republic – Resin and Metal Link Necklace}

9. Scarves are also a fun way to wear animal print. Depending on the size of the scarf, you can wear it around your neck, hair or even as a belt.

_{Loft – Cheetah Print Scarf Set}

_{Ann Taylor – Mixed Animal Print Scarf}

_{Banana Republic – Leopard Print Cotton-Wool Scarf}

10. When you are ready to step up your game with animal prints – it’s time to look for animal print footwear. Flats, heels, mules, slides, boots, sneakers, etc. – choose whatever fits your lifestyle best.

I just purchased some Haircalf Sam Edelman heels. I picked them up at Saks Fifth Avenue’s annual sale yesterday. The perfect height and colour don’t you think?

_{Saks Off 5th – Yves Saint Laurent Tribute Leopard-Print Calf Hair Slides}

For some of you, starting out with the basic black and white print might be the easiest way to ease yourself into animal print footwear. Here are some great examples.

_{Bergdorf Goodman – Adidas by Stella McCartney Terino Animal Print Mid Top Sneakers}

_{Nordstrom – Lupita Sandals Amina Muaddi}

With fall and winter on its way, loafers and boots are a terrific choice when looking at animal print footwear.

_{Saks Off 5th Avenue – Sergio Rossi Glitter Animal Print Loafers}

_{Saks Off 5th Avenue – Aqautalia Floriat Leopard Print Calf Hair Ankle Boot}

For me, animal prints can become that one featured statement – just like a statement necklace. Therefore, I don’t tend to mix and match things right out of the gate. However, there many others out there that will mix and match – and kudos to them!!

I hope you have found some great ways to include animal prints into your Fall/Winter wardrobe for 2021. Please show me your pictures by commenting below. I’d love to see what your including in your wardrobe.

xo’s Slightly Petite, Wendy