Unleashing the Wild: How to Own the Animal Print Trend

The concrete jungle just got wilder, and we’re absolutely here for it!

Animal print is no longer a passing fad—it’s a full-blown fashion power move. From classic leopard to unexpected zebra, this season’s prints are bolder, sleeker, and far more versatile. Whether you’re easing in with accessories or going full roar with statement pieces, here’s how to style animal print with confidence and edge.

Start Small: Master the Art of Animal Print Accessories

Not ready to commit to head-to-toe leopard? No problem. The most approachable entry point into the animal kingdom comes through carefully chosen accessories. A leopard print silk scarf tied around your handbag handle or wrist adds that perfect touch of untamed elegance to even the most corporate ensembles. Shoes offer another perfect opportunity – snake-print ankle boots paired with your trusty jeans and white tee create an outfit that whispers sophistication rather than shouts safari.

Beyond Beige: Explore Unexpected Colour Combinations

What separates 2025’s approach to animal prints from previous iterations is the unexpected colour palettes. Daniel Lee’s groundbreaking work at Burberry features abstract leopard motifs in electric blues and emerald greens, proving that animal prints need not be confined to their natural colourways.

When incorporating coloured animal prints, treat them as your outfit’s statement piece. A cobalt blue zebra-print blouse pairs beautifully with high-waisted black trousers for an office-appropriate look with personality. For weekend wear, try a lavender snake-print midi skirt with a simple cream sweater. The unexpected colour makes the print feel fresh rather than fussy.

The rule of thumb is that the more unusual the colour, the simpler the silhouette should be to maintain balance and wearability.

The Statement Piece Strategy: One Wild Item Per Outfit

When it comes to larger animal print pieces, the one-and-done approach works best for most wardrobes. Let your animal piece be the star of the show. A zebra print wide-leg trouser looks infinitely more expensive when paired with a simple black turtleneck and minimal jewellery. The pants become the main character, while everything else happily plays supporting roles.

For those navigating office dress codes, a snake-print silk blouse worn with high-waisted trousers achieves the ideal balance of professional and personality-based style. Keep accessories streamlined and monochromatic—a black leather tote and pointed slingbacks keep things sophisticated while allowing the print to do the talking.

Mix Don’t Match: The Art of Pattern Play

For the more adventurous, mixing animal prints creates unexpected harmony when done thoughtfully. The secret to successful pattern mixing with animal prints lies in varying the scale and maintaining a cohesive colour story.

Combine a small-scale leopard print top with a larger zebra print skirt, keeping both within the same colour family– think tans, browns, and blacks. Add solid-coloured accessories to provide visual rest amid the pattern play. Chunky gold jewellery works particularly well to complement the earthy tones in most animal prints.

Texture Play: Elevate Your Animal Prints Through Fabrics

The most sophisticated iterations of animal prints in 2025 play with texture as much as pattern. Schiaparelli’s transgressive interpretation of zebra prints at Spring/Summer 2025 Paris Fashion Week demonstrated this through embossed velvet and high-gloss satins, taking animal patterns beyond their traditional printed forms.

For day-to-day wear, look for animal prints in unconventional textures—a leopard jacquard knit top is less brash and richer than a conventional print. Snake prints stamped onto leather accessories provide a hint of wild instead of a roar, ideal for more traditional settings.

For night, go for animal prints done in sequins or metallic stitching. The tactile factor brings depth, elevating such prints from street to cocktail dress. Team a sequined leopard camisole with black cropped trousers for an evening ensemble that’s festive but also smart.