Leopard has had a good run. A long run. Possibly too long. If your wardrobe is starting to resemble a particularly glamorous safari park, it might be time to widen the species list. Consider this your invitation to step off the obvious path and try something a little more zoologically adventurous.
Spot the difference
Everyone and their dog is wearing dalmatian print right now (see what we did there?). The spots are clean, graphic and usually monochrome, which makes them surprisingly easy to style. A dalmatian coat or slip skirt gives you the drama of an animal print without the brassy undertones of big-cat territory. It’s bold, yes, but in a crisp, fashion-editor way.
1. Pinterest; 2. Dress, by Pretty Little Thing, £32; 3. Leather Bag, by Dr Martens, £120; 4. Crew Neck Jumper, by Marks & Spencer, £20; 5. Ankle Boots, by Schutz at Farfetch, £325; 6. Apple Watch Strap, by Coconut Lane, £25; 7. Leather Belt, by Marks & Spencer, £32; 8. Shirt, by Whistles, £69
High stakes
Giraffe print stretches the rules – quite literally. With its irregular patchwork and warm caramel tones, it feels wholesome and fun. Unlike leopard’s tightly packed rosettes, giraffe’s markings are larger and more geometric, giving coats and tailoring a modern, almost architectural edge.
1. Dress, by Whistles, £129; 2. Amerie Rose Designs on Pinterest; 3. iPhone Case, Pela, £24; 4. Scarf, by Josie’s Editions at Wolf & Badger, £191; 5. Buckle Belt, by Beltbe, £49.95; 6. Coat, by Maliparmi, £820; 7. Samba OG Shoes, Adidas, £100; 8. Hoodie, by Gallery Dept. at Farfetch, £588; 9. Bag, by Michael Kors, £210; 10. Trousers, Karen Millen, £99
Shell game
Tortoiseshell isn’t just for sunglasses anymore. Swirled amber, chocolate and honey tones are turning up on silk dresses, mesh tops and even boots. Where leopard shouts, tortoiseshell murmurs. Its fluid, marbled effect is subtler, more molten, and ideal if you want animal print without looking like you wrestled it off the savannah.
1. @nailsbylinauk; 2. Coat, Desigual, £265; 3. Mini Skirt, by Cos, £95; 4. Barely There Heels, by Public Desire, £29.99; 5. Sunglasses, by Oliver Bonas, £26; 6. Elle Clutch Bag, by John Lewis, £49; 7. Top, by Whistles, £79; 8. Hair Clip, Celine, £345
Oh deer
Deer-inspired prints bring a softer, storybook vibe to the mix. Fawn-like speckles and gentle tan shades feel romantic rather than fierce. This is animal print for countryside weekends and oversized knits. Sweet, yes – but try styling it with sharp tailoring to avoid earning the nickname ‘Bambi’.
1. Top, by Pretty Little Thing, £14; 2. Mini Skirt, by Cider, £23.90; 3. JXSABI Leather Jacket, by Jack & Jones, £300; 4. Socks, by Anthropologie, £12; 5. 9TWENTY Cap, by New Era at Schuh, £30; 6. 530 Trainers, by New Balance at Office, £110, £49; 7. Leather Bag, by & Other Stories, £139; 8. Trosuers, Object, £65
