THE EDIT- Bring out your wild side!
Unless you’ve been living under rock since around August this year, you will have noticed that the biggest noise in fashion this season is animal print.
It has influenced every level of fashion from socks to handbags, belts to boots, trousers to dresses and everything in between. Every conceivable interpretation, colour, fabric and cut has been “animalised” – so much so, that fashion editors and stylists alike advise us to treat them as a neutral in our day-to-day, harmonising outfits.
Back in the ‘50s, Dior created a range of accessories featuring leopard print and it became a must have. Debbie Harry rocked animal print…so it proves that more often than not, it’s how you wear something that defines the style.
The days of animal print belonging to brassy and cheap are gladly behind us. Fabric innovation, contemporary styling and our own attitude to being more playful with pattern, colour and style has meant that we can embrace the trend with confidence that we won’t be at risk of channeling too much Kat Slater or Bet Lynch.
What I do know is that I’ve got the taste for it!
Here are some of the ways I am bringing this into my wardrobe this season.
Trend #1- Top To Toe
You are pretty much guaranteed to find something that works for you amongst the variety of cuts and styles that are available.
It’s not just about leopard; snake print is big news too. If you’re going to go for it, do it in style. Wear animal print styled top to toe with a gorgeous dress and ankle boot combo, a denim or biker jacket adds an edge to the look and makes it feel a little more casual.
But, if like me you need to ease yourself into a look initially, there are a few other ways to dip your toe in the trend that will just refresh and update a wardrobe stable, add a little pop to your look and a more interesting neutral feature to tie together casual jeans and trainers.
Trend #2- Quick Updates & Subtle Changes
I love these cashmere scarves from Burberry (left) and Hush (right). Subtle, autumnal tones of camel and the soft charcoal grey just make these enduring classics as the temperature starts to dip, so easy to just sling on with anything.
A few simple accessories can change my whole mood sometimes and transform my outfit too!
An animal print belt is the perfect way to add a contemporary influence to a simple pair of jeans and chunky knit. This pony print one from M&S is brilliant value and so versatile. A great way to pop some interest into a weekend look or add edge to a more smart, business look. This camel coat with the leopard saddlebag from Hobbs is heaven. You could dress it up or down and I think it’s a seasonal must have with the shape and detailing. These fabulous mock tortoiseshell earrings from Warehouse are so inexpensive but they really fit with the look.
Trend #3- Statement Pieces
One of THE key looks for animal print this season is the slinky skirt. I just fell in love with this one from Zara. It has self-fabric coloured buttons which you can shift to the side or front or back to change the look of the skirt. Snake print is a great, often more subtle interpretation of the animal print trend too. This skirt is so brilliantly priced and because it sits on the lower half of your body, it is easier to pair up with other staples in your wardrobe to update your look each season. There are lots of other variations on this look; pleated versions are everywhere this seasons too.
So if we are talking statement, you can’t go wrong with a faux fur coat. Amazing with eveningwear or popped over jeans, coated leggings or combats. BUT, not all are created equal, so worth doing your homework on the feel and fit.
I found this unusual Karen Millen jaguar print of this coat – you can just see how gorgeous that feels can’t you?
Finally, we can’t forget footwear. I mean what better way to make an outfit sing with a stylish focal point than a killer boot….an elegant slip on…
Here are some favourites from Zara and Carvela. The good thing about footwear is that it’s low risk and high impact, likely to stay wearable for longer and brings SO MUCH JOY to wear!
There are some truly beautiful items out there, to suit all shapes, sizes, budgets and confidence levels. Go and have some fun with it.
It really will put a smile on your face to introduce something a little more WILD into your wardrobe this season.
Go wild!
There are some truly beautiful items out there, to suit all shapes, sizes, budgets and confidence levels. Go and have some fun with it.
It really will put a smile on your face to introduce something a little more WILD into your wardrobe this season.
