How to wear the season’s hottest trend… Animal Print!

Article courtesy of Mama of lilmama.com.au

Animal Print is IN (come to think of it, has it ever really gone out?) I have always been a huge fan of this primal trend, there is something sexy and fun about wearing these prints, and if done right can create a classy statement for the woman wild at heart!

Here are a few simple tips on how to work animal print into your everyday wardrobe without looking like “Jane of the Jungle”

Choosing the right print…
The first thing to do, is choose the right print for YOU! This includes thinking about things like what colors dominate your wardrobe, your complexion, and whether you want to incorporate these prints into your every day or evening wardrobe. Are you more conservative in your tastes, or do you like on occasion to stand out and make a statement?

Python
These prints usually come in two basic shades, cool and warm, which means they will suit any complexion.

Cool prints will be combinations of muted grey, sliver, black and white, which make them easy to co-ordinate, put these pieces with denim and black for maximum impact, plus they work great on brunettes!

Warm prints will be a combination of cream, beige, tan and chocolate, wear these with denim and dark browns, the warmer shades will compliment the fairer haired women toning in with their fairer coloring.

Python is the more conservative option of all the prints, it’s smaller more delicate patterns won’t be too obtrusive when combined with a simple outfit.

Zebra
While there are many combinations that can involve bright, bold hues, I prefer to stick to the timeless black and white. Clean and crisp it suits most complexions, and can easily be worked in with any classic pieces you already have in your wardrobe.

A cute zebra print top, cardi or cami, can really lift a plain dark suit, or bring life to a pair of jeans.  Add some over sized metallic accessories and a pair of fabulous heels or wedges and it will take you from day to night, in seconds.

Strong prints, using larger stripes are much more flattering that thinner prints.

Leopard and Ocelot
This is my favorite of all the prints, there are a multitude of colour combinations for these prints, however I prefer the original print that has rich hues of tan, gold, beige and black.  These prints tend to suit redheads, and blondes, with fairer tones, giving color and depth to lift their complexions. Partner these prints with denim and black and there is no going wrong!

Look for prints with layers of tones, rather than black dots printed on a tan background, the bigger and more intricate the print, the stronger the statement!

How to wear it…
If you are venturing into animal prints this season, there is one vital rule… KEEP IT SIMPLE.

When wearing animal print, less is ALWAYS less is best.

Opt for ONE feature piece and keep it on the upper half of your torso, E.G. a top, cami, or jacket work best.

For bottoms animal print ACCENTS work best on basic solid colours, leopard print pants are not an option unless you are going to a fancy dress party or the Playboy mansion.

Do NOT wear head to toe print, pick your combinations… If you are going for an animal print dress, go for plain shoes and accessories, you can’t go wrong with black, tan or metallics like gold, silver and bronze.

EXPERIMENT, try an an animal print scarf and ballets flats with jeans and a shirt for day and for night, try an animal print shrug with a plain black dress.

Do NOT mix prints, I know there have been recent moments, where various fashionistas have said it’s OK to mix prints, however I disagree… Leopard, python and zebra all slapped together only belongs in one place, the Zoo.

Furry Pieces, keep the fluff factor to a minimum, too much fluff creates bulk, so furry, fluffy prints should be kept to jackets and outwear ONLY!

ACCESSORIZE, If you love animal print but are not sure about wearing it, shoes, bags, belts and accessories are the perfect alternative, and can be used all year round to lift a plain outfit.

Lastly animal print is one of those ETERNAL trends that if done tastefully can be worn and enjoyed season after season.

Till next time, stay fabulous
Much Luv
Mamaxxx

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