Animal print should terrify most women — but somehow it doesn’t. I watch clients reach for leopard print dresses and zebra scarves with the confidence of someone picking up milk from the shop. The truth is, most women are wearing animal prints wrong, and the fix isn’t about buying less of it.
I’ve been styling women for twelve years, and animal print remains the pattern that people either nail completely or get spectacularly wrong. The difference comes down to understanding one simple rule: animal print is not the star of your outfit — it’s the supporting act. The moment you treat it like wallpaper instead of the main event, everything clicks into place.
How to Style Animal Prints
Balance Print with Solid Colours
This leopard print trouser and black blazer combination shows exactly why animal print works best when it’s not fighting for attention. The black blazer grounds the busy pattern and creates a professional silhouette that doesn’t scream “going to the zoo.”

Mix Different Animal Prints Carefully
These pieces demonstrate that mixing leopard with zebra can work, but only if you keep the colour palette tight. Notice how all these items stick to brown, black, and cream — the moment you add colour, multiple animal prints become chaos.

Use Black and White for Sophistication
Zebra print trainers prove that animal print doesn’t have to look wild. The monochrome palette keeps them looking clean and modern rather than costume-like.

Try Leopard Print in Small Doses
This crop top and leopard skirt combination works because the black top breaks up the pattern. If this were a full leopard dress, it would overwhelm her frame and look like fancy dress.

Pair with Light Blue for Contrast
The light blue shirt against leopard print trousers creates an unexpected combination that shouldn’t work but does. The key is the relaxed fit of both pieces — tight leopard print with a fitted shirt would look completely different.

Add Leopard to Casual Outfits
Leopard print trousers with a basic white t-shirt prove that animal print can be as casual as you want it to be. The loose fit of both pieces keeps the look relaxed rather than trying-hard.

Use Burgundy for Richness
The burgundy jumper against leopard print trousers creates a sophisticated colour combination that works for autumn. Burgundy and brown share warm undertones, which is why this pairing feels intentional rather than random.

Mix Leopard with Navy
This leopard print top with navy trousers shows how animal print can work in professional settings. Navy is dark enough to balance the busy pattern without competing with it.

Try Animal Print Tops
Mixing leopard print with zebra print should be a disaster, but this asymmetrical top makes it work by keeping both patterns in the same black and white colour family. The flowing fabric also helps soften what could be a harsh combination.

Use Leather for Edge
The leather bomber jacket with leopard sleeves adds animal print without overwhelming the outfit. This approach works because the print is confined to a small area and balanced with solid black leather.

Mix Zebra Print with Solid Colours
This zebra print mini skirt works because it’s paired with an olive green jacket that doesn’t compete for attention. The solid colour on top lets the pattern on bottom be the focal point.

Try Leopard Mini Skirts
The burgundy jumper with a leopard print mini skirt creates an interesting proportion play. The oversized top balances the fitted bottom, and the burgundy picks up the brown tones in the leopard print.

Add Pop of Colour
This leopard print mini skirt paired with a purple blazer shouldn’t work, but it does because purple and brown are complementary colours. The bright blue shoes add an unexpected third colour that somehow pulls it all together.

Use Animal Print as Accessories
The leopard print scarf shows how animal print works best when it’s not the main event. Against the neutral jacket and dark jeans, the scarf adds interest without overwhelming the outfit.

Try Leopard Print Blazers
A leopard print blazer with dark trousers proves that animal print can be the statement piece when everything else stays simple. The structured cut of the blazer keeps the look polished rather than wild.

Best Colour Combinations
I’ve tried every possible colour combination with animal print over the years, and some work while others look like mistakes. Black is your safest bet because it appears in most animal prints naturally. Navy runs a close second, particularly with leopard print, because both colours share that same depth.
The combinations that surprise people are the ones that shouldn’t work but do. I’ve paired leopard print trousers with emerald green tops and watched clients’ faces change from skeptical to converted. The trick is understanding undertones — if your leopard print has warm brown tones, pair it with warm colours like burgundy, forest green, or rust.
White works, but not the way most women wear it. A crisp white shirt with leopard print trousers can look fresh, but a white t-shirt often looks unfinished. The difference is structure — animal print needs something with presence to balance it out, which is why I often suggest structured pieces for busy mothers who want to look put-together.
Dos & Don’ts
Seasonal Styling
Animal print works year-round, but the way you style it should change with the seasons. In winter, I layer leopard print under structured coats or pair zebra print scarves with wool jumpers. The key is using animal print as the surprise element rather than the obvious choice.
Summer styling requires more restraint. A leopard print silk camisole under a blazer feels sophisticated, while a leopard print sundress can look too theme-heavy for daytime events. I’ve learned that summer styling in cities requires more subtlety than resort wear.
Spring and autumn are animal print’s sweet spot. The earthy tones in most leopard prints complement the changing seasons perfectly. I particularly love pairing leopard print trousers with light knits in spring, or adding a zebra print scarf to autumn coats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you wear animal print to work?
Yes, but choose your pieces carefully. A leopard print blouse under a blazer looks professional, while leopard print trousers might be too bold for conservative workplaces. The key is treating animal print as an accent rather than the main event. Keep everything else simple and structured.
How do you accessorise animal print?
Less is always more with animal print. Stick to simple gold or silver jewellery, and choose bags and shoes in solid colours that appear in the print. Black leather accessories work with almost any animal print, while brown leather complements leopard print beautifully.
What body types suit animal print best?
Animal print can work on any body type if you choose the right pieces. Smaller prints and fitted cuts generally flatter more figures than oversized pieces. If you’re curvier, try animal print on top rather than bottom, as it draws attention upward and creates a more balanced silhouette.
Is animal print appropriate for evening wear?
Absolutely, but choose luxe fabrics like silk or velvet rather than cotton or polyester. A leopard print silk dress looks sophisticated for evening events, while the same print in a cheap fabric looks costume-like. The quality of the fabric makes all the difference with animal print.
















