Animal print never really goes out of style, and it’s one of my favorite things to wear.

But there’s a fine line between looking stylish and looking like you’re wearing a costume. So let’s talk about how to actually wear animal print.

The Different Types of Animal Prints

Before we talk about how to wear animal print, it helps to know what’s out there because they all have a different look.

There are quite a few animal prints you will see in fashion, including leopard, cheetah, snake, zebra, cow, tiger, giraffe, and deer prints. But you will see some much more often than others.

Leopard and cheetah prints have been wardrobe staples for years, while snake, zebra, cow, and tiger prints continue to show up in current fashion collections and street style.

In recent years, even less traditional prints like deer and Dalmatian are getting attention.

How to Style Animal Print Dresses

An animal print dress is a timeless wardrobe statement that never truly goes out of style.

When learning how to style these patterns, the most important thing is to let the animal print remain the main focus of the outfit.

How to Style a Short Animal Print Dress

A short animal print dress or mini dress can work well for a casual daytime outfit or a night out. You can change the look quite a bit depending on the layers and shoes you pair with it.

Style an Animal Print Dress with Denim

Layer a loose denim jacket over a mini animal print dress and finish the look with flat white sneakers for an easy everyday outfit.

Style Animal Print Dress with a Blazer or a Jacket

For a night out, swap the denim jacket for a longline blazer or a leather jacket and pair it with flats, heels, or ankle boots depending on the occasion. If you want, you can match the color of your shoes to your jacket or blazer.

How to Style a Midi Animal Print Dress

A midi animal print dress gives you plenty of room to play with layers and proportions.

Layering Animal Print Dress With a Sweater

Layer a solid, cropped sweater over the top half of a midi animal print dress to create the look of a separate skirt. Pair it with knee-high boots for a polished outfit.

Style Animal Print Dress With a Belt

If the midi dress is loose or lacks structure, add a simple black or tan leather belt to define your waist.

How to Style a Long Animal Print Dress

A long animal print dress or maxi dress can be styled with layers that break up the length of the print.

Style an Animal Print Maxi Dress With a Trench Coat

Layer a structured trench coat over a maxi animal print dress and leave it open so the print remains visible down the center.

Style a Long Animal Print Dress With a Leather Jacket

For a bolder look, layer a black leather jacket over a long animal print dress and let the contrast between the solid jacket and patterned dress create the outfit.

How to Style an Animal Print Top

An animal print top, like a leopard blouse, snake print top, or zebra shirt, can be the main focus of your outfit. You don’t need a lot of extras to make it work.

Animal Print With Blue Jeans

Tuck an animal print top into classic blue jeans for an easy everyday outfit. The simplicity of denim keeps the look casual and lets the print stand out.

Wear Animal Print Top with Black Bottoms

For a slightly dressier look, pair your animal print top with black trousers, a black skirt, or black leggings. The solid black keeps the outfit simple while letting the print stand out.

Jewelry to Wear With an Animal Print Top

Since the print is already close to your face, skip overly chunky jewelry. Small earrings, a simple necklace, or a ring can finish the look without competing with the top.

How to Style an Animal Print Vest

An animal print vest is another easy way to add the print to a simple outfit. Wear it over a solid top and let the vest be the main pattern.

Wear an Animal Print Vest With a White or Black Top

A plain white T-shirt, black T-shirt, or simple long-sleeve top gives you an easy base for an animal print vest.

Style an Animal Print Vest With a Skirt

Pair your animal print vest with a simple solid-colored skirt. Black, cream, beige, and denim skirts are great options to wear with an animal print vest.

How to Style Animal Print Pants

Animal print pants are easy to wear with simple tops and layers. You can keep the rest of the outfit neutral or add a solid color for a little more contrast.

Wear Animal Print Pants With a Button-Down Shirt

A blue, white, or other solid-colored button-down shirt works well with animal print pants. Tuck the shirt in or do a simple front tuck to keep the outfit easy and casual.

It’s a less common combination, but keeping the top solid and understated makes it surprisingly easy to wear.

Wear Animal Print Pants With a Simple Top

For an everyday outfit, pair animal print pants with a plain white, black, cream, or beige top. A fitted T-shirt, tank top, or simple knit top can all work well.

Style Animal Print Pants With a Blazer

For a dressier outfit, wear animal print pants with a simple black blazer and a solid top underneath. Finish with heels, loafers, or ankle boots depending on the occasion.

Animal Print Accessories

Animal Print Bags

A leopard or snake print bag is the easiest way into animal print styling. You can carry it with any outfit. It adds interest without taking over your whole look.

Animal Print Shoes

Leopard print shoes are classic, while snake print heels have a sleeker feel. Even a simple leopard print sneaker can add personality to a basic outfit. 

Animal Print Scarves

A leopard scarf thrown around your neck over a solid outfit adds print without commitment. You can take it off. You can move it around. It’s low stakes.

Animal Print Belts

A thin animal print belt cinches your waist and adds a small print moment to your outfit. It’s barely noticeable but it changes how your outfit reads.

What Colors Go Well With Animal Prints

Animal print comes in many different patterns, but these colors work well with almost any animal print you choose. 

Neutrals: The Easiest Choice

Because animal prints are already bold, neutral colors make them easy to style without adding another busy element.

Black & White

These classic shades create a clean contrast with animal prints and work with almost any pattern.

Cream, Beige & Camel

These warmer neutrals work especially well with the brown and tan tones found in leopard and cheetah prints.

Gray

Charcoal or lighter shades of gray can soften the contrast and work well for casual outfits.

Rich Colors: Add a Pop of Color

If you want something more colorful, deeper shades can create a strong contrast with animal prints.

Emerald Green & Olive

These deeper greens work particularly well with earthy animal prints and can give the outfit a richer feel.

Red & Burgundy

These shades work especially well with leopard and cheetah prints and add a bold touch to the outfit.

Royal Blue & Denim

Blue creates a nice contrast with warm animal prints, which is why denim is such an easy pairing with leopard and cheetah.

When and Where to Wear Animal Prints

Animal print can work for everything from everyday outfits to dressier occasions. For casual days, keep it simple with pieces you already wear regularly.

For work or more professional settings, smaller touches like a belt, scarf, or shoes can be an easy way to wear the trend.

For dinners, parties, concerts, and other occasions where you want to make more of a statement, you can go bolder with your animal print.

Animal print doesn’t have to be difficult to wear.

Whether you choose a dress, top, pants, vest, or a small accessory, the key is finding a style that feels comfortable for you. Start with what you like, keep the rest of your outfit simple, and have fun with it.