Everybody’s Wearing Animal-Print Accessories

From the glamour of 1940s Hollywood to the rebellious spirit of rock ’n’ roll, animal prints have been adopted by style tribes over the decades as a means of self-expression, symbolizing everything from power and status to femininity, revolution and sexual liberation. Their sartorial adaptability is why many consider them to be like a neutral, and while it’s true that animal prints go with everything, this could suggest they only play a supporting role when, in fact, they are often star of the show.

There was no shortage of animal print on the FW24 runways. Brands including Alaïa, Versace, Isabel Marant and Nina Ricci all embraced leopard, cheetah and python motifs either as full looks or impactful accents. But if wearing exotic patterns from head to toe feels a little daunting, accessories are an easy (not to mention chic) entry point – just remember to stick to one statement piece at a time to avoid any clashes.

Dressing from the feet up is always a good idea – a great pair of shoes has the power to completely transform an outfit, especially when they’re in eye-catching prints. Crafted from snake-effect leather, Paris Texas’s knee-high ‘Stiletto’ boots have pointed toes and a low kitten heel, so you can comfortably wear them from day to night. Show them off by tucking in your jeans or wear with shorter hemlines. Alternatively, let Aeyde’s ‘Zoe’ ankle boots peek out from the cuffs of wide-leg pants.

There’s no shortage of fiercely patterned bags to covet this season either, and the best come in sleek, elongated shapes. For evening events, channel your inner mob wife with Versace’s leopard-print clutch. Crafted from leather and smooth calf hair, it’s topped with an updated version of the brand’s iconic ‘Medusa’ emblem, first introduced by Gianni Versace in 1993, and comes with an optional chain strap, so your hands are free to carry a glass of champagne.

Not to be overlooked, smaller accessories can also have a big impact. Celine Eyewear’s ‘Monochroms’ sunglasses are decorated with bold zebra stripes and will add instant cool points to even the simplest outfits. Style yours with a trench coat or blazer, adding a skinny scarf and a red lip for instant polish.

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