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Animal Print Has Taken Over the Runway—And Our Wardrobes

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Animal Print Has Taken Over the Runway—And Our Wardrobes

Fashion’s a zoo—or at least it is starting to look like one. Winter’s breakout trend is further testament that womenswear is distancing itself from the mellow temperament of quiet luxury. Everyone seems to have or want at least one leopard-print or croc-embossed piece in their wardrobe this season. It’s about time that fashion is ready to show off its wild side.

Hints of an animal print resurgence were spotted throughout the Fall/Winter 2024 and Resort 2025 runways. This spring, Michael Kors sent down the catwalk a shimmering overcoat made from jaguar-printed calf hair—incredibly opulent, incredibly fierce. While Jacquemus opted to refresh the classic black and white color palette through a bold zebra print splashed across a mid-length pencil skirt and sprawling wrap coat.

Gianluca Carraro

Michael Kors FW24

A model wearing a striped outfit carries a turquoise handbag

Courtesy of Jacquemus

Jacquemus FW24

And if you thought the swirl of texture and print would be a short-lived act of rebellion — Resort 25 collections proved the trend’s staying power. Roberto Cavalli coated his western-inspired pants and overshirts in a zebra print while Givenchy delivered a fur-trimmed biker jacket and matching skirt crafted from snakeskin-effect leather drenched in red—a siren in reptilian clothing.

Aside from the proverb that everything old becomes new again, how do you explain the enduring appeal of animal print? Once at the height of glamour, animal print had lost its luster over time, becoming unfashionable, even tacky, before becoming the popular trend it is today. One argument is that it resists the human urge to hibernate. With bone-chilling winds taking over short days and even longer nights, it’s all too easy to cancel plans and stay indoors. But what’s the fun in that?

Fashion model in a bold red snakepatterned outfit with a fur collar and hem standing in front of a glass wall

COURTESY OF GIVENCHY

Givenchy RE25

Fashion model wearing a black leather trench coat and zebrastriped pants with a cowboy hat

Courtesy of Roberto Cavalli

Roberto Cavalli RE25

These prints require—rather demand—to be seen. But figuring out how to incorporate them into a wardrobe for long-term wear isn’t always easy. Below, we’ve broken down the biggest animal print trends and how to style them.

Big Cats

Perhaps the most popular of the animal prints are the big cats: cheetah, leopard, tiger, and jaguar. Available across a range of outerwear and accessories, you can add a silky calf hair boot or leather belt to a neutral slip for a pop of color and texture or go all out with a spotted shift dress layered under the pièce de resistance— an oversized spotted balmacaan.

Michael Kors Oversized Jaguar-Print Coat
Norma Kamali Cheetah-Print Mini Dress
Mango Leopard Leather Belt
Reformation Remy Knee Boot

Cow

Cow print, like the sweet-natured mammals it references, is softer than the fierce felines, but just as eye-catching. This is a print that will work well with dark neutral colors like black, navy, and brown. Wear it on an ankle-grazing slip like Altuzarra’s and let the dress do all the work for you. Or, you can wear it across a statement shoulder bag or brushed loafer for a playful accent.

Maje Reversible Shearling Jacket
Altuzarra Cherie Printed Silk Maxi Dress
Alaïa Le Teckel Shoulder Bag
Tod’s Gommino Calf Hair Penny Driver Loafers

Reptiles

Reptiles are both alluring and occasionally dangerous. This mix of hard and soft, tough yet sensual, is what makes leathers embossed with snake and croc print appealing for evening wear. But if you’re looking to extend your reptilian wear into the daytime, an accessory such as Khaite’s patchwork tote or Zara’s studded sash are easy substitutes for their nighttime counterparts.

The Frankie Shop Jackie Faux-Leather Coat

Now 30% Off

Zara Studded Leather Belt
Frame Midaxi Leather Skirt

Zebra

The bold contrast of black and white is timeless, but you don’t have to rely solely on solid colors to get the effect. With its broad stripes, Zebra print creates a sea of waves across a canvas of stark white. It’s masterful in that it can be both funky, yet elevated. Pair your look with gold accessories for maximum effect.

Mango Zebra Asymmetrical T-Shirt
Jacquemus Rond Carré Shoulder Bag
Malene Birger Boshan Zebra-Print Maxi Skirt
Roger Vivier Belle Vivier Zebra Buckle Pumps
Headshot of Michella Oré

Michella Oré is the fashion commerce editor at Harper’s Bazaar. Previously, she was the style commerce writer at GQ and associate producer at Vogue. Her writing has been published in i-D, 10 Magazine, and WWD.

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