TREND ALERT: Animal Print

Happy #FASHIONWEDNESDAY!! I hope you are having the best week – I’m still sitting here hoping that one day (if I’m lucky) I’ll be able to wear actual fall clothes and it won’t be 90 degrees out. Is this climate change? IS THIS GLOBAL WARMING? WHAT IS HAPPENING TO MY FALL?!?!? I was supposed to get all four seasons in the midwest. I was lied to. ANYWAYS: today, we are going to be talking about one of my favorite prints of the season: animal print. This is different than leopard print – which is super distinct. This ‘animal print’ has been all over everywhere and I am not gonna lie: I’m here for it. Let’s dive into this.

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TREND ALERT: Animal Print

Leopard print vs. Animal print:

Animal print is NOT the same as leopard print. Leopard print has a few colors on the spots, and they’re typically large spots. They’ll be brown/tan with a black outline. Animal print, however, is just black spots that are non-uniform in shape on a tan background. I’ve also seen khaki or rust used as a background on certain pieces as well. I like this because it feels trendy and chic, but not overdone. Trust me – I’m a leopard print girl through and through (and I certainly won’t be stopping now), but this new pattern feels unique and fun for the season.

Where you’ve seen it most:

You’ve probably seen this styled most on midi dresses this year (like the one styled in this blog post) or midi skirts!! I got this particular dress at My Sister’s Closet. I think it’s only available in a large right now but I will let you guys know if it restocks in other sizes!! This shop + dress were also featured in last month’s monthly obsessions so you know my love for them is real. I think because the spots are smaller and less overwhelming than leopard print, you can get away with having them on larger items of clothing without it looking TOO busy. 

I’ve also seen it being rocked on mules and cute tank tops! It can be a great layering piece under OR overtop of other pieces – like as a cardigan or button up or a camisole/layering tee. 

How I styled it:

I styled it with my favorite black suede booties, my Gucci dupe belt and my favorite fall felt hat. I wanted to keep this look very neutral – no bright colors, just tan and black. This whole look just screams FALL to me! It’s also still cooler – so I’m not hot even in the crazy heat we are still having. BUT – I can easily layer a black leather jacket or a denim jacket over top of it if I wanted to wear it when it gets chillier, too. SO easy. I also paired it with my go-to “J” necklace I wear every day and pretty simple gold earrings.

Alternate accessories: a fun gold or black arm party (think chunky gold bracelets, fun charm bracelets, wrap wristlets, etc.). I think a black lace tank top would look amazing underneath this dress, with layered gold chain necklaces! If you want to dress it down – go with a white graphic tee, animal print midi skirt and little white tennis shoes!! Throw on a black waist bag and you would be set. SO CUTE.

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Have you dived headfirst into this trend yet?? What is your favorite way to wear animal print? I love wearing it dressy – but it’s also adorable when it’s worn casual. It’s this season’s most versatile print.

Let me know how you love to wear it in the comments below!