Name one woman that can put on an item of clothing or accessory adorned by the print of some exotic animal and not feel sexy, and we’ll set up an intervention quicker than she can tell us why it just “doesn’t work for her”. For some reason — that I’m sure we’re glad exists—wearing the expressions of the mysteriously graceful creatures that we share the earth with has been a symbol of wealth, status, and most notably, sex appeal for years. The trend of wearing animal prints on clothing (as we know it in the United States) began the 1960’s in the reign of our most famous and fashionable First Lady, Jackie Kennedy, who set the patterned-tone for many women to follow. At that time, animal prints were spotted particularly in the varying leopard prints, but soon included imitations of animals from all over the globe—an ode to equal opportunity, huh? The quiet seduction of snakeskin, the bad girl vibes given from the crocodile print, and the playful nature of the giraffe all stood their ground along with the ferocious prints of the felines of the wild, and haven’t backed down since.
These prints—that certainly made heads turn in response to the sass it helped women miraculously discover– were mostly seen in outerwear, dresses, and the ever-so-dainty pillbox hat. Today, they can be found on everything from children’s pencil cases to curling irons—it’s that serious. For purposes of keeping a focus on what’s in the best interest of our closets, we’ll keep our eyes on the wardrobe. As mentioned earlier, in the rise of our animalistic approach to expressing ourselves, wearing these prints were a sign of wealth and status, so it’s pretty evident that one would need deep pockets to saunter through the crowds in the finest. This holds true today, but what’s a ‘gal to do when she too wants to show the world that she can flaunt a print like no other, feel that inner sexiness emitted the minute she looks in the long mirror, all without breaking the bank? There’s always a low “look-alike” to a high luxury item, and most times it will require going faux.
Yes, you read right. Going faux is a great way to get the same look as the real thing, only it’s budget-friendly and you will still get a dose of “I’m queen of this jungle!”. Although this is true, one should still have a keen eye for good quality, because the spectrum is very wide and it’s easy to go from “Wow, this looks real”, to “Yikes…cheap Halloween costume” – for real. Since prints don’t only grace apparel, but are very commonly found on the accessories we wear to take our outfits from 20– we never start at zero, claim the confidence in that outfit!—to 60, it’s very important that we turn the spotlight on those as well. From the various categories that define accessories, to the finishing element of outerwear, here are some looks for less that will save you the trouble of calming your inner sexy beast for too long, and it will make your pockets smile too.
That Shoe!
I think it’s safe to say that all girls love shoes, and it’s also safe to say that those girls are also willing to spend a pretty penny for them, if it means great style and quality. Try these for size…
Jimmy Choo Victoria Camel Leopard Print Pony Pump – $875
Jimmy Choo Victoria Camel Leopard Print Pony Pump- $875
Look for less…
GUESS Shoes, Roleney Single Sole Pumps - $79.20
GUESS Shoes, Roleney Single Sole Pumps- $79.20
Where’d you get That Bag?!
A woman’s bag speaks a thousand words, even when the woman carrying it says none. Guess what? Even if your bag doesn’t cost you a couple of thousand dollars, it’s vocabulary can still be expansive. Wouldn’t you like to be carrying this? …
Mulberry Del Ray Snake Print Bag- $1,850
Mulberry Del Ray Snake Print Bag- $1,850
A fun look for less…
Treesje “Coast” snake-embossed leather- $298
Treesje “Coast” snake-embossed leather- $298
Accessorize Me!
Accessories help us achieve our, well, achieved look. They can often turn an ensemble you weren’t so sure about, into one of the best you’ve ever put together. Taking it to the wilderness can either be a hit or miss since it is such a big statement, but what if you choose the quietest, yet most alluring color of all? Black.
Di Croco Crocodile Skin Cuff- $520
Di Croco Crocodile Skin Cuff- $520
Glam it up a bit…
‘Zad Crystal and Faux Crocodile Skin Bracelet- $26
‘Zad Crystal and Faux Crocodile Skin Bracelet- $26
The Dress
This is definitely the main course, and animal prints allow you to be daring in more ways than one. Instead of choosing one pattern to complete your look, choose a piece that plays on multiple patterns of prints. The possibilities are endless!
Roberto Cavalli Printed Short Dress- $1,295
Roberto Cavalli Printed Short Dress- $1,295
Similar concept, different print…. and a different price of course…
KAMALIKULTURE Print Shirred Dress – $85
KAMALIKULTURE Print Shirred Dress- $85
Braving The Cold
Outerwear is the icing on the cake, so the need to elect the perfect piece is very necessary. There are so many options to choose from, existent in varying fabrics, styles, and colors—or prints in our case.
This classic animal lover of a double breasted Cheetah print coat from Diane Von Furstenberg will run you $3,300
Diane Von Furstenberg $3,300
… but if you decide you wouldn’t mind a little crop and a bit of fun, try this H&M faux fur for 69.95
H&M faux fur $69.95
Exploring the style possibilities created with animal prints is exciting and it seems to bring out an inner wild side that you maybe don’t experience with those other prints. They allow you to be daring, bold, and to take on the role of the creature you’re representing to some aspect (discretion is definitely advised). There are many style options, and the key is to examine them with a keen eye that spots great style and a match to your personality.
