Animal print tends to split people into two distinct camps: lovers or haters. It sparks debates—is leopard print a neutral? (I’d argue yes) and can zebra print work for minimalists? (also, yes). Either way, the playful pattern is impossible to ignore right now.
A quick scroll through Google Trends proves it: searches for Adidas leopard-print trainers, animal-print maxi skirts and even animal-print duvet covers are climbing steadily. Meanwhile, on the Autumn/Winter 2025 runways, designers leaned into the statement print with full force.
Roberto Cavalli doubled down with leopard-print coats and snake-print co-ords, Balmain went bold with zebra, and Coach experimented with oversized, fuzzy faux fur.More labels still looked to animal print accessories as their entry point: Anna Sui’s hats, Brandon Maxwell’s leopard scarves, and luxe iterations from Prada and Bottega Veneta too—proof that even the most refined fashion houses can’t resist a walk on the wild side.
It’s a sentiment echoed by Marie Claire's very own Fashion Editor Clementina Jackson. “I wear a lot of black and neutral-coloured clothing, and tend towards a pared-back, minimalist style—so I have long been a fan of using animal print accessories to add some much-needed pizzazz to my looks,” she says. “There’s nothing cooler, in my opinion, than the unexpected pop of a leopard-print boot peeking out from beneath tailored trousers, elevating a classic LBD with a zebra-print bag, or the fun of pairing cow-print ballerinas with jeans and a T-shirt.”
Her styling advice? Invest wisely. "The trick is to choose accessories made from quality fabrics to ensure the prints feel chic rather than cheap—think leather, calf or pony hair,” Clementina adds. So yes, that Prada bag or those Alaïa heeled flip-flops are justified purchases. That said, high street gems can still hold their own. I, for one, recently picked up a pair of Topshop pony-hair cow-print mules and have never felt more easily inducted into the animal-print accessories pack. Vintage is also your friend here, says Clementina: "resale sites are treasure troves for timeless, well-made pieces."
Of course, the real question is which print to commit to. For first-timers, snake is an easy in—it comes in a wide range of shades and wears like a subtle neutral. Zebra, with its monochrome palette, feels tailor-made for minimalist wardrobes. Cow print offers something a little fresher and more playful, while leopard remains the perennial favourite, cropping up on everything from boots to silk scarves.
Whichever camp you fall into, the message from the runways—and our wardrobes—is clear: animal print isn’t going anywhere. Below, we’ve rounded up a few of our favourite ways to wear it now.
Shop Animal Print Accessories
"I own these have worn them to death," says Clementina—and she encourages us all to do the same.
Sitting somewhere between leopard, cow and pony, this irregular print bag from Massimo Dutti is sure to stand out from the rest of your collection.
Prefer the pull of a scarf? This silk zebra Roberto Cavalli cop is sure to elevate any outfit, whether tied around the waist, neck or head.
After a chic snake? These Khaite boots are sure to fit the brill and will look particularly sleek with jeans tucked inside.
A belt is one of the easiest ways to incorporate animal print into your outfit, especially a skinny style such as this.
Part leopard, part zebra yet all monochrome, this Prada Galleria bag is for any true fan of animal print.
The Alaïa leopard print mules have swiftly shot to the top of many fashion fans wishlist's, and we've spotted a fair few in recent street style snaps.
This large & Other Stories tote is big enough to hold all the essentials whilst livening up any look.
The Adidas cow print trainers were an instant sell-out on Asos, and following their success you can now buy an even chicer pair on Net-a-Porter.
Lightweight scarves have cemented themselves as the go-to accessory for summer, with women styling them in a whole host of ways—around the neck, waist and head.
Prefer a flat shoe? Aeyde's zebra print pony hair pumps fit both the minimalist and maximalist aesthetics.
Cow print has quietly been creeping up the ranks as the most popular animal print, and this Anthropologie bag is a perfect example of why.
These Topshop cow print mules have made their way into my own wardrobe, and they're just as comfy as they are chic.
Isabel Marant is no stranger to an animal print, adding a signature boho twist on the trend with this belt.
A vintage Fendi find will be high on the wish list of any fashion editor, and this cow print pony hair style from circa 2004-2006 is one of the best gems you'll find.
