I am aware that animal print is not for everyone, people seem to either love it or hate it, like Marmite, but I have always thought that no wardrobe was complete without at least one faux skin or animal print statement piece.
During my high-school and early college years, leopard motives were quickly associated with a particular urban tribe that seemed to favour neon colours and all-over-the-body piercings together with this popular animal print. I would still sport my pointed leopard flats back then, but one had to be cautious not to overstep the line that separated classy from flashy (unless that was what you were going for #notjudging) 😉
These days we see how most designers keep on incorporating animal-skin patterns to their creations and fashionistas rock these pieces whether in the form of bags, shoes or coats: snakeskin, leopard, crocodile, ostrich… to name but a few, and always faux, please!
This timeless trend was never really gone and every few seasons makes a comeback, so whether you are on board with it or not, we won’t deny that animal printed pieces are an eye-catcher and can instantly elevate an outfit if done right.
However, as we saw with the double denim trend, animal print can be daunting as it is bound to attract a certain level of attention that not everyone is comfortable with 😉
So if you are captivated by nature’s beauty and are considering joining the wild side but are not too sure of how to go about it, here’s the big secret to get started, glamista: KEEP IT MINIMAL!
As with many other overpowering fashion elements, you can go completely overboard and throw in a whole safari if you want, but for a chic & edgy vibe, I would advise a small dose of animal print over a minimal look: a pair of leopard stilettos with skinny blue jeans, a zebra scarf over a black leather jacket, a snakeskin structured bag over tight black jeans and a white T-shirt.
And as you should know by now, the key to any statement look is to wear it boldly!
Chic with an edgy twist is precisely what I was going for on this night date with my lovely friend Mar, whom I had to treat to cocktails as a payback for the photo session 😛
While I was getting ready, I rescued my leopard sandals from Next from two years ago which are an absolute favourite of mine, then started to work the outfit up: these thrifted mom jeans (also seen here & here) are a bit loose on the waist area, so I grabbed a faux snakeskin belt with a shiny golden buckle to tighten them up and make the bottom part more figure-flattering. Perhaps I shouldn’t mix two different prints on the same look? Said a little voice in my head. However another voice coming out of the mirror said: you rock, girl!
So I decided to listen to that second voice and off I went, animal safari on & untamed lioness hair, ready to kill the night! What do you guys think of the result?
Shoutout to my mum for stocking me up with the cutest handmade crochet bags this summer!
Are you a fan of animal print, glamistas, or do you stay away from it? How would you style it?
Don’t be shy, I would love to read your thoughts in the comments down below, one of my favourite parts about the blog! ♥
Happy Sunday!
Peace&Love
Saida
Mar Brito
{Primark Halter top & Snakeskin Belt} {Vintage Mom Jeans} {Next Leopard Sandals}
{Crochet Bag – Handmade by my awesome mama} {H&M Round Necklace} {ASOS Sunglasses}
Kim
1st September 2017 at 12:32 amUsually I am not an animal prints gal but I adore the way you incorporated it into your outfit! So subtle and classic!
Kim
Simply Lovebirds
Saida
2nd September 2017 at 9:48 pmSo glad you liked the look, sweet Kim, subtlety is key when talking about bold prints like these 🙂
Steal4Style
8th August 2017 at 1:46 pmTu madre es una artista!! Me encanta cómo has combinado los dos elementos de animal print. SObre todo, como tú dices es importante introducir pequeñas dosis para no parecer un cuadro jajaja. Con el look en negro consigues el lienzo perfecto para introducir este estampado que a veces parece más difícil de combinar de lo que es. Un look ideal, estás guapísima!!
Steal4Style.com
Isn't That Charming
7th August 2017 at 4:59 pmYou rocked this look! I love how you added small articles of clothing that had animal print to help jazz up this simple outfit.
Isn’t That Charming.
carmitive
5th August 2017 at 9:21 amI really like how you accentuated those details with animal printed accessories Saida! Such a cool look all in all <3
xx, Carmen – http://www.carmitive.com
Styles by Nancy
4th August 2017 at 4:58 pmLove the simple touches of pattern!
http://stylesbynancy.blogspot.com/2017/08/loreal-revitalift-review.html
Saida
4th August 2017 at 9:44 pmThanks for stopping by, gal!
Dorothy
4th August 2017 at 2:22 amI’m not normally a fan of animal and leopard print as I find them so hard to style, but after reading these tips, I guess it’s time for me to own one. Great tips Saida 🙂
Saida
4th August 2017 at 9:43 pmThanks so much for your kind comment Dorothy, I am sure you can pull it off beautifully! Wishing you a lovely day Xx
nikkilivinglife
31st July 2017 at 3:05 pmI love how you incorporated this timeless trend into your look. It’s not overkill just chic. You look gorgeous.
Xx
Nikki
http://www.nikkilivinglife.com
Saida
31st July 2017 at 4:53 pmhi Nikki, thank you so much for stopping by and leaving such a sweet comment. Glad you liked the look and hope to read you some other time Xx
Jaz
29th July 2017 at 9:17 pmLove the Marmite reference, I love it btw! As for leopard print, I prefer more of an understated look incorporating the print with accessories like you have in your pictures! I love your shoes! I agree, I think everyone needs to have a couple of key leopard print items in their wardrobe.
Jaz xoxo
http://www.thelifeofasocialbutterfly.co.uk
Saida
30th July 2017 at 8:51 amHi Jaz, I am not a Marmite fan myself but I know what is like for British people 😛 Glad to read you are on the chic-animal-print-please bandwagon! Have a fantastic day Xx
MimaMochi
29th July 2017 at 8:07 pmThat snake print belt stands out so much and looks beautifully styled against that all black outfit.
Adrianna x | http://mimamochi.com/
Saida
29th July 2017 at 9:04 pmThank you so much beautiful Adrianna, I needed a fun touch for the outfit as I cannot yet master the total black look without looking boring 😛
Amy feller
29th July 2017 at 3:23 amYour all black outfit looks so cool.
It is very suit for you.
Saida
29th July 2017 at 5:28 pmAwww that’s very kind of you Amy, thanks a bunch!
Le Blonde
28th July 2017 at 11:47 amMe encanta la sutileza de este print en tu look!
XOLB
http://www.le-blonde.com
Saida
29th July 2017 at 5:28 pmAh, un placer tenerte por aquí linda, gracias por comentar! Xx
Ashon
27th July 2017 at 10:37 pmYou look gorgeous babe and what a brilliant idea to add this animal print accessories in all black outfit, it makes the whole outfit more interesting.
Regards Ashon
http://ashonfashionary.com/how-to-style-your-old-ruffle-blouse-to-a-chic-modern-look/
Saida
29th July 2017 at 5:30 pmYes, I thought the same when putting the outfit together. I am still not mastering the total minimal look, so a bit of safari helped in this case 😉
Helena Primeira
27th July 2017 at 10:23 pmI like this look 🙂
*XoXo
Helena Primeira
Helena Primeira Youtube
Primeira Panos
Saida
29th July 2017 at 5:30 pmThank you so much!!
SOCIETY FIX (@pharaoh_fashion)
27th July 2017 at 9:52 pmI love this, you look so cool.
Would you like to follow each other on bloglovin’? Follow me and I’ll follow you back.
http://www.easys-tyle.com/
Benita James
27th July 2017 at 9:28 pmNot really an animal print person but I love how simple you’ve rocked yours.
Bernie, xx
The Style Fanatic
Saida
29th July 2017 at 5:31 pmThanks babe, you totally rock your African vibrant prints tho, so cool!
Rina
27th July 2017 at 8:46 pmThis is definitely the chic way to do animal print, subtle pops in your accessories and shoes. I do like some bold animal print too when styled the right way. I could totally see myself in a furry faux fur leopard coat that I’ve seen around in the winter. I’ll definitely be wearing some animal print for fall and winter!
xoxo
Rina Samantha
http://www.andshedressed.com
Saida
29th July 2017 at 5:38 pmYes, I totally agree Rina Samantha! Looking forward to seeing how you rock that furry coat in the upcoming months, I might get one myself too 🙂
Gil Zetbase
27th July 2017 at 7:11 pmI like it!!!
Have a nice evening!
Photographer Gil Zetbase
http://www.gilzetbase.com/
Saida
29th July 2017 at 5:32 pmThank you so much for stopping by my little blog Gil, you are such a talented professional!
Danielle
27th July 2017 at 3:21 pmi don’t tend to wear animal print but these are really subtle and cute!
http://www.avecdanielle.com
Saida
29th July 2017 at 5:37 pmA lot of people find animal print quite daring and flashy, but not always has to be like that 😉 Thank you for reading, lovely Danielle, much love Xx
Rachel
27th July 2017 at 2:28 pmSo pretty and chic! Love the whole look!
http://chicglamstyle.com
Saida
29th July 2017 at 5:36 pmThanks a lot honey, so great to read your kind words Xx
Len Parent
27th July 2017 at 4:49 amLove the entire look! You are so flawless! Thanks for sharing!
Have a fabulous week!
Much love, Len
http://www.lenparent.com
Saida
29th July 2017 at 5:35 pmHope you are having the greatest weekend beautiful Len, thanks for dropping by dearest!
theluxilook
27th July 2017 at 12:10 amObsessed w/ the way you styled animal print babe! 🙂
xx, Amy
http://www.theluxilook.com
Saida
29th July 2017 at 5:32 pmMany thanks, belle Amy, so happy you stopped by!! ♥
Black Dress Inspiration
26th July 2017 at 10:41 pmNice outfit
http://www.blackdressinspiration.com
Saida
29th July 2017 at 5:33 pmThank you, linda!
Andrea
26th July 2017 at 7:09 pmYou wear this animal print in such a cool way. I love the whole combo. Thank you so much for this inspirational post.
Have a wonderful day my dear.
xx Andrea – Strawberries ‘n’ Champagne
http://www.strawberriesnchampagne.com
Saida
29th July 2017 at 5:34 pmAwww, you are so sweet Andrea, thanks a million. I love your blog girl!
Stephanie
26th July 2017 at 7:43 amLooking awesome your shades are classic honey 🙂
Please see Zulily Coupon
Saida
29th July 2017 at 5:33 pmI am wearing them all the time, hehehe Thank you for you comment dear!
Fashion and the City
26th July 2017 at 6:00 amNice outfit dear, loved the animal print details!
Hara | http://www.fashion-and-thecity.com
Saida
29th July 2017 at 5:27 pmMany thanks Hara, so happy to read you enjoyed it and thanks for stopping by my little virtual corner 🙂
yaramel
26th July 2017 at 1:46 amLoved that you rocked both snake and leopard prints!
The look is super fun 😀
http://www.desiringsme.com/ways-to-wear-summer-basics/
Saida
29th July 2017 at 5:27 pmSo happy you liked the look Yaramel, any interesting plans for the weekend? xx
Handika
25th July 2017 at 11:24 pmyou look stunning with these animal prints.
Saida
29th July 2017 at 5:26 pmThanks babe!
Katherine Tran
25th July 2017 at 8:50 pmI don’t think I’ve worn animal prints before, now that I think about it. Love it on you!
http://www.myclusterofthoughts.com/
Saida
29th July 2017 at 5:26 pmI know it’s not for everyone, but sometimes you see it on someone else and you think, hey, maybe it’s not that bad but I would still wouldn’t wear it, hahahah
Demilade Aina
25th July 2017 at 7:47 pmI used to be obsessed with animal prints when I was younger but I’ve steered clear of them in the last couple of years.I’m a fan of snake skin prints though. I like how your outfit, very simple but still cute! xx
Coco Bella Blog
Saida
29th July 2017 at 5:24 pmI was not that into snake skin until very recently to tell you the truth, but I like it because it’s a bit less loud than leopard and still gives that dressy look to an outfit. Thanks for stopping by Demilade Aina ♥
Shanice
25th July 2017 at 6:39 pmI love me some animal print! Not so much snakeskin, but I adore leopard print items. I have a faux fur leopard winter coat and I really like to rock it, even though i was a bit scared in the beginning 😉 I think styling this trend with all black like you did is such a nice way to make it sleek and classy!
http://texturecharmscolour.de
Saida
29th July 2017 at 5:23 pmThanks for your nice comment Shanice, I am looking forward to seeing you on that coat. Is it included in your capsule wardrobe?? Sending you lots of love Xx
Ashley
25th July 2017 at 6:20 pmI love these little touches, babe!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Saida
29th July 2017 at 5:21 pmThank you, Ashley!!
Silvia
25th July 2017 at 5:55 pmUnas fotos geniales! El negro siempr es una buena opcion!!
Un beso guapa! Silvia
http://www.elblogdesilvia.com/2017/07/streetstyle-green-midi-dress-metisu-summer-look-blogger-influencer.html
Saida
29th July 2017 at 5:21 pmMuchas gracias por pasarte y comentar, Silvia! Es verdad que el negro siempre es una apuesta segura 😉
titritmode
25th July 2017 at 4:47 pmYou look gorgeous ! I love the way you styled your animal print belt and sandals !
Nina
xox
http://www.thecrispylipstick.com
Saida
29th July 2017 at 5:20 pmThanks honey!
Shannon
25th July 2017 at 4:32 pmLOVE how you styled this! And the fact that you mixed animal prints without is clashing is impressive!
Shannon
Clothes & Quotes
Saida
29th July 2017 at 5:20 pmShannon, that’s such a sweet comment, thanks a million! Sometimes trial & error in fashion ends up giving you a nice result and you have to go with it, hehehe
Andreea Birsan
25th July 2017 at 3:51 pmUsed to love it a lot in high school and in my first year of university, but then I slowly started forgetting about it. It’s probably because it’s not so easy to find, or I don’t know. Anyway, you chose a great way to integrate it in your outfit and it adds a fun detail to an all black look :). Hope you are having a great day! xx
Andreea,
http://couturezilla.com/
Saida
29th July 2017 at 5:19 pmI know, it was exactly the same for me, it’s not so popular nowadays and it’s quite easy to find really flashy shapes and/or materials in leopard print, but when they are a bit more subtle, they do add a little something without much effort 😀 Thanks for stopping by, bella Andreea
Alyssa
25th July 2017 at 11:14 amI love the way you wore those cold animal prints. Subtle and very chic 🙂 I’m taking note!
xx Alyssa // STYLE VANITY
Saida
29th July 2017 at 5:17 pmAhhh thank you Alyssa, I am sure you would rock animal print just as well! Xx
Kris
25th July 2017 at 10:50 amLove your look!!
Have a lovely day!
xx Kris
https://dreamingofpink.wordpress.com
Saida
29th July 2017 at 5:16 pmThank you for reading dear Kris, wishing you a great weekend as well! Xx
miri
25th July 2017 at 7:37 amI love the way you styled your animal print belt and sandals. You look stunning.
X
Miri
http://currentlywearing.com
Saida
29th July 2017 at 5:15 pmdear Miri, thanks for stopping by and for your sweet comment. Sending lots of love your way!
Shannon
25th July 2017 at 1:02 amI love how you mixed two animal prints here without stepping over that line! IT looks awesome! I agree, that line is hard not to overstep. Especially if you’re wearing a huge, furry leopard print coat haha
TFM Life & Style blog
Saida
29th July 2017 at 5:14 pmWell, if you go for the whole furry print coat I say you own it, girl. I really liked how girls styled that piece last winter but didn’t manage to find one myself that didn’t look too tacky 😛
Vanessa
24th July 2017 at 10:04 pmSaida,
I love how you mixed the different animal prints! I will have to try that! You look amazing!
xoxo,
Vanessa
http://www.whatwouldvwear.com
Saida
29th July 2017 at 5:13 pmAwww thank you so so much for your lovely comment V! It’s always so uplifting ♥
Siffat Haider
24th July 2017 at 7:32 pmI love the idea of adding an animal print belt to an all-black look. It’s such an easy (and fun) way to mix it up!
xo
Siffat
http://icingandglitter.com
Saida
29th July 2017 at 5:12 pmYesss, minimalists way to go wild, hehehe. Thanks for stopping by, gorgeous Siffat
Publicist in Pearls
24th July 2017 at 7:26 pmThe perfect pops of print… so cute!
xo, Jennifer
http://www.publicistinpearls.com
Saida
29th July 2017 at 5:12 pmThank you dear Jennifer! Xx
Love Of Mode
24th July 2017 at 7:20 pmI’m not a fan of wearing big bold animal prints but if they’re incorporated in look through accessories I’m all for it!
XoXo,
Tamara – LoveofMode.com
Saida
29th July 2017 at 5:11 pmI couldn’t agree more Tamara, that’s the way to go in my opinion 🙂
nisthasaraf
24th July 2017 at 5:23 pmThe animal print definitely adds that extra charm to the outfit. I personally love the leopard print.
Nistha
https://www.fashionistha.com/embossed-fit-and-flare-dress/
Saida
29th July 2017 at 5:11 pmIt’s my favourite too, Nistha, although I don’t own that many leopard print pieces any more, just a few cherished ones
Cecilie Krog Pedersen
24th July 2017 at 9:15 amI love this look dear !
A great way to incorporate animal print.
/Cecilie
Saida
29th July 2017 at 5:10 pmThanks so much dear Cecilie, so happy to read you enjoyed this look!
violettedaily
24th July 2017 at 9:00 amI always loved the touch of animal print in an outfit, it adds a touch of chic and fun! This belt is just perfect!!
http://violettedaily.com
didieryhc
24th July 2017 at 6:49 amI always found animal prints to be so hard to pull off but you do so with brio!
-Didier
http://www.didieryhc.com
Saida
29th July 2017 at 5:09 pmI am always cautious when it comes to animal prints tbh, but always keep a couple of valued pieces in my wardrobe for when they are needed 😉 Thanks for reading, dear
notjessfashion1
24th July 2017 at 4:49 amI love how you subtly incorporated the animal prints in the outfit. They provide just the right stylish touch to the look!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
Saida
29th July 2017 at 5:08 pmIt’s hard to find the balance sometimes, but so happy to see people liked it. Thanks for stopping by lovely Jessica
S
24th July 2017 at 12:17 amYou look absolutely gorgeous ! I love that belt, its the perfect touch for an all black look.
xo
S
The Grey Canvas
Saida
29th July 2017 at 5:07 pmAww thank you so much gorgeous, glad you liked the post ♥
paula mcclelland
23rd July 2017 at 9:38 pmI LOVE this look! But then I am super partial to some leopard print. I always wear it as accessories, I used to own a blouse but it was too loud 😉
♥ Paula Shoe Fiend.
http://shoe-fiend.blogspot.co.nz/
Saida
29th July 2017 at 5:07 pmI think it’s a print with somewhat bad reputation, but I like it when it’s subtle, and I will admit I am not such a print lover myself 😉
Monika
23rd July 2017 at 11:53 amGreat photos! I like your outfit 😉
My blog https://cakemonika.blogspot.com/ 😉
Neha Bhatt Bhagat
23rd July 2017 at 11:05 amU look beautiful in this outfit babe and those sandals are just wow…kisses,Neha
http://www.theinstylejournal.com
Saida
29th July 2017 at 5:06 pmThank you so much, dear Neha, they were a great find indeed Xx