I’ve heard it said that September is the new January… a new beginning. Time to embrace new routines after a long hot summer (well it was as close to a long hot summer as we’ve ever had!!) Even the news today is advising that we should be re-evaluating our drinking habits after a Summer of Rosé!! I for one, have returned from holiday eager to live a little more saintly and delve into the new colours, patterns, textures and layers of AW.
One of the stand-out AW18 trends that cannot have failed to grab your attention is animal print. It’s everywhere. It’s literally a jungle out there with so many safari patterns crowding the rails and dominating the fashion editorials and subsequently your social media feeds! Leopard is still the king of the fashion jungle, but this year zebra, tiger and snakeskin are competing for the crown too.
Animal print is a great look for women over 40. It’s bold and sassy but also looks chic and has a sophisticated aura when worn the right way. I’m sure you all have a bit of leopard in your wardrobe as the trend is not new and has come along way from the busty, brassy image of the 80s – as I wrote about in AW16 here…
In fact, Leopard has become so mainstream that it is now described as a neutral – which means it supposedly goes with everything. I find a breton stripe and leopard print totally acceptable and I agree that leopard footware can be worn with anything… but I am wary of pairing leopard with other patterns. Leopard and tartan? Not for me… Leopard and floral prints? Mmm, potentially… Leopard and zebra? Maybe… Like me, you’ll have to give it a go and see how far you dare!!!
For AW18, it’s time to unleash your animal instinct like never before!!! The trend is no longer limited to traditional safari hues, animal prints now comes in bold and bright colours designed to be flashy and clashy. Think Shania Twain and Sue Pollard merged together to create a riot of crazy animal colour!! Athough you may be wincing at very idea, it’s not as bad as it sounds…
Take this jumper from M&S; wear it with your favourite jeans & boots or a pleated skirt & trainers, or black cigarette pants & heels for a smarter look. Marks and Spencer Animal Print Jumper, £35
See similar animal print jumpers in blue tones below from left to right: H! by Henry Holland £35; Primark £13; Tu Clothing £22
Style your animal print jumper with a skirt – it could be a pencil or pleated skirt and as always dressed according to the occasion with either trainers or heels.
Zebra Jumper – New Look £22.99; Satin Pleated Skirt – M&S £49.50; Leather Bag – M&S £89; Western Chlesea Boots – Office £110; Gola Classic Trainers – Debenhams £75
Leopard print skirts are available at just about every High St store right now with Zara, Primark and FandF clothing offering inexpensive versions…
Animal print skirts are a failsafe option as they are so easy to style – wear with your favourite black shirt / jumper; slogan Tee; denim shirt; or pair with a block colour such as green / pink / mustard; or your favourite breton top.
Rust Blouse – La Redoute £29; Denim Shirt – Next £30; White Boots – Office via ASOS £80; Puma Trainers – Office £84.99; Animal Print Skirt – M&S £35
To step away from the rather uniform leopard skirt, why not try an alternative animal print skirt? I was lucky enough to get my hands on the Top Shop tiger skirt which sold out very quickly and for some reason hasn’t been re-stocked…
…but here’s some great alternatives, from left to right: Mango £44.99; New Look £17.99; Zara £49.99
For maximum animal impact, why not go the whole hog with an animal print dress or jumpsuit?
I haven’t even covered animal print accessories in this post!!! A leopard or snake print boot or shoe is the easiest way to incorporate this trend into your wardrobe – making your outfits relevant and on-trend. Don’t be scared of the animal trend, it’s really one for everyone but especially women in Club Forty – just let your inner animal run wild!!!
For more inspiration on how to style your animal print pieces, please check out my Pinterest board AW18 Animal Print.
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