If there’s one thing I’ve learned from years of playing in my closet, it’s that fashion rules were made to be broken. Remember when the rule was you could only wear one print at a time?
Well, today we’re tossing that old rule out the window and working on a way to print mix with animal prints.
Quote of the day: “Believe in yourself.” Unknown
Now, before you say, “That’s too much for me,” let me reassure you. The idea to print mix with animal prints doesn’t have to be over the top. In fact, your animal print doesn’t even have to be a blouse or a pair of pants; it can be something as subtle as a scarf, a belt, or even footwear.
That way, you’re dipping your toe into the look without feeling like the pattern is taking over.
You might ask, why even challenge myself to print mix with animal prints? And I might counter:
1-Animal prints tend to be easy to print mix with because they are usually combinations of neutral colors.
2-Mixing prints makes your outfit look intentional and stylish instead of predictable…AKA frumpy.
3-Adds a ton of versatility to your closet
4-Because you are stepping outside of the old-fashioned rules, you are saying that you’re playful, modern, and not afraid to stand out (as opposed to playing it safe, which was an interesting topic recently).
5-Animal prints are (again) trending for fall (as I researched and shared), and considering you probably already have the print in your closet, let’s make new and different outfits.
I went through a bunch of my older photos to see what kind of variety I have experimented with by print mix with animal prints. There was quite a selection, and I narrowed it down to these:
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1. Camo + Animal Print
Camo print had been losing momentum in the last couple of years; however, it’s making a comeback. Whether or not it surfaces for long, it’s still a great print mix item (as shown in the past).
Insider tip: I always believe that one way to make an “out of style” item feel more modern is by pairing it with something on trend.
I styled camo shorts with a zebra top and instantly loved how the two prints played off each other.
For my comfort, I tried to break up the 2 printed clothing items with a solid belt and then added a colorful item with my footwear.
2. Two Animal Prints Together
This one might feel a little wild (pun intended), but it can be fabulous. My example shows leopard sandals with a leopard scarf worn as a belt.
Insider tip: I love my scarf clip to hold the ends together so you don’t have such a bulky knot.
In the past, I’ve worn 2 animal prints together in the summer and wore a vest over them to break up the 2 patterns. Funny, how I used the same color scheme.
3. Polka Dots + Animal Print
Polka dots are whimsical and retro, while animal prints are fierce and modern. Together? They can be considered yin/yang or the perfect dichotomy.
I paired this polka dot dress with leopard booties
This is a subtle example of print mixing with animal prints for 2 reasons:
1-The booties are a small print and almost look solid from far away.
2-The polka dot dress is covered by this tan shirtdress, so it’s not the star of the show. In fact, from behind, you don’t even see the polka dots.
Insider tip: This necklace has both turquoise and red strands, but I didn’t want the red one to show. This FB video shows I fixed that.
4. Graphic Print + Animal Print
I wasn’t sure what kind of print to call this sweater (hand-knit by me). Sure, it’s stripes, but it’s more than just stripes.
So, in the interest of me making things up, I went with graphic print.
If you are a stickler for terminology, I’m happy to edit this with the correct term. And I bet everyone could imagine a real graphic print tee or sweatshirt that would look wonderful with this outfit.
As things are, the print (whatever you want to call it) sweater and leopard hat play wonderfully together.
It reminds me of the trees in autumn with the colors.
5. Stripes + Animal Print
Stripes are often called a “gateway print” because they pair with just about everything, and yes, that includes animal prints. Their structured, linear vibe contrasts beautifully with the organic flow of any animal print.
I layered this striped dress that is a tad short over this leopard tulle skirt.
Let’s talk colors. In these photos, the leopard tulle skirt has a blue tint, and the dress IS navy and white. But in real life, the skirt is black and grey. It goes to show how some colors meld and change when paired with other colors, as well as how the lighting makes a difference.
6. Extra Credit – 3 Prints
Why stop at two prints when you can mix three? This might seem like too much if you’re just starting to print mix, but as interior designers have shown for ages, there is an abundance of prints that can coexist together.
It’s all about your mindset and willingness to be open to new styles and combinations.
6A- Stripes + Florals + Leopard
This floral silk shirt dress (which I tend to wear as a topper) was layered over this red striped dress. Then I grabbed my leopard sandals that have a red plaid heel. If you count the footwear as 2 prints, then this extra credit would be a total of 4 prints.
6B- Stripes + Whimsical Print + Leopard
Choosing a print item that is very subtle makes print mixing easier at times. This pink striped vest looks like a solid from far away.
I layered the vest over this whimsical print blouse and then matched the leopard shoes to the barrel jeans.
6C-2 Leopards + Leaf Print
I bookended the leopard prints with my hat (same hat as in #4) and booties (same booties as in #3), and then draped a leaf print scarf around my neck and through the buttons of the tan shirt dress (same dress as in #3).
Why Print Mix with Animal Prints Works
The reason this all works comes down to balance and fun. Animal prints are usually comprised of neutrals, so they mix easily with other patterns. Whether it’s leopard, zebra, or snakeskin, these prints can anchor your outfit without stealing the show. Or they can steal the show…you decide.
Even the rulebook for the idea to print mix with animal prints has evolved, but if you still struggle, remember these foundational thoughts:
- Balance the scale (big print with small print).
- Keep a similar color palette.
- Spread the prints across your body so they aren’t focused all in one area.
- Use accessories if you’re testing the waters. Hats, scarves, shoes, and belts are the easiest way to start.
And if you’re looking for other ideas to push yourself into combining 2 prints, make sure to check out some of our older outfits:
–Floral print mixing
–Breaking rules
–Stripes and prints
–Beginners and print mixing
-And many of you really loved the print mixing with this tropical skirt
Final Thoughts
Fashion is supposed to be fun, not full of rules.
As older women, we’ve seen animal prints in all forms and I would consider it basic at this stage. But we aren’t basic. We are advanced creatures with more experience than most. So let’s elevate the basic to a bit of bold.
And the best part? You get to decide how subtle or daring you want to be.
I know I always say this, but challenge yourself to print mix with animal prints. Even if it’s just the tiniest bit. You may surprise yourself with how much you love the look.
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