Fashion Challenge: Wear Animal Print
Leopard Louboutin eye candy | Photo Credit
Okay, I’ll admit it — I’m the kind of girl that would wear head-to-toe leopard if it were socially acceptable. I know some people think it’s kinda tacky, and I also know it’s not the hottest trend right now, but I just can’t get enough of animal print. It recently occurred to me, though, that the streets have been devoid of my favorite patterns for a few months — I guess animal prints aren’t as popular in the spring and summer as they are in more chilly weather. Thus, this week’s challenge was conceived — rock animal print, right now, in the summer.
Ready to take on the challenge, but don’t know where to begin? Read on for a few hints on how to get started!
Tips and Tricks for Wearing Animal Print in Summer
- Look for light fabrics. Cotton, linen, or any summery fabric will counteract the heaviness presented by the animal print.
- Create an appropriate backdrop. Wearing summer-appropriate items like shorts, a lightweight skirt, espadrilles, a floppy sun hat, or a sheer top will help balance out animal print items as well.
- Stick to a few colors. Wearing too many colors and patterns with animal print can create an overly busy look. Keep it simple elsewhere, and let the animal print be the focal point of your outfit.
- Try an animal print swimsuit. The beach is the perfect place to rock a crazy print.
- Accessorize. As always, a great way to try a new look is to experiment with accessories. Try animal print bags, belts, shoes, or hair pieces.
- Be confident. With any fashion risk, it is important to feel good about the way you look and let your confidence shine through!
Outfit Inspiration
Skirt, Tank, Earrings, Bandeau, Bracelet, Wedges
For a funky summer look, pair a leopard skirt with a black graphic tank. I love pairing loose tanks with bandeau bras, but you could also wear another tank underneath instead. Finish the look with a black pair of wedges, some stud earrings, and a cute bracelet.
Dress, Shoes, Earrings, Clutch
For just a pop of animal print, try pairing patterned shoes with a solid-colored dress! Finish the look with simple earrings and a clutch.
Swim Top, Swim Bottoms, Kaftan, Sun Hat, Heels
A leopard swimsuit will be chic and classy as long as you pair it with the right accessories! Try adding a black kaftan and a floppy sun hat for a cabana-perfect ensemble. Finish with a pair of sky-high heels if you want to be daring, or add gladiators for a more laid-back look.
Took the Challenge? Send Us Evidence!
Did you rock animal print this week? Take a few snapshots and send them to fashionchallenge AT collegefashion.net along with your name, school, a description of what you’re wearing, the URL of your blog if you have one, and any styling tips you might like to share! We’ll feature your photos here to inspire other CF readers.
We can’t wait to see your glam looks!
What Do You Think?
How do you feel about animal print? Do you think it can work in the summer? What are your favorite things to pair it with? Leave us a comment and let us know your thoughts!
Posted on on July 28, 2011 / Filed Under: Fashion Tips / Tags: Animal Print, Fashion Challenge, leopard print, Prints, Summer 2011, Trends
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Comment Rules: CF is a positive place and our comments section is no different. Constructive criticism is fine, but if you're rude, we'll delete your comment. Please use your PERSONAL name or initials and not your business name and do not put your website in the comment text, as both come off like spam. For more info, see our 
Meghan
I lovee my cheetah print sperrys! I wear them all summer
Amanda
I LOVELOVELOVE the first two outfits! I hate the last one. I mean, come on! Heels with a bikini? That’s, just, creepy and weird.
Anyways, I really really want that leapord mini skirt in the first outfit! I would totally wear that. And to make it more winter appropiate, I could wear tights underneath. :)
Kimberly
i just bought leopard print wedges yesterday!!
Anna
I don’t usually comment, but your first outfit is absolutely TO DIE FOR. I’m now looking for a leopard skirt in my size – faaaahbulous.
Erika
I’m totally rocking my black & white leopard maxi today! With my brown belt, denim jacket, turband and teal sandals :)
Ashlee
Those shoes are beautiful.. I love how edgy animal print can be :D
lubster-lobster
Just got a leopard scarf yesterday :D
Roux
Everyone has been commenting on the first outfit, which is nice, but I just want to say that I’m in LOVE with the second outfit. (AWESOME shoes!)
Jacquelie
oh wow! I love the zebra flats !
Megan
like the shoes. :) It’s the first pic. :)
Samantha
I just got some leopard-print heels! I can’t wait to wear them!
Tori
I love wearing leopard print in white and grey. The colors are way more subtle and make it fit into my style a lot better.
Chiara
I prefer animal print in smaller items like flats, scarves and hair accessories. I think it makes for a more subtle look.
Grace
Although I’m no big fan of animal prints I gotta admit that the second outfit looks really cute!
Hannah
I loooove love love animal print. Sure it can be tacky/a lot of people don’t wear it in the summer, but if you can do it right it looks amazing! I love the outfit with the leopard skirt – I have shoes & a tank similar to that already so I’ll have my eye out for one now!
Chiara
Could you please write a post on how to wear glitter/sequins? I love glitter and have glitter flats and a sequined tote bag and I would love some suggestions for outfits!
Thanks!
Annie
I don’t like animal print… but the second outfit is adorable. I guess a little zebra in moderation isn’t so bad :)
Alice
I love animal prints! I’ve got a zebra print blanket that’s super soft and if I could without looking like Linus from Peanuts I would carry it around with me everywhere. I recently bought a leopard print skirt from Target that I absolutely love! And I love that it was only 12 bucks ;)
Gracey
I love animal print! Especially leopard print flats for school :)
Meream
I limit my animal prints to accessories, too. With that said, the 2nd look is just lovely.
Shay
i actually really like the last look. ive always liked the look of heels with a bikini and cover-up i just haven’t found a place its appropriate to wear except maybe a vacation resort.
Salena
I LOVE animal print. Specifically leopard/cheetah. I’ve loved it since I was 8. You might be able to say I’m obsessed with it. XD The thing I love about trends, is that when somethings in its EVERYWHERE. So when AP came back in, they were so many AP items/choices for me to choose from! haha I wear it nearly every season. I have an Ap bag, flats, tee, tanks, mini skirt, a maxi skirt (had it since I was 10 ;)), scarves, & even a jewelry organizer (which I also love btw) lol. Dont worry about if its in season or not. If you like it, make it season appropriate! Speaking of which I love the second outfit!!
alesha
I absolutely love the first outfit. I have seen a tutorial to make a bracelet similar to the red one on honestlywtf.com
Danielle
haha i’ve been obsessed w/ animal print or years. i was *that* middle schooler with the leopard flats and headband and ring (all at once). i still love it, but I have definitely toned it down by now :)
Megan
uuuugggghhhhh. Jewlery! LOVE. <3
Kelsey
I am so with you!!! Can’t get enough of leopard print everything!! Finally got a skirt like the one in the first outfit and I plan on wearing it with a similar outfit asap
Rachel
Animal print on shoes is fashion gold! I love my zebra wedges so much!
Lena
I’m not a huge fan of leopard prints, but I LOVE zebra prints. Those heels in outfit 2 made meh happeh :)
Sarah
I am all about leopard print!! Animal print manis are cute for the summer :)
Allegra
I love the use of leopard. Personally I bought a leopard cardigan, because it tones down the sexy factor of leopard while still adding a bit of playfulness to the fall wardrobe.