Featured Trend: Animal Print
Every so often Closet Psychic features a trend that’s worth knowing. This time, we’re looking at animal print – when it started becoming a fashion staple, and how you can work with it today.
Fashion’s Love Affair with the Wild Side
Animal prints have on the fashion scene for what seems like forever, and they’ve been worn in just about every aesthetic you can think of. A print that’s been eye-catching and versatile enough to be worn as high-society accessories, as well as skin-tight body suits on punk rockers, is bound to create some strong opinions. So it’s no surprise that there are generally two camps when it comes to animal print: trashy v classy.
I won’t dig into the complexities and societal norms at play behind this kind of labeling (Colette Shade does an awesome job of doing just that on Racked if you’re interested), but I will tell you that animal print has once again flooded the runways. The latest rendition of animal prints focuses not just on the unique print itself but emphasizes the versatility and subtlety of this fashion staple. Think tiger stripes or leopard spots with nontraditional, silky textures or snakeskin looks that are flowy and elegant, rather than strictly skin-tight.
A Quick History of Animal Print
After hitting high-fashion status in the ‘20s and, soon after, the introduction of synthetic fabrics, animal prints of all kinds have been rethought and reintroduced with every passing decade. At first, you’d find the print in accessories and smaller pieces.
By the ’40s, leopard print took a bold step into eveningwear and we found the pattern worn head-to-toe on the red carpet.
In the ’50s, exotic animal print pieces became a signature of the well-to-do housewife.
By the ’60s stars like Jill Ireland and Elizabeth Taylor could be found wearing matching sets of leopard print.
As the ’70s rolled through, they helped to relax animal prints from the high-society version of themselves and adopt a looser, more rebellious air.
Of course, after 80’s rock bands got a hold of the look, it had changed completely – often worn with unfinished denim and rhinestones, flying in the of the print’s original, snobby start.
Kate Moss and Betsy Johnson were among those who kept animal prints in vogue through the ‘90s, and the festive print has been a staple in most fashion shows since.
At this point, animal prints have been around for so long and so steadily, one could argue that they’ve almost managed to fade into the background (ironically, as nature intended).
3 Ways to Wear It
1. If you absolutely love it...
Go all in! Make a statement in a full suit, jumpsuit, or dress in your favorite animal print.
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2. If you’re lukewarm...
Dip your toe in the water and start with a stylishly cut piece you can pair with neutrals you’re more comfortable in.
3. If you’re not ready to commit...
Rock some animal print accessories. You can pair them with pieces that are more natural to your style, or layer on a few at a time to make a bolder statement.
Shop the look
All that’s left is to choose the animal print that speaks to your wild side! The options are endless, and if you need help figuring out what to wear, sign up for Stylescopes (the horoscope all about your wardrobe) below. Or, follow Closet Psychic on Facebook & Instagram for regular style inspiration.
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