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How to wear animal print in summer

Work it all year round.

If you’re wondering whether animal print is still wearable in warmer weather, the answer is absolutely.

While florals are often synonymous with summer, their lesser-worn sister can work just as well. In fact, tiger, leopard, cow and zebra prints can be both feminine and add some edge to our spring wardrobes for a less predictable look.

Despite appearing difficult to style, it’s easy when you know how. The common rule when it comes to wearing animal print is to wear it as you would any other neutral. We also love mixing and matching animal prints, wearing one print head-to-toe or adding unexpected pops of animal print to a look, whether that’s a handbag, neck scarf or a pair of shoes.

Still unsure of how to wear it this summer? Look no further than some of our favourite influencers, who show us how to make the prints less Kat Slater and more Marilyn Monroe. Plus, we’ve found some of the most wearable animal print pieces you can buy right now.

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Influencer Sara Waiste sits on a doorstep wearing a babushka scarf, pink sunglasses, a tiger pussybow blouse in pink, cream trousers with wavy black lines, yellow loafers with a pink Prada nylon big sitting beside her.
@sarawaiste

Sara Waiste could make anything look chic. The influencer’s ultra-stylish take on animal print sees her clashing a salmon pink tiger print blouse from Lily & Lionel with a pair of wavy-printed trousers from Gimaguas.

The pink shades, bandana scarf and Gucci shoes top it off.

Influencer Lauren Nicole wearing a blue and white tiger print jumpsuit with blue rectangle sunglasses and trainers standing in a street in front of a blue door and painted blue house.
@laurennicolefk

When it doubt, go all out.

Lauren Nicole’s head-to-toe zebra-print look from Never Fully Dressed is simple, but makes a statement. Plus, jumpsuits are ideal for those who prefer trousers over skirts.

Influencer Karen Britchick lying across a blue velvet chez lounge in her sitting room wearing a leopard print slip dress. There's a mirror and a big potted plant in the background, and a glass of water on the floor in front of her.
@karenbritchick

You can’t go wrong with a slip dress. Karen Blanchard nods to 90s style with her leopard print gown.

We’d wear ours with a pair of dad sandals and rectangle shades to top it off.

Influencer Francesca Perks wearing a zebra print slip dress with a pink shirt undone and white slides standing in front of her wardrobe taking a selfie in the mirror.
@francescaperks

If you prefer a splash of colour, throw a poppy oversized shirt over your slip dress like Francesca.

Hot pink is the colour of summer, so you’re killing two birds with one stone.

A woman sits in her wheelchair in garden holding her baby. Both are wearing blue zebra print, with Sophie in a dress and her baby in a onesie.
@fashionbelleee

Sophie and baby Zyra wear matching blue and white zebra print, proving the look can be super cute and stylish too!

Influencer Nicole Ocran standing in the street wearing a leopard print dress with barely there black heels.
@nicoleocran

If you prefer neutrals, wearing a classic leopard print dress is the way to go.

Nicole has worn hers with barely there heels, but if you prefer flat shoes, try trainers or a pair of chunky leather flip flops.

Influencer Florence Given sits in a black lace slip dress, chunky boots and a leopard print neck tie as she takes a selfie in the mirror.
@florencegiven

If the full look makes you nervous, try adding printed accessories instead like Florence Given.

READ MORE: How to wear florals in 2021

Buy now

Woman wearing Persephone Shirred Animal Spot Midi Dress from KITRI Studio
KITRI Studio

Persephone Shirred Animal Spot Midi Dress, £165, KITRI Studio – pre-order now

Woman wearing tiger-print Button Down Blouse/Jacket in baby pink from Rixo
Rixo

Eva Blouse, £165, Rixo – buy now

Woman wearing an Alhuwalia x GANNI Poplin Wrap Midi shirt Dress with stripes, animal print and a tied waist with chunky black boots
Ganni

Poplin Wrap Midi Shirt Dress, £245, Alhuwalia x GANNI – buy now

Blurred image of a woman with long dark hair wearing a beige ANIMAL leopard PRINT OVERSIZE SHIRT from Zara with matching trousers and looking into the camera
Zara

Animal Print Oversize Shirt, £29.99, Zara – buy now

Woman standing in the sea with her arm behind her head wearing a zebra print pandeau swimsuit which wraps around her neck on the left-hand side
Paper London

Fontanette Swimsuit, £195, Paper London – buy now

Leopard print bucket hat from & Other Stories
& Other Stories

Bucket Hat, £29, & Other Stories – buy now

Woman stands against a grey wall wearing a blue and white zebra print jumpsuit with pink and white trainers with her hand on her hip.
Never Fully Dressed

Jumpsuit, £89, Never Fully Dressed – buy now in sizes 6-16 here or 18-24 here

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