Keeping Wild Prints Under Control
January 18, 2011

Love them or hate them, prints have a role in fashion. Floral prints are being seen more and more, particularly as spring approaches around the corner. But what about our animal side? Wild prints are tricky to keep under control, but when worn properly they have a stylish attitude that can make you proud.
Prints are bold, and animal prints stand out. There is no way around it. But how you wear these prints is key. Rule #1 is to stay away from the overwhelmed matchy look. You know you’ve seen it and it hurts to think about it. One bold item goes a long way, let’s compliment and not overwhelm the look. One piece is fabulous, a million is horrifying. Walk on the wild side the proper way and a bold fierce style is yours!
Take for instance this wonderful piece from Tokyo Fashion. What I love about this Zebra print is how the white is a soft white against the black- it almost looks like a dark brown and has this sophisticated but fun personality about it. It’s casual chic with a playful attitude. When you have a “too white” color against black, it can make you dizzy. This is just the right shade and with this loose fit it has a charming characteristic. The belt brings it all together saying “I am in control”.
Remember, keep the look chic- eliminate the shock.
Animal prints when worn correctly are beautiful, don’t lose the potential of this look. There are so many wonderful possibilities! I think prints like this zebra or a giraffe type print work well with delicate gold accessories. Wooden accessories look stunning with them as well. I think a chic safari style is a fun look to sport. The trick is to always keep it in line- don’t overdue it, keep it simple and beautiful!
Keep it simple and soft with the makeup, too. Think natural, maybe with a sun-kissed look. It makes the print more grown up and elegant. Soft natural colors keep the print under control and tamed.
A soft pretty pink lip is about as bold as I would go, at least for day look. If you are wearing dark lip do keep the eyes natural and the rest of the make up to a minimal (your basic make up rules, if dark eyes then a super natural toned down lip).
With the right attitude, you will be looking fierce! The goal is to have the complete finished look say “wow, amazing!” and not just the print itself. The print is only a part of your look. The same may be said of all fabrics- the fabric should compliment your whole look and not take the focus away from you. Compliment yourself and feel fabulous as you go about your day.

Discover your wild side!












Great tips! I am in love with zebra prints as they offer that exotic animal look, without the sleazy connotations that one can wander into with leopard.