Fashion Etiquette: Guidelines for Wearing Animal Prints

The fall fashions are already out and animal print is in full force. I shamelessly admit that leopard print has a special place in my own wardrobe, and coincidentally I happen to be wearing a great DVF wrap animal print dress as I sit to write this blog. Perfect attire for a day of office writing and lunch with a friend.

The old adage “Location, Location, Location” does not just refer to real estate. There is a fine line between classic and tacky and there is a skill to finding the balance.

The decision when to wear an animal print depends on where you are going (location), what you are doing and whom you are meeting. Jennifer Lopez looks dazzling on the front cover of September’s Glamour Magazine. There is no doubt, however, that the manner in which a celebrity dons animal print is much different than that of an executive working in a bank, law firm or conservative office.

Following are my guidelines for wearing animal prints:

• Use animal print as an accessory rather than a focal point – Less is always more when wearing animal print to the office.
• Don’t make your animals compete for your attention – Keep your zebras, snakes and leopards separate, wearing only one animal print at a time.
• Combine your animal print with a solid color – My favorite combo is red, camel and black with a splash or “roar”.
• Stay away from fluorescent animal prints at work – Neon pink or blinding lime green may be a bit too distracting for fellow workers.
• Keep your look “stylish” rather than “sexy” – Remember when Anne Hathaway’s character wore a green coat with fur trim in The Devil Wears Prada?  It looked stylish, classic and beautiful.
• Invest in items that are timeless rather than trendy – A great scarf or fashionable gloves is a great way to update your fall wardrobe.

Finally, if it is still shedding…leave it at home. Wearing a coat that  sheds, be it natural or synthetic fur, is not tasteful or attractive.