Classy Animal Print Outfit Ideas – Unleash Your Wild Side!

Everyone is wild about animal prints this season because they’re a chic way to add excitement to your wardrobe. A touch of leopard, a fun pop of zebra, and an edgy snakeskin accessory – they all make a powerful statement.

But even though animal prints are trending and can look fabulous at any age, they can also be intimidating to style.  How do you put together animal print outfits that are refined and classy?

Follow along as I share some timeless animal print outfit ideas that will inspire you to put together your look.

How To Wear Animal Prints Tastefully

What Colors Go with Animal Print?

Before we dive into creating outfits, let’s talk about what color to wear with animal print outfits to keep things balanced. First off, I live by one rule: only one animal print piece at a time because you don’t want it to be matchy-matchy overkill. Here are a few colors that pair beautifully with animal prints: 

• Neutrals: Blacks, whites, and beiges fabulously complement animal prints. They tone down the print’s “flashiness” while still letting it stand out as a stylish focal point. This is a safe option for creating an outfit that tones down the edginess. 
• Earth tones: Olive greens, camels, and warm browns are a few other tones that naturally complement animal prints. Because they are within the same color family, earth tones can blend with animal prints to create a balanced, cohesive look. 
• Bold colors: Don’t be afraid to add rich jewel tones to your animal print looks, too! These shades can create a striking contrast as long as you don’t overdo it. Stick to one stand-out color, such as a pop of red, with your handbag or shoes.
• Denim: Denim is a timeless companion to animal print looks. It’s an easy way to tone down the boldness of the print and keep it more casual. 

Animal Print Outfit Ideas

How To Wear Animal Print Sweaters and Cardigans

Effortlessly Chic

I’m sure you’ve heard of effortlessly chic, and this gorgeous cashmere V-neck sweater is just that.  It’s a cozy, elegant way to incorporate leopard print into your wardrobe and uplevel your favorite pair of jeans. My favorites right now are these medium-wash slim straight-leg jeans that hit just a tad above the ankle.  Another option for this animal print sweater is to wear it with faux leather pants or faux leather leggings and cute flats.  Need a more budget-friendly sweater? This Amazon Essential leopard V-neck sweater is very similar and also a great find.

Polished and Playful

Another great go-to leopard print piece is a crew-neck animal print sweater. A crew neck is generally flattering; however, the high neckline can make you look top-heavy if you are very busty. Black jeans always look classy with an animal print sweater. Black cropped jeans and chain mules give this outfit a relaxed, chic weekend look!

Sensationally Stylish

Because animal prints are bold and busy, clean lines will help give your outfit a more refined look. This tunic knit cardigan is a good example. It’s sleek, casual, and lightweight. Amazon has a budget version, too. In warmer weather, wear it with white fray-hem jeans, a black tee, and Chanel-inspired, quilted mule sandals. In the winter, pair it with black jeans, booties, and a jewel-toned top to add depth and contrast! 

Fuzzy and Fabulous

Do you prefer the look of a cropped cardigan? How about this fuzzy v-neck cardigan? It’s like a wild, stylish hug. Finish the look with high-waisted jeans and preppy penny loafers.

Streamlined and Refined

Who thought winter vests could look so chic? This midweight animal print puffer vest is perfect for transitional weather. I wear it all black, with black jeans and a black tee,  belt, and booties to make my outfit look slimming and my vest pop. 

Similarly, this leopard-print poncho is another stunning statement piece that bridges the gap between fall and winter or winter and spring.

How To Wear Animal Print Pants

Tailored and Bold

Animal-print pants are ready and waiting for you to take a walk on the wild side. The key to wearing them without looking cougarish is to keep the rest of your outfit very toned down.

These leopard print straight-leg jeans look polished with a black roll-tab sleeve shirt, bucket bag, and understated black ballet flats. There’s one simple focus point—the pants—and that’s the way it should be. Less is more.

How To Wear Animal Print Blouses and Tops

Wildly Sophisticated

There’s nothing more glam than a silky leopard print top. This beautiful champagne-colored leopard blouse is a jaw-dropper. It’s soft and feminine, and the faux wrap front is figure-flattering and easy to wear. To look thoroughly modern, wear it with wide-leg trousers, a chic statement belt, and low-heeled booties.

Tired of leopard print? A snake print blouse is a more edgy option. Wear a snake print blouse with a pair of slim flared bootcut jeans and black ankle boots any time of the year. Check out my blog for other ways to wear the snake print trend.

Animal print T-shirts are also handy and look great with blazers, cardigans, and pants or shorts. This terry fleece crew neck is kind of fun, too.

Polished and Powerful

This black and white zebra print shirt has a sophisticated look, especially when paired with loose white trousers,  patent leather, kitten heel slingbacks, and a glam clutch. This is a boss lady with a classy, creative vibe.

How To Wear Animal Print Dresses

Subtly Stylish

Wearing a silky, big cat print skirt and a snuggly cashmere turtleneck is trending big at the moment and is a classic choice for gals of any age. Tall boots that tuck in under your midi skirt are the in look! 

If you’d like to find out more about wearing skirts in winter, you can check out this post.

Flattering and Fierce

Wrap dresses are so figure-flattering, which is why I love this faux wrap midi dress in leopard print. The v-neck is sexy and feminine, but it doesn’t cut low enough to expose too much cleavage. Check out this post for more styling ideas for this fab leopard wrap dress!

Untamed Elegance

There are three things I love about fashion… jumpsuits, animal prints, and pockets. BINGO, this look has all three! Some animal prints are harder to find,  so coming across this tiger print jumpsuit was very exciting. It’s a stylish alternative for dressier occasions when you don’t feel like slipping into a dress. 

How to Wear Animal Print Jackets and Coats

Here’s a cute jacket that’s a little bit different. This quilted animal print bomber is one of a kind, and its washed finish makes it unique. Wear it with a classic tee, light-wash wide-leg jeans, and preppy loafers to give off a casual, refined vibe. 

How To Wear Animal Print Shoes 

When you wear animal-print shoes, whether flats, slingbacks, or sneakers, it’s important to balance them with other neutral pieces; for example, these sexy booties look hot with black leggings and a stylish brown cable-knit sweater. For more inspo on how to wear leopard boots, check out my blog!

How To Wear Animal Print Handbags and Scarves

Big, Bold, and Beautiful

Handbags are where we can have a little extra fun, right, gals? This stunning Tory Burch leopard bag in burgundy is a playful addition to a monochromatic look. While it may be a little big and busy for a petite gal, this larger size is perfect for average- to plus-size gals. For more information, check out my post on how to choose the right handbag for your body type. 

Animal-print scarves are also fabulous accessories. A woven scarf is cozy in winter, and in the spring, try a silk animal-print scarf tied to your bag or worn as a belt.

How are you incorporating bold animal prints into your wardrobe?

Finding outfit ideas featuring animal prints can be challenging. You want pieces that are tasteful and stylish, not tacky. To avoid overdoing it, wear colors that complement your look, opt for accessories that aren’t too gaudy or flashy, and always wear one print at a time. With these tips, you can feel confident and Age-amazing no matter the vibe! 

Follow my LTK storefront to see my favorite animal print pieces and how I pair them with various looks. You also welcome join my private Facebook group, Fabulous After 40 Dressing Room, to discuss all the fabulous ways you’re incorporating animal prints into your wardrobe!