Animal print is one of those patterns that people have mixed feelings about, as it is worn by both royalty and the trashy. It's a pattern that, when worn correctly, comes across as powerful and not raunchy. In my opinion, animal print looks unappealing when worn from head-to-toe (outerwear, top, and bottoms) and when the pieces are ill-fitting. But a nicely cut skirt or jacket, even accessories such as boots and purses, can make for a great look.
The type of animal print I'm focusing on today is the print that resembles the patterns of the great cats, such as the leopard, cheetah, snow leopard, jaguar, tiger, clouded leopard, margay, or ocelot.
Animal print can be traced back as far as ancient Egypt. Because real pelts were rare, women would instead stencil leopard prints onto linen sheaths. African leaders also wore animal skins to show their power. Leopard print also continues to be associated with femininity and feminine power. We tend to associate the great cats with the inability to become domesticated or tamed. The great female cats give off a vibe that they are not to be trifled with or pushed around. It's also one of the reasons some women wear the pattern, to give off a similar air.
Photo is from Pinterest
In the late 1960s however, animal print was condemned for animal cruelty reasons. Then in the 1970s and 1980s, it made a comeback because female rock stars would wear animal print as a sign of power and dominance. (I am against animal cruelty, so I encourage you to wear faux animal print if you choose to wear furs.)
Today, animal print is still being rocked and it's great to have some form of it in your wardrobe, whether it be clothing, shoes or just accessories. Here are a few ways black women can style this bold pattern.
Styling Animal Print Skirts, Pants and Dresses
Photos are from Pinterest
Styling Animal Print Outerwear
Photos are from Pinterest
Personally, I really love wearing animal print. I feel very powerful wearing it, a similar feeling I get when wearing the color red. Here's a photo of me combining both of those things: animal print and red lipstick (it was also actually kind of difficult to find images of black women wearing well-fitting animal print tops, so here's me in one).
Do you like animal print? If you liked this post, make sure to tap that heart!
Happy Wardrobe Wednesday!
Arrivederci,
Brianna