The Fashion Memo

Everybody’s Wearing Animal-Print Accessories

Animal print is a perennial fashion favorite, and one that gave fierce edge to coats, dresses and skirts on the FW24 runways. But embracing the look from head to toe isn’t for the fainthearted, says COLLEEN ROSS. Here, we round up the best patterned accessories – from snake-effect boots to leopard-print bags – to elevate your everyday looks

Fashion

From the glamour of 1940s Hollywood to the rebellious spirit of rock ’n’ roll, animal prints have been adopted by style tribes over the decades as a means of self-expression, symbolizing everything from power and status to femininity, revolution and sexual liberation. Their sartorial adaptability is why many consider them to be like a neutral, and while it’s true that animal prints go with everything, this could suggest they only play a supporting role when, in fact, they are often star of the show.

There was no shortage of animal print on the FW24 runways. Brands including Alaïa, Versace, Isabel Marant and Nina Ricci all embraced leopard, cheetah and python motifs either as full looks or impactful accents. But if wearing exotic patterns from head to toe feels a little daunting, accessories are an easy (not to mention chic) entry point – just remember to stick to one statement piece at a time to avoid any clashes.

  • AEYDE
    Zoe snake-effect leather point-toe ankle boots
    €445.00
    Select a Size
    35 - out of stock
    36 - low stock
    37
    38 - low stock
    39
    40
    41
    42 - out of stock
  • DÉHANCHE
    Mija snake-effect leather belt
    €260.00
    Select a Size
    x small - low stock
    small
    medium
    large - low stock
    x large - low stock
  • PARIS TEXAS
    Stiletto snake-effect leather knee boots
    €795.00
    Select a Size
    35 - out of stock
    36 - out of stock
    36.5 - out of stock
    37 - out of stock
    37.5 - out of stock
    38 - out of stock
    38.5 - out of stock
    39 - out of stock
    39.5 - out of stock
    40 - out of stock
    40.5 - out of stock
    41 - out of stock
    41.5 - out of stock
    42 - out of stock
  • KHAITE
    Bambi snake-effect leather belt
    €252.00
    Select a Size
    P/S - out of stock
    M/L - out of stock

Dressing from the feet up is always a good idea – a great pair of shoes has the power to completely transform an outfit, especially when they’re in eye-catching prints. Crafted from snake-effect leather, Paris Texas’s knee-high ‘Stiletto’ boots have pointed toes and a low kitten heel, so you can comfortably wear them from day to night. Show them off by tucking in your jeans or wear with shorter hemlines. Alternatively, let Aeyde’s ‘Zoe’ ankle boots peek out from the cuffs of wide-leg pants.

There’s no shortage of fiercely patterned bags to covet this season either, and the best come in sleek, elongated shapes. For evening events, channel your inner mob wife with Versace’s leopard-print clutch. Crafted from leather and smooth calf hair, it’s topped with an updated version of the brand’s iconic ‘Medusa’ emblem, first introduced by Gianni Versace in 1993, and comes with an optional chain strap, so your hands are free to carry a glass of champagne.

  • CELINE EYEWEAR
    Monochroms cat-eye zebra-print acetate sunglasses
    €356.00
  • KHAITE
    Lucca snake-effect leather belt
    €485.00
    Select a Size
    70 - out of stock
    75 - out of stock
    80 - out of stock
    85 - out of stock
    90 - out of stock
  • KHAITE
    Simona snake-effect leather shoulder bag
    €1,870.00
  • THE ATTICO
    Cheope snake-effect leather ankle boots
    €297.00
    Select a Size
    36 - out of stock
    37 - out of stock
    37.5 - out of stock
    38 - out of stock
    38.5 - out of stock
    39 - out of stock
    40 - out of stock
    41 - out of stock

Not to be overlooked, smaller accessories can also have a big impact. Celine Eyewear’s ‘Monochroms’ sunglasses are decorated with bold zebra stripes and will add instant cool points to even the simplest outfits. Style yours with a trench coat or blazer, adding a skinny scarf and a red lip for instant polish.

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Animal-print boots and bags lead the way for FW24

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