The Fashion Memo

Trending Now: Animal-Print Accessories

Animal print reclaimed center stage for fall/winter ’26, with designers making a compelling case for spots, stripes and scales. Looking to tap into the trend? High-impact accessories are the ultimate starting point, says COLLEEN ROSS

Fashion editor Viktorija Tomasevic
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 play only a supporting role when, in fact, they are often the star of the show.

There was no shortage of animal print on the fall/winter ’26 runways. Brands including Tom Ford, Khaite, Carolina Herrera and Anna Sui all embraced leopard, Dalmatian, 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.

Show off animal-print pumps with an on-trend midi skirt for effortless sophistication

Walk on the wild side

Dressing from the feet up is always a good idea – a great pair of shoes has the power to completely transform an outfit, especially in eye-catching prints. Crafted from snake-effect leather, Paris Texas’s knee-high ‘Vera’ boots have pointed toes and stiletto heels that will quite literally take your outfits to new heights. Show them off with mini hemlines. Alternatively, opt for a kitten heel courtesy of Herbert Levine. The brand’s ‘24/7’ pony-hair mules can be worn from day to night and look especially elegant paired with a midi skirt.

  • PARIS TEXAS
    Vera 105 snake-effect leather knee boots
    $1,025.00
    Select a Size
    37 - out of stock
    37.5
    38 - out of stock
    38.5 - low stock
    39 - out of stock
    39.5 - low stock
    40
    40.5
    41 - out of stock
    42
  • HERBERT LEVINE
    24/7 50 bow-detailed leopard-print pony hair pumps
    $1,115.00
    Select a Size
    36
    36.5
    37
    37.5
    38 - out of stock
    38.5
    39
    39.5 - out of stock
    40 - low stock
    40.5
    41
    41.5
    42 - out of stock
  • TOTEME
    Sharp 35 zebra-print calf hair pumps
    $805.00
    Select a Size
    36 - out of stock
    37 - out of stock
    38 - out of stock
    39 - out of stock
    40 - out of stock
    41 - out of stock
    42 - out of stock
  • PROENZA SCHOULER
    Tee 85 snake-effect leather pumps
    $1,245.00
    Select a Size
    36
    36.5 - out of stock
    37 - out of stock
    37.5 - out of stock
    38 - low stock
    38.5 - out of stock
    39
    39.5 - out of stock
    40 - out of stock
    40.5 - out of stock
    41
    41.5
    42

Clutch it

There’s no shortage of fiercely patterned bags to covet this season, with styles ranging from sleek clutches to oversized totes. Channel your inner wild side at parties with Liffner’s ‘Belted’ clutch – part of our NET SUSTAIN edit, it’s crafted from smooth leopard-print calf hair and secures with a buckled leather strap. Alternatively, style Khaite’s zebra-print ‘Simona’ bag with a red dress for dinner dates or echo stylist Jessica Willis by pairing Alaïa’s ‘Hip’ bag with a utility jacket and tailored pants.

  • ALAÏA
    Hip small leather-trimmed tiger-print calf hair tote
    $3,075.00
  • SAINT LAURENT
    Icare Cassandre animal-print calf hair tote
    $5,935.00
  • LIFFNER
    Belted leopard-effect calf hair clutch
    $590.00
  • TOTEME
    T-Lock snake-effect leather shoulder bag
    $1,710.00
A tactile animal-print tote or clutch brings dynamic texture to polished separates
A snake-effect belt or leopard-print hat lends an unexpected edge to fall outfits

Everyday accents

Not to be overlooked, smaller accessories can also have a big impact. Déhanche’s ‘Hollyhock’ belt comes in snake-effect leather and will add instant cool points to even the simplest outfits. Style yours with a long-sleeved tee and jeans or echo fashion consultant Sara Walker Ratliffe by pairing it with a leather skirt. Nili Lotan’s zebra-print silk scarf is another chic choice and can either be tied around your neck or the handles of a tote.

  • NILI LOTAN
    Zebra-print silk scarf
    $340.00
  • DÉHANCHE
    Hollyhock snake-effect leather belt
    $345.00
    Select a Size
    x small
    small
    medium - low stock
    large - low stock
    x large - out of stock
  • GIANVITO ROSSI
    Logo-embellished leopard-print suede gloves
    $510.00
    Select a Size
    S - low stock
    M - low stock
    L - low stock
  • GUCCI
    Frayed logo and leopard-jacquard wool scarf
    $547.00

The people featured in this story are not associated with NET-A-PORTER and do not endorse it or the products shown