Basic animal instincts

The Asian Age.  | Ruth Prarthana

Life, Fashion

Because animal prints are so subtle and earthy, its best to pair them with colours like black, brown etc rather than bold colours.

The model is seen wearing a zebra printed gown

Animal print is a trend that makes us very nostalgic. Animal print dresses, tops, skirts, swimsuits etc are an evergreen item of clothing that  never goes out of fashion. To pull this print off needs confidence and attitude, but when worn properly has the ability to make a statement. Fashion is also about re-inventing. This year the print has be incorporated in ethnic wear like sarees, duppatta etc.

Animal prints are sober, earthy and subtle and not very bright. Designer Ranjeetha Sundar adds, “This prints changes every season. The prints that are mostly popular among fashionistas are cheetah, leopard, zebra and giraffe prints. Now, designers are using the prints in ethnic wear like saree which gives a very rich and luxurious look.” Going overboard with this print this year will just make it look messy and clumsy. Just one element of your outfit should have the print. “Overcoats in animal prints are trending now, you can try pairing the overcoat with a plain dress. I think with this trend you can mix and match with other prints like stripes, checks or plaids. If you do sport a checked or plaid pants or skirt, ensure that the prints a spaced far from each other,” adds designer Sparsha Putidappa.

What better way to be a fashion enthusiast than mixing western and ethnic which is said to be quite rage now? designer Ranjeetha Sundar adds, “This season the animal print has become a perfect east meets west trend. Try out a light material georgette or chiffon animal print saree that is draped like bodycon dress with a plain high-waist belt.” Why not step out for a day of shopping in style? “You can try a dressy animal print top with a solid black skirt or denim,” adds stylish Tanya Bhat

Because animal prints are so subtle and earthy, its best to pair them with colours like black, brown etc rather than bold colours. “Animal prints are very sophisticated; therefore the accessories should be very minimal. Try and ensure that only one element of your outfit has animal print.”

Accessories too have gone the wild way with shoes, bags and clutches turning up with animal prints. Tanya adds, “This trend is perfect when done in small doses. By this I mean you try it in the form of bags, belts or shoes etc. But if you want to wear jewellery try metallic chunky jewellery.”Ranjeetha suggests fabrics like chiffon, georgette or felt for animal prints clothes.

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