Season of the Wild: The Animal Prints Trend 2025/2026 You Need to Know

Let’s be honest, animal prints never really go out of style, do they? Those spots, stripes, and scales carry so much more than a fashion statement; they’re about confidence, adventure, and a touch of luxury.

Let’s dive into the history a bit: From the 18th century, when French explorers brought leopard and zebra patterns back to European nobility, to early 20th-century tastemakers like Elsie de Wolfe, these prints have always been about standing out.

Fast-forward to today, and the latest animal print fashion trends are everywhere—from the runway to your Instagram feed, and yes, your wardrobe too.

On the Runway

Leopard print (and popular animal print styles more broadly) has made a strong comeback in SS24 and AW24 shows. Designers like Celine, Michael Kors, Dolce & Gabbana, Dior, Jacquemus, and Isabel Marant aren’t just sprinkling prints here and there—they’re going full head-to-toe, from coats and dresses to even eyewear. It’s bold, confident, and exactly the kind of animal prints trend 2025/2026 that refuses to whisper. Some are leaning into “quiet luxury,” letting the print be a bold touch to any outfit.

Celebrities & Street Style

From Hollywood legends like Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor, who made leopard coats iconic, to modern style icons such as Hailey Bieber, Rihanna, and Zendaya, leopard, zebra, and snake prints are everywhere on red carpets and social media. Celebs are leaning into the boldness of animal prints as a way to signal confidence, glamour, and a touch of edge.

Influencers and TikTok fashion voices like Emma Chamberlain or Chriselle Lim are styling prints with oversized sunglasses, vintage denim, bold accessories, or mixing glamour with grunge, bringing personality and attitude to the look rather than letting it feel costume-y. If you’re looking to experiment, keep an eye on trending animal print colors, think earthy neutrals for everyday wear or electric brights that push the boundaries of classic animal motifs.

1. Statement Shoes

Nothing transforms a simple outfit faster than an animal-print shoe. From leopard to croc, these designs are pure power dressing for your feet—a chic nod to the latest animal print fashion trends.

  1. Christian Louboutin Jane 85 Leopard-Print Calf-Hair Ankle Boots
    Classic red-soled drama meets soft, tactile calf hair—a boot that turns denim or tailored trousers into an event.
  2. Christian Louboutin Loo Botta 85 Leopard-Print Calf-Hair Knee Boots
    A tall, lean silhouette that lengthens the leg; perfect with a mini skirt or layered under a sweeping coat.
  3. Jimmy Choo Frankie 85 Leopard-Print Pony-Hair Ankle Boots
    Sleek and slightly playful, these hit the sweet spot between everyday wear and statement evening look.
  4. Aeyde Elina Snake-Effect Leather Ankle Boots
    Subtle, smoky scales in muted tones make these an understated alternative to leopard’s roar.

Alaïa 90 Croc-Effect Leather Pumps
Croc embossing brings structured sophistication; proof that popular animal print styles can be both bold and effortlessly elegant.

2. Bags with Bite

From shoulder bags to clutches, animal print accessories add instant texture and a hit of glamour, even to the most minimal outfit.

  • Alaïa Le Coeur Watersnake Shoulder Bag
    A sculptural heart shape in watersnake—romantic yet daring.
  • Alaïa Le Teckel Watersnake Clutch

Sleek and elongated, it’s the perfect after-dark companion.

  • Khaite Crosby Leather-Trimmed Leopard-Print Calf-Hair Tote
    The everyday tote reimagined with bold leopard and structured leather edges.
  • Roger Vivier Belle Vivier Patent-Leather-Trimmed Leopard-Print Calf-Hair Cosmetics Case
    A petite, ultra-chic catch-all that doubles as an evening pouch.
  • DeMellier Miami Gathered Leopard-Print Suede Clutch
    Softly ruched suede gives this clutch a relaxed but luxurious feel.
  • Givenchy Voyou Medium Leopard-Print Calf-Hair Shoulder Bag
    Modern hardware and generous size make this a statement for day or night.

3. Clothes That Command Attention

For those ready to embrace the latest animal print fashion trends in full view, these pieces deliver drama and sophistication.

  • Dries Van Noten Cow-Print Wool-Blend Double-Breasted Jacket
    Tailored structure meets offbeat cow-print—a contemporary twist on the classic blazer.
  • SS Daley Ribbed Cropped Wool-Trimmed Animal-Print Goat-Hair Jacket
    Plush texture and cropped cut: the definition of modern statement outerwear.
  • Balmain Draped Leopard-Print Velvet Midi Dress
    A sculptural silhouette in velvet that catches the light—pure evening allure.
  • Stella McCartney Snake-Effect Top (Brown)
    Sleek and sustainable, this top lends subtle reptilian texture to tailored separates.
  • Nina Ricci Zebra-Print Cotton Miniskirt (White)
    Crisp and graphic, ideal with a black turtleneck for monochrome impact.
  • Stella McCartney Croco Midi Skirt (Black)
    Croc embossing in deep black: a subtle nod to the trend that remains endlessly versatile

How to Style Animal Prints for Every Occasion

Animal prints are endlessly versatile—whether you want a quiet accent or a bold statement, they adapt to every setting. Here’s how to make your leopard spots, croc textures, and snake scales work for you, wherever you’re headed.

1. Night Out

Shoes: Pair the Christian Louboutin Loo Botta Knee Boots with a mini skirt or leather shorts for legs that won’t quit.

Bag: Add drama with the Alaïa Le Coeur Watersnake Shoulder Bag, its sculptural shape doubling as accessory and art.

Clothing: The Balmain Draped Leopard-Print Velvet Midi Dress is your ultimate after-dark showstopper—proof that the latest animal print fashion trends can be pure evening glamour.

2. Casual Day Out

Shoes: The Jimmy Choo Frankie Ankle Boots elevate jeans and a crisp white tee with instant polish.

Bag: Toss your essentials into the Khaite Crosby Leopard-Print Tote—big enough for errands, bold enough to be noticed.

Clothing: Keep it playful with the Nina Ricci Zebra Miniskirt, grounded by a chunky knit or simple turtleneck.

3. Dinner Date

Shoes: Step into understated chic with the Aeyde Elina Snake-Effect Boots, smoky scales that whisper, not shout.

Bag: Carry the DeMellier Miami Leopard-Print Suede Clutch—its soft ruching feels luxe but relaxed.

Clothing: Balance textures by pairing the Stella McCartney Snake-Effect Top with high-waisted tailored trousers. Sleek, but not overthought.

4. Office Power Dressing

Shoes: The Alaïa Croc-Effect Pumps are boardroom-ready—structured, sharp, and endlessly sophisticated.

Bag: For subtle authority, the Givenchy Voyou Shoulder Bag adds polish without overwhelming your look.

Clothing: The Dries Van Noten Cow-Print Blazer takes a neutral base outfit (black trousers, ivory blouse) and injects edge while staying professional—an office-ready nod to popular animal print styles.

5. Party / Special Event

Shoes: The Christian Louboutin Jane Leopard Ankle Boots turn a simple LBD into a statement.

Bag: Switch to the Alaïa Le Teckel Watersnake Clutch, sleek, long, and perfect for cocktail hour.

Clothing: The SS Daley Cropped Goat-Hair Jacket over satin slip dresses or wide-leg trousers creates high-drama layering that photographs beautifully.

Conclusion

Animal print has always thrived on reinvention, and 2025 proves the fascination isn’t fading. After a year of leopard coats stalking runways and snake boots owning street style, the animal prints trend 2025/2026 is only gaining momentum.

By 2026, expect the spots and stripes to shapeshift again, now in digitally blurred patterns, unexpected colourways (icy pastels, burnished metallics), and plant-based “exotic” textures that make sustainability part of the story. Watch for trending animal print colors—from frosty pastels to molten metallics—as designers push the palette beyond traditional browns and blacks.

The takeaway? Animal prints aren’t a passing roar; they’re the fashion world’s perennial heartbeat. Whether you wear a single splash or go head-to-toe, these wild motifs will keep evolving, and keep turning heads, season after season!

Aditi Tapadar

My name is Aditi Tapadar, and I craft stories for Haute Secret Shoppers that sit at the crossroads of fashion, culture, and creativity. With a background in brand storytelling, content strategy, I try to building narratives that go beyond trends and highlight the essence of luxury for you. When I’m not working on content, you’ll find me discovering new books, films, dabbling into new interestes I find everyday, and chai ofcourse. You can connect with me at aditi@secretshoppersuk.com!