Animal Print Chic or Cheap? – A Guest Blog
When it comes to fashion, there are few royals who can rock it out like the Duchess of Cambridge, even if she is 8 months pregnant! Since she first emerged as Prince William’s chosen bride, Kate Middleton has wowed everyone with her unerring sense of style and her flair for mixing designer pieces with high street fashions and even now in her final days of public appearances before the birth of her baby she is stepping out in style.
Animal print is something that every fashionista has a love/hate relationship. When done well it can look great, but more often it can end up looking cheap. There are many who believe that animal print – whether leopard or zebra has no place in anyone’s closet. Leave it to Kate to prove them wrong!
The Duchess Wears Dalmatian
The Duchess recently stepped out on her final solo public engagement before taking maternity leave when she visited the UK port of Southampton where she christened the ‘Royal Princess’ cruise ship. Despite the fact that she is just weeks away from her due date, Kate was as stylish as ever in a beautiful Dalmation print coat from British designer Hobbs that was anything but Cruella Deville. In fact, she looked so stunning that the coast was completely sold out within minutes of the first pictures appearing in the media.
The Hobbs Dalmatian Print Coat causing all the fuss!
Image Source
Catwalk Inspiration
It is clear that pregnancy has had little effect on Kate’s sense of style as the coat was right on trend following the appearance of animal prints on the catwalks of London fashion week earlier this year. Designers such as Tom Ford, Simone Roche and Moschino all features animal prints in their Autumn/Winter 2013 collections. Meanwhile in New York, Diane Von Furstenberg was also using animal print with stunning results.
How To Wear Animal Prints
So it appears that animal print is in fashion, but that does not mean that everyone can or should be wearing it. This is one trend which need to be handled with care otherwise you could end up looking cheap and trashy. Here are some top tips for making sure your foray into animal print is chic and not cheap:
1. Choose Neutral Colours – There is nothing that is guaranteed to make you look tacky than choosing lime green or hot pink zebra stripes. Unless you are trying out for the Jersey Shore, then you should stick with neutral prints. Kate’s coat works so well thanks to the monochrome palette, which is also a big trend right now.
Don’t overdo the trashy print!
2. Use Animal Print Sparingly – You will notice that Kate teamed her coat with plain black and white accessories so as not to overwhelm the print. This can also work in reverse. In the SVF show, leopard print was often cropping up on a clutch or a belt rather on the main clothing items. Scarves, purses and shoes with an animal print are a great way to liven up a plain outfit.
3. Opt For Classic Pieces – Again, Kate’s Dalmatian coat worked so well because it was a classic shape that had been given a modern twist. So choose classic pieces that are well constructed and will flatter your body. Think single buttoned blazers and simple wrap dresses.
The Duchess of Cambridge definitely got it right with her animal print and you can too if you wear it wisely. The key to keeping your animal prints in the cage is to choose carefully and be careful not to over do it. There are few people other than Lady Gaga who can pull off head to tow leopard skin with any level of dignity.
George Papas of AparrelShowroom.com is an avid follower of fashion. Aside from his work in the wholesale clothing industry, George also likes to write about the latest trends and regularly contributes to a number of fashion blogs.
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