Looking at what’s hot on the bods and in the shops — animal prints never seem to go out of style and seem to be the season’s            staple.

In the winter, you could practically be covered with an animal print trench coat. But now in the summer, the print is on the upper half of the torso like a blouse or even a deadly leopard print scarf on a black blouse.
But what’s interesting this season is the team up of maybe a single colour outfit with a leopard print bag and matching knee high boots to make a statement. Of course if you are not keen on wearing the print quite so loud, accessorise. Get a belt or a scarf, shoes or maybe just a headband with an animal print for a start. Soon you will be rushing to try a variety of prints from zebras, leopards and even a giraffe. They really do look so effective at any time of the day or night.

A lot of people have to show off two personas. One for the office and the day and the other for partying and pubbing at night. “ I find my work persona gets stifling,” reveals Debra Seaton fingering a beautiful Zebra printed dress in a striking black and white in the store. “This dress will really let the real me come out and party this weekend.  It’s not blatant, but its striking.”  Take a little time to notice, the print need not necessarily be exactly like it’s on the animal.

The leopard print may be close together on some outfits and yet pretty stray and spaced out on others. The colours of the giraffe print I saw were on a red sheer chiffon tunic with puffed up sleeves and a deep decotellage. It could be worn as a sexy mini or a fun top over slim jeans or leggings.

Glittery stuff

Another store had a whole rack of exotic animal print tunics with the necks all glittery with sequins. Long sleeves and slits at the side added interest to the tunics. They could be worn with metallic belts and were zippered down the back.

And as for the animal printed bags to match, you can get them in a variety of styles.
A neat clutch purse if you are feeling lady-like for the evening or a large tote in which you could even stash your office wear in. The saddle bag style is big in London with lots of little zippers and pockets all over it for added interest.

Flaunt it!

If you would like to flaunt the trend but are unsure if you could pull it off here’s a good tip to try.
Smaller prints including leopard and cheetah are flattering to most figure types. Larger prints like giraffe and zebra maybe harder for everyone but the tall and slim to pull off. Another tip which is popular is, pair animal prints with a boldly coloured accessory such as a clutch in red or fuschia.

Try it with lipstick and nail varnish to match and you are all set to light up the night for yourself and your friends for the evening.  So if you are looking for some resurgence to your wardrobe for the summer season, add it with an animal print blouse of your choice and enjoy that great style boost that goes with it.