Animal Instincts

Animal print is a classic, evolving season after season to inject a touch of glamour to collections. This year, it's all about flashes of the exotic, instead of head-to-toe looks (Willow Smith, that means you).

Prints like these can be scary, as they can become tacky when worn incorrectly or in abundance. The key to getting it right is everything in moderation; a touch of the jungle can go a long way in sprucing up anything from a little black dress to jeans and a t-shirt.

How NOT to wear leopard

Popularized by Brigitte Bardot in the 60's, leopard was definitely a favorite accessory on the runways. Ralph Lauren's Fall 2010 Ready-To-Wear Collection featured boots, vests, and bags covered in the stuff, and celebrities from Nicole Richie to Alexa Chung have been seen wearing leopard-print bags and scarves.




Ralph Lauren

Another way to modernize animal prints is by wearing them in an unexpected color, and by branching out from traditional spots. Snake print, zebra, and cow prints (like the purple cow scarf below) all add panache to an every day outfit. That's what I call purr-fect. (I couldn't resist!)