Tame Your Wardrobe Beasts with Animal Print Handbags

Animal prints have been showing up on everything from shoes to coats since at least the early 1900s. Often seen as a symbol of power and luxury—after all, in the days before faux, it took some serious cash to be able to sport the skin of a cheetah—animal prints were also considered somewhat ostentatious for daily wear.

Having remained popular for decades on end, however, animal print’s paradigm has changed so much that it’s now considered a neutral by some. We’ve broken down a few ways to wear an animal print handbag that look decidedly civilized.

Blackout

If you’re choosing a high-contrast animal print like leopard or zebra, the safest way to make it work is with an all-black ensemble. Black simultaneously lends an air of mystery and dignity to any outfit that will help ground your loud handbag. Try charcoal-colored skinnies with an inky blazer for a bit of polish.

Jewel Tones

Want to look luxe without expecting your handbag to do all the work? Let an outfit made of jewel tones like emerald, lapis lazuli and garnet give your look a royal spin. Pick an alligator tote that’s either all-over bright or has colored panels to coordinate with your richly-colored sweater. Add highly-pigmented eyeshadow in a coordinating shade and you’ll be looking regal in no time.

Lighten Up

Nothing screams sophistication like a snowy-white outfit with clean lines. If all white everything feels like too much to you, make the look more accessible (and slightly less prone to being ruined by spills) by pairing light neutrals like beige, cream, or soft gray. Paired with a high-key snakeskin clutch, you’ll be looking deadly gorgeous.

Whether you choose a tiny clutch or a roomy tote, go where the wild things are without losing any of your refined edge with an animal print handbag.

Animal print handbags won’t cage up your style.

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