Best animal print pieces

Throughout history, animal print has been a fixture in fashion as a social symbol to represent wealth and class due to the wild, exotic nature.

But the style has got progressively bolder and more daring as time has gone on, evolving from fur coats in the 1920s to an eveningwear print, popularised by Christian Dior as part of the label’s spring/summer 1947 collection - where the bold style was redesigned as a leopard print silk-chiffon evening gown.

Since then, animal print has been a recurrent feature on the catwalk, recreated in one form or another, from clothing to accessories and back again.

Earning the status of a cult print, the style epitomises Hollywood glamour, worn by icons like Elizabeth Taylor, to a regular feature in the wardrobe of Kate Moss. This summer we saw a viral tornado of sales for the Naomi skirt from Realisation Par, impossible to keep in stock and still sold out everywhere, it's been a soaring example of this must-have-at-all-costs trend.

The archetypal, ubiquitous pattern exudes an elegance that has ensured it has become a staple item to add instant glam and intrigue.

Whether you are looking to mix and match the pattern by clashing prints or just dip your toe in the trend with a bold accessory, we’ve gathered the best animal print to shop right now.

This pure silk trouser and shirt set is dedicatedly chic. Contrasting piping with a subtle but not overly relaxed pyjama fit - think tailored comfort. Pair together for a powerful, statement look or wear as separates, mixed and matched with a sleek black high waisted skirt or wide leg trousers and kitten heels.

Trousers £140 | The Modist | Buy it now *On sale
Shirt £140 | The Modist | Buy it now *On sale

Rixo London are offering one of this season’s star pieces, the ruffle skirt, which has been reinvented with a timeless leopard-print. The skirt features a wrap silhouette with a tie at the side. The on-trend piece is composed of 100% silk.

£225 | Net-A-Porter | Buy it now

Whether you are looking for a key piece to amp up your work wardrobe, or hoping to step your eveningwear up a notch, this may just be the thing for you. The jumpsuit is emblazoned with the exotic print and further embellished with a front knot detail.

£25 | Boohoo | Buy it now

Jimmy Choo satin shoes, be still my heart. Office lux meets Friday night chic-casual in one pair of flawless flats. Oh, and they're currently 40 per cent off in the link below - an investment pair no doubt, but one so lovely you could happily wear for a lifetime.

£255 | Net-a-Porter | Buy it now *On Sale now at 40 per cent off

This leopard print midi dress with frill details is a dapper affair with a bit of added flirtation, because you don't always have to be on your best behaviour you know.

£69 | & Other Stories | Buy it now

Taking inspiration from 70s glamour, this wrap dress features a bold red, leopard print. The piece is ideal for any smart casual occasion, starring a ruffle trim detail on the neckline and the hem.

£270 | Net-A-Porter | Buy it now

Add a pop of colour to your wardrobe with this wild Zebra print skirt. The skirt features a mini length and slim fit. Pair with a basic tee to let the skirt make a statement in its own right.

£22.99 | New Look | Buy it now

Add instant glam to your look with this red leopard print jumpsuit. A versatile piece, it can be styled with black or white and accessorised with heels or trainers to dress it up or down. The jumpsuit has cami shoulder straps and a popper fastening.

£18 | River Island | Buy it now

From Scandinavian label, Anine Bing, this silk camisole will make a timeless addition to your wardrobe for an easy way to step your look up a notch or two or five. The top has an elegant lace trim and a flattering, loose fit silhouette.

£135 | Net-A-Porter | Buy it now

This wild leopard print shirt from Topshop will be sure to add some fun to your wardrobe. The shirt features the stylish pattern but is further embellished with a side stripe detail.

£34 | Topshop | Buy it now

Tap into the street style set’s favourite new trend with these cycling shorts that are embellished with a leopard print. With a cropped length, the shorts can be worn from day to night, dressed down with slogan tee or up with a lace crop top.

£8 | Boohoo | Buy it now

Get festival ready with this leopard print top that has answered all our leopard-print related prayers. The soft jersey top has a Bardot style and a cropped length. Pair with high waisted trousers if you're not into the the mid-drift look.

£16 | ASOS | Buy it now

Set to make a fresh addition to your wardrobe, the leopard print trend has found its way on to a denim jacket in a mustard, green or pink patterned variety. The star piece also has the coordinating skirt available.

£30 | Boohoo | Buy it now

The easiest summer style, this jumpsuit has been given the cheetah-print treatment resulting in a show-stopping piece. The jumpsuit has a wide leg silhouette, tailored waist and a high neck.

£52 | Warehouse | Buy it now

If you are not quite ready to go all out on this trend, step into the look with a pair of leopard print statement shoes. The flirty lace up design, combined with a block heel and open toe can be glammed up for evening or subdued for the day.

£25.99 | New Look | Buy it now

From one of Korea's coolest concept store, we are loving this Zebra print skirt with a black and white satin. The slightly high rise skirt also has a zip fastening and can be paired with an oversized hoodie to complete the athleisure look.

£320 | Net-A-Porter | Buy it now