A Beginner’s Guide to Wearing Animal Prints

Animal prints have long held a place in fashion’s wild side, but this season, the mood has shifted.

Animal prints are evolving beyond trend status into modern wardrobe essentials. When styled thoughtfully, animal prints like leopard, zebra, and snake become surprisingly versatile – adding dimension to resort dressing while maintaining an elevated, refined feel. Think of them less as bold trends and more as confident neutrals …. with a pulse. If you’ve ever admired the look but weren’t quite sure where to start, consider this your entry point. We all start somewhere. 

Why Animal Prints Feel Fresh Again

As we all know, fashion has a way of circling back to its icons, and animal prints – to no surprise – are having another moment, but this time around, they feel lighter. More relaxed. Less “look at me” and more naturally magnetic. 


For Spring ‘26, bold prints across the board are showing up in breezy fabrics, fluid silhouettes, and sun-washed palettes that feel right at home – for a resort wardrobe. It doesn’t take a newbie to know that there’s something about a printed dress. It moves differently in warmer weather. A patterned swimsuit instantly elevates a simple beach look. The effect that animal prints have specifically is effortless – but impactful. It is truly statement dressing without overthinking. 

How to Wear Animal Prints

If there’s a gateway into animal prints, leopard is it. Timeless, flattering on nearly every body type, and endlessly versatile, leopard has a way of behaving like a neutral. And that couldn’t be more true. It pairs beautifully with linen, gold jewelry, and sun-kissed skin — really anything within a sandy, natural palette. The trick? Keep everything else quiet and let the print lead.

Another strong contender making its way back into the spotlight is zebra. And the beauty of zebra is that there are so many interpretations of it… some literal, others more abstract, simply inspired by its iconic stripes. Whichever direction you choose, it’s a great print to lean into if you’re looking for the same impact as leopard, but with a little extra wow factor. It’s slightly less common, which gives it a fresh edge. It might feel like a bold leap at first, but it’s one anyone can pull off.

Zebra’s striking lines naturally feel graphic and architectural, especially when cut into breezy resort silhouettes. While you might initially picture classic black and white, zebra prints are often reinterpreted in softer tones — think warm beiges, sands, and rich browns. These variations integrate seamlessly into a neutral wardrobe. Layer with raffia bags, gold or silver hoops, and simple strappy sandals. Bold, yes. But surprisingly easy to wear—and guaranteed to turn heads in the best way.

Snake print often tied to fall and winter can be just as compelling for spring. Beyond print, the motif can reveal itself through texture: subtle, dimensional, and quietly luxurious. Our signature Scales fabric, returning this season, offers a metallic interpretation that captures that same allure without relying on pattern. Paired with minimal layering and jewelry, these looks read very effortless yet intentional.

The Resort Rule for Animal Prints

The easiest way to style animal prints on vacation? Keep the rest of the look grounded. Resort dressing already does half the work. A few easy starting points:


  • Start with swimwear. A printed bikini or one piece instantly elevates a beach day.

  • Lean into flowy pieces. Dresses and cover ups allow the print to move naturally.

  • Pair with natural textures. Raffia, linen, leather, and gold keep things polished.

  • Treat prints like neutrals. They play well with creams, whites, and warm earth tones.

The goal isn’t to tame the print. It’s to let it feel effortless.

Why Animal Prints Never Really Go Away

Animal prints have an unusual kind of staying power. They return season after season, but never quite the same way twice. Sometimes bold. Sometimes understated. Always intriguing.


And once you find the one that works for you, it becomes a wardrobe constant.


Whether you’re drawn to the timeless ease of leopard or the graphic pull of zebra, animal prints offer a confident way to elevate your resort wardrobe. The only question is which one you’ll start with.

Danielle Gumina Senior Creative Copywriter

Danielle Gumina

Staff Writer