Animal Print Outfits Are Having a Moment for Fall 2026—Here’s How to Get It Right

I’ll admit, I didn’t understand the appeal of animal print outfits for a long time. I used to judge the motif as somewhat childish, dare I say cheap, or something best left for the maximalist dresser. But now that animal prints of all kinds are trending for fall again, I’ve seen them styled in so many elegant ways that it’s changed my mind and left me inspired to try the look more myself.

The styling potential seems endless. The fashion industry’s renewed interest in animal print goes hand-in-hand with the rise of ponyhair texture (which, by the way, isn’t made from ponies but rather cow or goat hide), and I’m seeing textured bags, jackets, and shoes with zebra stripes, fawn prints, or cheetah spots everywhere too. The animal print trend has been steadily gaining popularity since Chanel’s spring-summer 2026 collection, where a line of speckled calfhair cap-toe pumps walked down the runway, and Khaite’s line of zebra, cow, and snakeskin bags and pumps have also clearly had an influence. Elsewhere, Alaïa’s snakeskin funnel neck jacket still lives rent-free in my head, and I recently checked out a cheetah-print calf hair jacket from Róhe that I’m still thinking about. Contemporary label St. Agni has a fawn-printed bag and column skirt that’s been on my wishlist for some time now too.

As inspiring as those pieces are, it’s possible to wear an animal print outfit without spending thousands of dollars. I should know, because I’ve been sifting through all the major retailers’ offerings as I investigate how to wear animal prints for fall and winter 2026. My findings? While you definitely want to consider the material and pattern of the product while shopping, there are plenty of brands that make animal print look elegant under the $100 amount. It all just comes down to how you style it.

How to style animal print

If you’re new to styling animal print like I am, I’d recommend that you don’t mix and match different prints. Don’t get me wrong, you definitely can, and the pros know how to do it right. But those of us who are just dipping our toes into the trend should stick to one motif and keep the rest neutral. Accessories like shoes and bags are the safest route, but a jacket can make a statement and serve as a conversation starter. Keep scrolling for more animal print outfits to wear right now…

With Wide-leg Jeans and Pumps