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how to wear animal print

today, we’re talking about how to wear animal print this fall. it’s safe to say leopard print has been an iconic wardrobe staple for years. think of Audrey Hepburn wearing a leopard pillbox hat or Grace Kelly sporting a one-piece leopard swimsuit. Jackie Kennedy, Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren, and Queen Elizabeth were all spotted wearing leopard coats. fast forward to 2021, when animal print takes center stage, whether it’s a leopard scarf, zebra print blouse, or snakeskin booties. give me all the animal print! but my favorite will always be leopard.

last weekend i zipped up to NYC for a wedding. i can’t tell you how thrilled i was to celebrate this special day with the happy couple who had to postpone their big day not once but twice. three times a charm as mother nature delivered the most spectacular weather for the outdoor event. blue skies, sunshine, and temps that were crisp. not only was i invited to the wedding but the rehearsal dinner after-party on Thursday evening and brunch Saturday morning. the entire weekend was loads of fun, and it was so lovely to see NYC back in action! what a perfect time to trot out a simple yet chic outfit with an animal print skirt as its base.

how to wear animal print 

Banana Republic strikes again as this entire outfit sans booties and handbag are from BR. a leopard midi skirt is a lovely alternative to pants that can go from work to the weekend with ease. the best news is this skirt has an elastic waist. who doesn’t love an elastic waist especially when it lies flat?! today, i chose a black ribbed turtleneck (available in five colors) that’s a dream to wear. sometimes turtlenecks can feel constricting but not this one! and my black double-breasted blazer is back in action (and back in stock) as the perfect third layer adding sophisticated polish to this outfit. black pointy-toed booties, black croc-embossed belt (old, similar here), and a trendy leather top handbag from Coach keep this leopard skirt tamed and ready for the office or rehearsal dinner. take your pick. and that’s how to wear animal print 2021 style

skirt | turtleneck | blazer | booties | handbag | sunglasses | similar belt | earrings | watch band | bangle

skirt | turtleneck | blazer | booties | handbag | sunglasses | similar belt | earrings | watch band | bangle

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  1. Diane Dale

    I love it all! You look fabulous!

    1. Beth Djalali

      the skirt will be on style repeat for months and months!

  2. Lynn Boysen

    I love your blog and your style. One thing I’m wondering about though is all the horizontal striping of your body with this animal print outfit. I feel like the high booties just don’t work with the midi skirt. There’s so many break points that my eyes don’t look at your beautiful top half. Help me understand why the hotties are the choice.

    1. Lynn Boysen

      Booties. Not hotties.

      1. noreen

        i have to agree. love everything about the outfit except the booties

        1. Beth Djalali

          footwear is so easy to tweak to your personal preferences.

    2. Beth Djalali

      we’ve been told that booties cut off the legs when wearing a skirt. or as you put it “so many break points.” today’s ootd is a very sleek outfit with black being the base. without the leopard print skirt, it would be a monochromatic outfit. so why not add a break to the eye especially with a pair of trendy booties? for some reason, women of a certain age haven’t taken to booties and skirts. if that’s you then add a pair of knee-high boots instead. footwear is the easiest thing to tweak to your personal preferences. but i happen to love booties and skirts no matter the length. it’s a chic alternative that’s modern and fresh.

    3. Anon

      Black tights are my choice when I wear my leopard skirt with booties and a black sweater.

      1. Beth Djalali

        black tights are always a safe choice. how could you go wrong? when in doubt black always works wonders.

  3. Anne

    Stunning outfit! I’m wondering how the blazer fits as a fitted blazer is often too tight around the chest for me. Should I size up?

    1. Beth Djalali

      the blazer is a very slim fit so if you typically find blazers fit snugly then size up. it’s a gorgeous blazer that i’ve had on style repeat for the past month.

  4. gloria sutton

    Very sharp and elegant, I have to repeat the word elegant, like you because can find any other way to describe it!!

    1. Beth Djalali

      thanks so much, gloria! i so appreciate your sweet words.

  5. Nancy

    Good morning,
    I love this look and actually own a Michael Kors knit leopard skirt which is very similar. I would be tempted to try on a pair of thigh high textured stockings with this outfit. What do you think, Beth?

    1. Beth Djalali

      love textured tights or thigh highs. i’d give it a go.

  6. Katherine

    Hi Beth,
    You look FAB U LOUS, love your entire look. It sounds like you had a wonderful time in New York, and it’s so nice you were included in all the wedding festivities.

    1. Beth Djalali

      i had a lovely time in NYC. and it was lovely to be included! weddings are such a happy time!

  7. SHERRY ULRICH

    I have the short leopard skirt that I just bought from Talbots so I am going to make this work with the black knit top and blazer. This is so cute on you!

    1. Beth Djalali

      i am certain you will look adorable!

  8. Sandra

    Hi Beth
    Love your OOTD! It’s spot on (heh he heh I couldn’t resist). This leopard print looks really nice. You look so chic! I am happy to hear that NYC is still NYC – busy, bustling, happening.
    Take care
    Sandra

    1. Beth Djalali

      thanks for stopping by today! i wasn’t certain what to expect when i landed in NYC but the city was bumping! it makes my heart sing.

  9. Kathleen McDermott

    An all (mostly) black outfit is usually chic and expensive-looking. This one is no exception! You wear black so well. The leopard skirt is an absolute treasure. Oh, the places it can go!

    1. Beth Djalali

      and i’m so happy there are more places to go this year than last.

  10. Joanie

    Hi Beth
    You look classy with an edge! This is another great look. Thanks for helping keep me current with your ideas. That wedding and surrounding events sounds like so much fun!
    It’s nice you’ve been traveling a bit.

    1. Beth Djalali

      you are so very welcome. i’m happy to hear you found some inspiration!

  11. Frances Schleien

    I think the outfit is very nice however, I find the boots to be very unflattering….on anyone. I probably would have preferred a pair of black tights or stockings that would give a more streamlined look.
    Frances

    1. Beth Djalali

      then that’s exactly how you should wear the outfit. isn’t it great we have choices in the 21st century? what a dull world if we all liked the same things.

  12. Nancy

    Very chic Beth! Love this outfit on you.
    I’d buy it in a minute, but I’m currently getting my “colors” done and I’ve been told that black is too harsh on me; at least close to my face. Is there another color you might have styled this skirt with? I’m in the summer color palette. Looking for suggestions? Thanks…

    1. Beth Djalali

      ha ha! actually, the experts tell me that black is too harsh. but i receive so many compliments when i wear black. not certain if red or orange would work with a dark leopard print but with a lighter leopard print those are my go-to colors. try it! even emerald green might work.

  13. Nancy B.

    You look classy as always, Beth! I just recently bought a leopard print midi skirt from J. Crew outlet and absolutely love it! I’ve dressed it up with a pair of ballet flats and I’ve dressed it down with sneakers and a denim jacket. You’re always helping inspire my wardrobe. Thank you!

    1. Beth Djalali

      it’s such a versatile piece! i’m happy to hear you’re rocking that skirt in multiple ways. our closets always need to work hard for us.

  14. Prue Batten

    Love animal print. Will wear till cows come home.
    Su ch an elegant look.

    1. Beth Djalali

      i so agree! it’s classic and iconic and is always a smart choice.

  15. Pat

    Love this outfit !You always look so “put together ” Always beautiful…you and the clothes

    1. Beth Djalali

      this is a terrific outfit without too much effort. all the basics are at work: blazer, turtleneck, skirt, and boots.
      thanks for stopping by!

      1. D

        This is an outfit that is totally me. In fact, I have similar pieces, right down to the booties. You rock!!

        1. Beth Djalali

          and the best part about wearing separates is that each piece can mix and match with other wardrobe staples.

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