No other animal print can dethrone leopard, with too many disciples of an iconic calibre (Pat Butcher, Cookie Lyon, Samantha Jones, to name but a few) and so much exposure that, by now, it's practically considered a neutral. But on the streets outside New York Fashion Week, that didn't stop other alternative, prints getting a serious showing on some of the city's most stylish women, from the lesser-spotted fawn to Dalmatian.
Not only do these alternatives quite literally make passers-by look twice—as they wonder if those splotches really are giraffe or perhaps cowhide—but wearing a somewhat lesser-spotted species than leopard will mean that it always stands out, which, at the end of the day, should be any animal print's MO.
Standing out was definitely the memo in New York. The Cut's Lindsey Peoples led the charge, wearing a coat that resembled a lynx, plus a snake-print handbag. Who said you can't mix reptile with mammal?
Another show-goer followed a similar formula, with cow-print outerwear—long enough to just touch her ankle—and an outfit underneath that complemented its cream-and-brown palette.
But with so little time until spring, another street-styler's approach might be more expedient. Stylist Jessica Willis gave an otherwise pared-down look—a khaki jacket, black trousers and soft-leather boots—some extra flavour with an animal-print accessory, in this case a tiger-striped bucket bag.
There's evidence that shoppers are fully on board with alt prints, too. M&S' snow-leopard jacket is almost out of stock online (I've seen it out in the wild and, can confirm, it's good), while cowhide is flying off the shelves at AllSaints, from a miniskirt to a jacket to jeans.
Which print you choose is entirely up to you, as is how much—or how many—you introduce into your outfit.
As mentioned, a gateway accessory is good for experimentation Déhanche, for example, has a snake-effect belt with its signature triple rings that would add something—call it the merest hint of sizzle—to basics. For top marks, however, you might want to consider a blazer, whether it's subtle (Mango's mock-croc jacket) or less so (Rabanne's zebra print). Either way, the rule of thumb is: the more surprising the print, the better.
Shop The Best Alternative Animal Prints
Dip your toe into the trend—quite literally—by way of these Mary Jane flats, that would subtly add a point of interest when worn with a simple jeans and jumper look.
Mock-croc is one of the easiest alt prints to welcome into your wardrobe, especially a cropped "leather" jacket.
The curved silhouette of this subtly-patterned bag means it's perfect for adding a gesture of print without fully immersing yourself.
Somewhere between cow and Dalmatian, perhaps also with a whisper of leopard, COS' animal-print belt would easily dress up a black tee and trousers combo.
The lesser-spotted deer print has been selling out at St Agni. This east-west tote, which comes in two sizes, will soon be restocked so sign up to be notified without delay.
Talk about a statement jacket! Especially if you go full bovine by pairing it with the equally striking matching skirt.
Ancient Greek Sandals has given the boat shoe new-season flavour courtesy of "hairy" exteriors that include lynx, cow and Bambi.
Snake-print might not be as rare as cow or deer, but it's still less garden-variety than classic leopard.
The proportions of this zebra-print tote are perfection, with short handles plus a square receptacle. Chic.
