Animal Instincts - 10 Fabulous Staples in Wild Prints Under £100

I can't get enough of the fabulously wild prints this season and it seems I'm buying something new in a snake or leopard print every week. I just can't resist! I love a bit of animal print whether it's just a little piece like a headband or I'm going full-tilt in a leopard print dress. Many of the prints are very neutral, so they're great for mixing & matching with various pieces you already own and it's fun to go a little crazy with the accessories too. The sky is the limit and these are my picks for 10 great animal print staples to add to your wardrobe this season... The bonus is that they're all under £100! 

1. The blouse... 

Next Brown Snake Print Shirt - £14.99

An easy-to-wear blouse in a chic animal print is such an asset in any wardrobe. I bought a leopard print button-down blouse early this season at T.K. Maxx and I've worn it time and again in a million different ways. This is the blouse you can throw on with jeans and a pair of cute trainers or sexy heels, under a jumper or your new favourite dungarees style dress, with a pencil skirt or under a suit. An animal print blouse can add instant interest to an otherwise boring outfit with very little effort. I'm currently coveting the Autumnal coloured snake print blouses I'm seeing everywhere. The rich golds and browns add a touch of 70's chic to this season's hottest trend and I'm sure it will be a classic that can be worn for years.

2. The jumper...

J. Crew Tippi Sweater With Leopard Collar - £85

I'm in love with this adorable sweater from J. Crew because it proves that a little can go a long way. I'm not opposed to a full-on leopard print sweater, but there's something sweet about having print just on the collar and it makes the piece a bit more versatile. This little J. Crew number would look just as great tucked into a black full skirt with heels for a more formal look as it would do with a cute pair of cropped jeans. It's the perfect Autumn & Winter staple. 

3. The shoes...

Dune Annacona Leopard Print Court Shoes - currently on sale for £56

Nothing is more chic or timeless than a pair of leopard print heels. The same could be said for a snake print pair and because of their neutral hues, they can be worn with just about anything. While you'll see scores of leopard print shoes available at the moment from flip flops & sneakers to full-blown stilettos or boots, my pick would be the trusty courts (aka pumps) because they'll be a favourite for wearing with dresses, slacks and even jeans, long after the trend has died down. 

4. The mini skirt...

Dorothy Perkins Animal Print Mini Skirt - currently on sale for £7

When I am in a rut or not inspired, nothing is easier than a printed skirt with a black sweater and it never looks boring. That said, I'd wear this animal print skirt from Dorothy Perkins with pretty much every colour in the rainbow and it would look great. Easy peasy.

5. Outdoor accessories...

Hobbs Emma Gloves - £65

Maybe animal print isn't really your thing when it comes to what you wear all day, but that doesn't mean you couldn't try the trend now and then with a few accessories or even outerwear accessories like gloves, a hat or a scarf to wear with your coat. I love these Emma Gloves from Hobbs. They're so chic and perfect for accessorizing a black, red or mustard coloured coat.

6. The shirt dress...

Stradivarius Animal Print Shirt Dress - £19.99

A shirt dress is always a good staple to have around and what's more fun than an animal print shirt dress? I love the idea of accessorising a dress like this with a fun scarf, a cute jacket or even bright coloured tights. It would be pretty great without too many accessories as well...

7. The outerwear...

New Look Light Grey Faux Snakeskin Biker Jacket - £39.99

Undoubtedly you've seen long leopard coats all over the place this season, but when it comes to animal print outerwear I prefer something along the lines of a jacket. A snake print biker jacket will keep you warm and add some style to your look at the same time... It works with a dress or over your favourite pair of jeans... It's versatile.

8. The midi skirt...

Stradivarius Faux Snakeskin Double Breasted Midi Skirt - £19.99

While the animal print mini skirt is my favourite option, there's a lot to be said for a midi skirt in your favourite wild print. It's appropriate for more occasions, brings a 70's vibe and there's something feminine and ethereal about the silhouette.

L.K. Bennett Brooke Leopard Print Tote Bag - £99

9. The bag...

When it comes to animal print bags, I say stock up on as many different styles and sizes as you can reasonably afford - they won't go out of style. A tote style is always great for being able to carry as much as you need for any given day and this chic L.K. Bennett one is just £99.
10. The dress...

Warehouse Brown Pattern Animal Print Straight Dress - £46 

The dress you can wear anytime is always a keeper in my book and this Warehouse Animal Print Straight Dress is just that. Wear it with tights and boots for day, add heels and jewellery for evening or accessorise it with a scarf or jacket for the office... It's sexy, but appropriate, neutral but not boring... It's everything anyone could ask for from a dress and it's under £50.

What are the animal print staples you've added to your wardrobe recently?