Every few years, someone declares that animal print is back. I always smile at that, because in my studio it never left.

Leopard, zebra, cheetah and tiger patterns have survived every trend cycle for a reason. They are bold without being loud, classic without being boring, and they carry a kind of confidence that very few patterns can match. The question is not whether to wear animal print. It is how to wear it so it feels like you, not like a costume.

Why animal print never really goes away

Animal prints have been a symbol of power and glamour for a long time, from royal robes to Hollywood screen sirens to punk rock. In fashion they tend to come back every season in some new form, and that staying power is exactly why they work as a long-term part of your wardrobe instead of a passing trend.

What has changed is the color. The traditional leopard in tan and black is still beautiful, but today animal print shows up in hot pink, cobalt, neon orange and rainbow tones. That is where it starts to feel like art.

Leopard, zebra, cheetah, tiger: what each one says

• Leopard is the most versatile. Its rosettes read almost like a neutral, which is why leopard pairs so easily with other colors and prints.
• Cheetah has solid spots instead of rosettes. It feels a little sportier and more playful.
• Zebra is pure graphic energy. Its stripes behave like a bold geometric print, perfect for anyone who loves black and white or high contrast.
• Tiger is the most dramatic. A tiger print is a statement piece, best worn as the star of the outfit.

How to wear leopard print pants

Leopard print pants are one of the most searched animal print pieces, and also one of the easiest to style once you know the trick: let the pants lead and keep the top simple.

• With a solid top in black, white, cream or one color pulled from the print.
• With denim: a chambray shirt or denim jacket over leopard pants is relaxed and cool.
• With a bright color: leopard looks surprisingly fresh with red, cobalt or hot pink on top.

Our wide leg pants and joggers come in leopard, cheetah and zebra designs, many of them in unexpected colors like Bahamian blue, pink hibiscus and midnight galaxy.

Animal print in color

This is where I have the most fun as a designer. When you take a classic zebra stripe and render it in electric orange, or turn leopard spots rainbow, the pattern stops being "safari" and starts being art. A colorful animal print pairs more easily with the rest of your wardrobe, too, because you can pick up any of its colors in a solid piece.

Some of my favorite examples live in our Gold Label sweatshirts, where zebra, leopard and tiger designs meet pop art color.

Mixing animal print with other prints

Animal print is one of the best pattern-mixing partners there is, because its organic shapes contrast beautifully with geometric prints.

Animal print and stripes is the classic pairing. Leopard pants with a striped top are effortless.

Animal print and florals is romantic with an edge. Look for one color shared between both prints.

Animal print and plaid is unexpected and very fall. I wrote more about it in my guide to wearing plaid.

Animal print and polka dots is playful: big spots and small dots together feel graphic and fun. See my polka dot guide for more mixing ideas.

Start small with accessories

If a full animal print outfit feels like too much, start with one accessory. A reversible bucket hat with a leopard side, or a cheetah or zebra hobo scarf bag, adds instant personality to a simple outfit. I share hat styling tips in How to Wear a Bucket Hat.

Is animal print still in style?

Yes, and it probably always will be. Animal print adds texture, contrast and personality to everyday outfits, which is why it keeps coming back season after season. The freshest way to wear it now is in color, mixed with other prints, or as one strong piece in an otherwise simple outfit.

Animal print is about instinct. Trust yours. Browse the full Animal Print Clothing collection, from joggers and wide leg pants to sweatshirts, crop tops, rompers and bags, and find the print that matches your mood.