(Fashion)

This Is The Trend That Will Replace Leopard Print

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If you’ve walked the streets of New York in the past year, you’ve passed by someone in a leopard skirt. The piece has become iconic enough to warrant its own Instagram account, @leopardmidiskirt, a paparazzi-style account devoted solely to showcasing the piece in all its forms. But with leopard close to full saturation, there's been an influx of other animal prints that are on trend for summer including cow, tiger, and zebra. Fashion-wise, it's going to be a wild summer.

In particular, the cow-print trend stands out as especially new and different. California-based contemporary brand Lykke Wullf recently released a linen collection including a puff-sleeve blouse, wide-leg trousers, mini dress, and wide-brim hat, all in a splotchy cow-inspired fabrication. "I love finding dead stock fabrics because they can be very inspiring," explains Jemma Swatek, designer and founder of Lykke Wullf. "Last year I found a small roll of cow-print fabric that I had to have. We made a small batch of blouses out of it that were a big hit. When they sold out I kept getting Google alerts, direct messages, and emails of people wanting the top so we decided to make our own cow print out of linen for summer."

Courtesy of Lykke Wullf

Like other animal prints, the earthy hues of cow print lend themselves to a range of styling options. At this point, animal prints are considered neutrals, and though the beast of choice may change, these prints have become a wardrobe staple. "History proves it, the animal-print trend is here to stay," explains Amsterdam-based influencer Linda Tol. With just a quick look at Tol's Instagram page, you can find numerous instances where the style icon makes animal print feel effortlessly cool. Her recommended styling: "an animal-print mini skirt with a top or T-shirt. Or an animal-print maxi dress in combination with cool sandals." For evening, she suggests wearing a printed party dress, or a printed top with denim and a pair of heels.

Below, find 11 fresh ways to pull off animal prints this season, no zoo pass required.

Cow Print Skirt + Oversized Jacket

Burberry's miniskirt has become an Instagram sensation. Pair said mini with an oversized jacket to play with proportion, and finish off with a simple pair of heels.

Fitted Top + Pops Of Green Accessories

Green is the color that won't quit for 2019, so mix your animal-print top with green accessories for a trendy combination.

Midi + Tie-Dye Top

Attention risk takers: mix two of the biggest trends of the moment, tie-dye and leopard, for a look that can't be missed.

Tie-Front Blouse + Midi Skirt

Pair your tie-front top with a silky midi skirt and a white pair of sneakers for a casual daytime ensemble. Give your look a little extra pizzazz by incorporating a bright pop of color with your handbag.

Zebra Top + Cheetah Skirt

Boldly embrace the animal trend by mixing together two different prints in coordinated hues. Finish with a pop of color, like sandals in orange or blue.

Leopard Blouse + White Pants

For an office-appropriate take on the trend, swap out your blue jeans for summery white denim and style with a polished animal print blouse. Add in some gold jewelry and you're set.

Mini Skirt + Graphic Tee

Pair a fun graphic tee with a tiger-stripe mini for a vacation-ready ensemble. For shoes, consider a sporty sandal for day and a chic, strappy heel for night.

Bucket Hat + Bright Dress

For a night out with your girlfriends, don't be afraid to go bold. Couple a colorful sequin dress with an animal-print bucket hat for a playful combination.

Joggers + White Tee

For a comfortable off-duty outfit, pair cool track pants with a white tee and sneakers. To make the look a bit more dressy, swap out the sneakers for a kitten heel sandal.

Booties + Patterned Tank

One way to try a more subdued take on the trend is with your footwear. For summer, pair a boot with a check or gingham tank top and high-rise denim.

Slip Dress + Layered Jewelry

Keep your look simple and opt for a '90s-inspired slip dress. Then, put the emphasis on your jewelry by layering necklaces of different lengths. To wear the look to work, throw on an oversized blazer.