How To Choose and Style Animal-Print Handbags

Leopard Print Handbags

Leopard print features soft, dark-edged spots and is known to be the most recognisable and versatile animal print. As it works particularly well with black, denim, cream, brown and other neutral tones, it will slot easily into the existing wardrobes of most women. Consider pairing a leopard-print handbag with a white t-shirt and straight jeans for everyday wear, or a mini skirt with a cropped jacket for a cool after-dark look — this classic accessory can be dressed up or down with ease. From structured top handle bags to slouchy shoulder bags, leopard print can be applied to great effect on a wide range of bag silhouettes, unlike some animal prints that tend to be more suitable for specific styles. For more tips on styling the versatile shoulder bag shape, check out our shoulder bags guide.

Cow Print Handbags

Featuring large, irregular patches, cow print has a bolder, more graphic look than most other animal prints. Typically appearing in black and white or brown and white, this easy-to-match print pairs especially well with denim and casual, streetstyle-inspired outfits. Carry a cow-print handbag with a classic tee-and-jeans combination for effortless everyday wear or let it complete an edgy ensemble consisting of a leather jacket and cargo pants. As cow print has a casual-leaning character, it works best when applied on relaxed, oversized bag styles like tote bags and hobo bags.

Zebra Print Handbags

Featuring striking black and white stripes, the high-contrast zebra print is impossible to miss and leaves a big impression. With its stark colour palette, it is perfect for pairing with matching black-and-white clothing or pieces in muted greys. A zebra-print handbag will effortlessly complement and elevate a relaxed off-duty look that is made up of a white button-down shirt and denim bottoms. It will work just as well with a sleek and sophisticated all-black outfit — for instance, a black turtleneck top worn with tailored black trousers. Zebra print looks best on structured, clean-lined bag styles like the top handle bag, which allows this bold graphic print to take centre stage without distracting from it.

Croc-effect Handbags

Unlike other animal prints, croc-effect refers to an embossed texture rather than a printed pattern. Inspired by crocodile skin, it is considered to be an easy entry point into animal prints as it is relatively subtle. Croc-effect handbags come in a wide range of colours, from classic black and brown to brighter seasonal hues like mint green. Therefore, depending on its finish, each croc-effect carrier can have a very different aesthetic and mood.

Croc-effect bags usually have a more polished appearance, so consider pairing them with smart-casual pieces, such as a knit dress and ankle boots. They will also go well with office-appropriate outfits that are made up of tailored pieces like blazers and pleated maxi skirts. The croc-effect texture is best applied on structured bag styles like the top handle bag, as it looks more refined on a clean-lined shape.

Snake Print Handbags

Snake print can refer to either a flat printed pattern or an embossed texture. Whatever its finish or colour, snake print is generally perceived as a sleek and sophisticated animal print that has an elevating effect. Snake-print handbags commonly come in neutral tones, such as black, brown, and grey, so they are a breeze to style and can be dressed up or down with ease. For daytime wear, consider pairing a snake-print handbag with a simple, pared-back outfit, like a fitted top and a midi skirt. Use it to put a stylish finishing touch on a glamorous evening ensemble — it will complement a silk slip dress and strappy heels perfectly. The exotic yet refined snake print looks the best on structured silhouettes so they will work particularly well on top handle bags and box bags.

Tiger Print Handbags

Featuring distinctive flowing stripes, the tiger print has a strong, intentional aesthetic — it is arguably the boldest and most outstanding of all animal prints. Tiger-print bags commonly come in warm orange, caramel and brown tones, so they pair naturally with autumnal and earth-toned outfits. Balance a statement-making tiger-print handbag with clothes in neutral hues, such as a cream sweater and wide-leg jeans, for everyday wear. For a cohesive autumnal look, carry it with a camel coat and brown boots to create a chic tonal combination. The tiger print works best on structured, medium-sized bags, like top handle bags and shoulder bags. For the best effect, pair a tiger-print bag with outfits in subdued colours so that it will remain the focal point of the look.

Consider the Bag Silhouette

When it comes to the personality of the bag, shape matters more than the print. Structured bags tend to come across as more polished while soft and slouchy bags look more casual, regardless of the print on them. Pick a bag style that you already like and reach for often, then pick a print that suits the aesthetic of the bag. If you tend to reach for structured styles, our top-handle bags guide explains how to style them for a polished finish. Prefer something more relaxed? Our slouchy bags guide will show you how to make the most of this easy, casual shape.

Consider the Print Scale

Smaller, denser prints — such as leopard print — read as more subtle and thus are more wearable and easier to style. Larger, bolder prints like cow print and tiger print command attention and work best as statement pieces. If you are new to animal prints, start with smaller prints before advancing to bigger prints when you feel more confident.

Consider the Occasion

Some animal prints — such as leopard print and croc-effect texture — are relatively versatile and more suitable for everyday wear than others. While bolder prints like cow print, zebra print and tiger print can also be dressed down, they make a striking statement and are better suited for days when you want your bag to be the focus of your look. Snake print sits in the middle ground between subtle and bold — it will slot easily into your daily style rotation while being polished enough for evening events and dressy settings. Pick an effortless print if you are looking for an everyday bag and go for a bold print if you are shopping for a special occasion. If you'll rather keep your hands free, our crossbody bags guide will show you how to choose and style one.