We know we said leopard print is the flashy feline pattern that's not going anywhere (and, let's be honest, it will continue to live long, healthy lives in our wardrobes), but it's going to have to yield the spotlight very soon to a fellow, equally flamboyant animal.
Perhaps it's the brown undertones or dizzying spots, but personally, I never felt the leopard print suited me. Which is why when celebrities and street style stars alike heralded the rise of the zebra print, I could not wait to hop on the trend.
The more demure cousin to the leopard print, zebra for me feels a little easier to wear on a larger surface thanks to its monochrome palette. It's no wonder celebrities have donned full-length zebra coats or gowns this holiday season for their festive looks; a striking statement print, a top-to-toe zebra look rivals any sequinned dress.
It's also, perhaps more so than the leopard print, a very resortwear-friendly pattern, which is why it's set to dominate next spring, and perhaps even earlier as everyone jets off to sunnier shore for their dose of winter sun.
But if you feel you fall into neither of the above buckets, never fear, there are ways to start incorporating the popular print through more subtle pieces like trousers or accessories.
We love how Rosie Huntington-Whiteley put an Old Hollywood spin on her look, for instance, pairing her knee-length zebra skirt with a square neck top, while social media icon Grece Ghanem paired her printed trousers with a cool denim shirt. Their looks offer the style tip to note when wearing zebra which is to let the print do the talking and keep the rest of the look pared-back.
If zebra print clothing still feels a little too farfetched for you, accessories are the way to go. A pair of striped booties perhaps that could be styled as a neutral with just about anything, or maybe the Jacquemus striped bucket bag, anyone?
The point is, zebra print, in my humble opinion is probably even easier to style than leopard, so even though it's set to rule your FYPs next year, it's never too early to get ahead of the trend.
Shop our favourite zebra print pieces below before anyone else.
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