Zebra print almost exclusively looks best when the print itself does all the work, instead of the cut of the dress. Scale and irregularity is what stops it reading cheap or like costume. The stripes should be hand drawn, broken and imperfect, never in a perfect digital repeat. When done correctly you don’t need added embellishment or a fuss cut silhouette to draw attention because the print is already doing it’s job, as such most winning pieces will sit in simple silhouettes- a slip, a shirt dress, something bias cut that skims the body. Fabric is also important with this print more than most, as anything too stiff will make it look flat and graphic instead of fluid. On a fabric with good drape the stripes will ripple and mould around your body as you move, giving it that expensive vibe as opposed to novelty costume.
Fit should skim your body without pulling, as animal print plays best when it feels like a deliberate decision as opposed to trying to compete with whatever it’s being worn over. Too tight and it starts to look like fancy dress, too big and you lose the graphic feel that made you want to wear it in the first place.
With styling it’s mostly a case of under dressing anywhere else. Let the dress be the statement and keep everything else muted; a plain leather jacket, a neat court shoe, gold jewellery, just don’t drown yourself in it. Keeping accessories black really helps ground the look.
A knee boot in tan or black is great for day and gives the whole ensemble a bit of rock n roll vibe without trying too hard. A heeled sandal and simple clutch makes it evening appropriate without altering any of your other choices.
There’s a party vibe around this print that earns you invitations to basically anything fun. A party, dinner at somewhere with flattering lighting, somewhere you know everyone will be wearing black and you can spend the night subtly standing out. It’s also great for day time when paired with simple silhouettes and quiet accessories, proving that this print is confident enough to carry you anywhere, occasion or not.
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