Animal print. Love it or hate it, it’ll always find its way into the forefront of fashion commentary some how, some way. While dormant for some years, the mid-2020s have resurrected the patterns’ long-awaited SPOTlight. Or maybe, to some, they were always center stage.
I couldn’t help but notice the sudden uproar every time I was scrolling: “Please don’t make leopard print trendy. It never went out of style.” RARE Y2K vintage sequined cheetah micro shorts for $200. “Keep zebra print in 2010, PLEASE.” To say the internet was all over the board with this topic was an understatement. My brain was clogged with so many opinions that I didn’t even know what to think myself. Then, I saw our own animal-printed items coming into stock, and I knew I had to get some answers. Boy, did I get them…
SPOTTED
Is Animal Print A Neutral?
By: Gwen Attridge
Our Home Office has answers.
My first, and most controversial, question: Is animal print a neutral? That’s right, a neutral.
In this context, it’s important that we give a generally agreeable definition of what a neutral is from a fashion point of view. A neutral is something that goes with anything, like black, white, beige, etc. Right? Okay, keep that in mind…
My second question: Is animal print timeless or a temporary trend?
This was yet another sentiment that, according to social media, really had no clear answer. At the time, I thought I had my work cut out for me. This topic seems so clearly subjective, yet here are all these animal-printed items popping up out of nowhere. Where’d it come from? Why now? Are people happy or mad about it? My head = spinning.
I knew some clarity had to lay on the other side of all of this. So I did what any confused person looking for answers would do: I made a Google Form, and sent it to my whole company. I shockingly had 52 of my coworkers entertain my antics, and there’s one thing I can say to preclude my findings: the tea is HOT.
In this context, it’s important that we give a generally agreeable definition of what a neutral is from a fashion point of view. A neutral is something that goes with anything, like black, white, beige, etc. Right? Okay, keep that in mind…
My second question: Is animal print timeless or a temporary trend?
This was yet another sentiment that, according to social media, really had no clear answer. At the time, I thought I had my work cut out for me. This topic seems so clearly subjective, yet here are all these animal-printed items popping up out of nowhere. Where’d it come from? Why now? Are people happy or mad about it? My head = spinning.
I knew some clarity had to lay on the other side of all of this. So I did what any confused person looking for answers would do: I made a Google Form, and sent it to my whole company. I shockingly had 52 of my coworkers entertain my antics, and there’s one thing I can say to preclude my findings: the tea is HOT.
The survey was open for a week, and when I checked my results at the end of every day, the answers changed. Every. Single. Time… At one point, it was split perfectly down the middle, half and half. I truly couldn’t believe my eyes. I knew I was dealing with some controversy, but not something THAT divisive.
But the good news is, I found some light at the end of my study, with some clear winners:
But the good news is, I found some light at the end of my study, with some clear winners:
This just in: FP LOVES ANIMAL PRINT. After many days of teetering results, it is extremely clear that we embrace our wild side. However, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, which is informed by personal style, pop culture preferences, trend-cycle tracking, etc. So of course I had to include an “explain why” section in my survey, because everyone has their reasons. Here are some of my favorite arguments for:
Why animal print IS a neutral:
“..since it's found in nature, it provides a subconscious thought of belonging and blending with other colors which are also found in nature (which are most if not all of them).”
“The pattern goes well with any color, and is equally just as neutral as we think of stripes or polka dots.”
“I always pattern mix with animal prints because they are such a good base and sit well with other prints. They're often neutral colored in itself so pairing with other colors is easier than something like a plaid.”
“I don't wear any color, only neutrals, but I will wear animal print.”
“Because it goes with anything duh.”
“You can wear animal print with your favorite white tee, animal print from head-to-toe, or your favorite animal print coat with an all black outfit. I just feel like the options are endless with styling animal print, making it a neutral.”
“Animal print is the ultimate non-print print.”
“Animal print uses all neutral colors = is a neutral!”
And why it is NOT a neutral:
“While typically comprised of neutral colors, the nature of the pattern to me shifts animal print from being a true neutral. I feel like for me, I need to wear a neutral with animal print to keep things balanced, where with true neutrals, I can wear brighter, bolder, patterned options and still feel put together and not too over the top.”
“It's just louder and harder to style than a true neutral. I can do an all-black or all-white outfit and it's NBD, but an all-animal print outfit feels like the outfitting equivalent of yelling at the top of my lungs.”
“Unlike traditional neutral colors such as black, beige, or white, animal print inherently draws attention. Whether it's leopard, zebra, or snake print, these patterns are inherently eye-catching and can quickly dominate an outfit. Neutrals typically blend into the background, while animal print demands notice. It often becomes the focal point rather than a supporting element.”
“It requires careful consideration and styling to avoid clashing or overwhelming an overall look, unlike a neutral which is highly versatile.”
“I guess I see nature as too beautiful and dynamic to be considered ‘neutral!’”
“NEUTRALS SHOULD BE EASY ITEMS TO GRAB THAT HELP COMPLETE OUTFITS. PRINTS ADD AN ELEVATED TWIST THAT HELPS DRIVE THE FASHION IN OUTFITS.” (This was entered into the form like this.)
Yes, we got to the point of yelling. But the results speak for themselves. We’re here for animal print’s moment right now, and later:
“It's just louder and harder to style than a true neutral. I can do an all-black or all-white outfit and it's NBD, but an all-animal print outfit feels like the outfitting equivalent of yelling at the top of my lungs.”
“Unlike traditional neutral colors such as black, beige, or white, animal print inherently draws attention. Whether it's leopard, zebra, or snake print, these patterns are inherently eye-catching and can quickly dominate an outfit. Neutrals typically blend into the background, while animal print demands notice. It often becomes the focal point rather than a supporting element.”
“It requires careful consideration and styling to avoid clashing or overwhelming an overall look, unlike a neutral which is highly versatile.”
“I guess I see nature as too beautiful and dynamic to be considered ‘neutral!’”
“NEUTRALS SHOULD BE EASY ITEMS TO GRAB THAT HELP COMPLETE OUTFITS. PRINTS ADD AN ELEVATED TWIST THAT HELPS DRIVE THE FASHION IN OUTFITS.” (This was entered into the form like this.)
Yes, we got to the point of yelling. But the results speak for themselves. We’re here for animal print’s moment right now, and later:
To quote one of our very own: “Neutrals never go out of style, neither does animal print.” That’s a mic drop statement right there. But at the end of the day, we’re all just fashion people with our own tastes, preferences, and styles. And that’s the beauty of this world we’re so lucky to be a part of: you can truly be as “wild” as you want to be. So show your spots, stripes, and whatever makes you YOU. It’s highly encouraged.
MORE TO READ
5/10/24 | HOME OFFICE DIARIES
The 5 for 5
Five Products That Five Of Us Are Loving Right Now…
5/10/24 | SCROLL-WORTHY
Viral Products The FP Way
Your one-stop-shop for every trend on your FYP.
5/10/24 | THE 333
3 Tops x 3 Bottoms x 3 Shoes = Your Wardrobe Essentials
The answer to: what should I pack this summer?