I’m not sure if this makes me a bad fashion editor, but I’ll admit it: I often take more inspiration from the crowd gathered outside a fashion week venue than from the runway itself. And truthfully? I never feel bad about it. Street style is, after all, where the most wearable looks are spotted; it’s where we see trends in lived-in interpretations that are instantly adaptable to real life.
During last week's Copenhagen Fashion Week, the runways delivered a varied blend of Scandi minimalism and playful eccentricity, but the real magic for me was happening on the pavement. As I sifted through the hundreds of street style images post-shows, one detail kept jumping out as a unifying element threading through some of the week’s most stylish ensembles.
From zebra stripes to leopard spots, glossy snakeskin to painterly cowhide, animal-print shoes were everywhere. Heels, boots, mules and loafers; Copenhagen’s style set wore them all, and they wore them well. The city’s most fashion-forward guests trotted between shows in pairs that offered a wink of wildness to otherwise refined outfits.
Spotted in a myriad of outfits, I often saw the trend styled with relaxed denim, when animal prints add a playful pop without overpowering. Paired with breezy dresses, cotton skirts or even micro shorts, they inject a little energy into every step. Whilst leopard print might have been last year’s favourite, the scope has widened, and we're embracing the entire animal kingdom.
Animal print might feel daunting to some, but I find that it's far more approachable in shoe form than head-to-toe prints. A classic pair of zebra-print slingbacks can liven up a neutral outfit, whilst snake-effect boots bring texture to a monochrome look. Even the boldest cow-print loafers feel grounded when the colour palette sticks to blacks, browns and creams.
With autumn on the horizon, this trend has come at the perfect time, looking all the more at home with richer items like chunky knits, wide-leg trousers and big, snuggly coats.
Ever inspired by the Scandi style set, read on to find more styling inspiration below, and shop my edit of the best animal-print shoes available to buy now.
Shop Animal-Print Shoes and Discover More Styling Inspiration:
Style with an LBD to instantly lift your look.
Honestly, I would easily believe you if you told me these were designer.
Be quick! These are on their way to selling out.
Style these with denim or pair with sleek tailored trousers.
The Mary Jane shoe trend isn't showing any signs of slowing down.
Style with fresh white socks or wear these on their own.
I really can't see these staying in stock for long.
In my eyes, snake-print boots are somewhat of a neutral; I'd style them with anything and everything.
This classic style also comes in black leather and a zebra-print design.
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