A while back, I wrote about leopard print, which is undeniably timeless and versatile. But there are other animal prints, such as cheetah, snake, and even cow, to experiment with styling this season. As we sally forth into winter, consider giving your standard black boots a break every so often, as the weather allows, and finish off your winter outfits with animal print boots. Here’s a rundown of some options.
First up, let’s address the leopard in the room (because you may already have a pair) and think about new outfit combinations for your leopard-print boots. You can certainly style it safely with an all-black or neutral ensemble. Or play around with a bohemian aesthetic and pair leopard boots, like DV by Dolce Vita’s Jerica Chelsea Bootie from Nordstrom Rack, with a fringed suede jacket, a slouchy bag, and wide-leg jeans. I also enjoy the idea of experimenting with contrasts like wearing a printed boot with sleek basics like joggers and an oversized sweater. You can always rock a leopard boot with a little black dress for a night out, or with a cropped trouser, button-down, and blazer for an office setting.
Next up, we have snake print! JC Penny’s Worthington Women’s Ranch Flat Heel Booties come in natural snake and can unexpectedly complete a matching knit set, whether it’s a matching sweater and skirt, sweatshirt and pull-on pants, or a shell and cardigan with jeans. Lean into the edgier nature of snakeskin with a leather jacket and a sweater dress. I also like pairing a snakeskin boot with a T-shirt-and-jeans look, topped with a long, oversized wool coat, like Gap’s Wool-Blend Chesterfield Coat in either heather grey or black. Really, with any of these boots, the rest of your outfit can be ho-hum as long as the outerwear stands out. Other outerwear options to consider with animal-print boots include bomber jackets or, better yet, shearling coats like Steve Madden’s Asymmetric Faux-Shearling Coat available at Macy’s.
Regardless of your outerwear, adjacent to snake print is crocodile. Matisse’s Caty Ankle Boot in grey croc pops against a darker outfit of a grey blouse, pleated skirt, and black puffer coat. On the flip side, if you’re hoping to brighten up a dreary day with a colorful look, then a neutral-shade crocodile boot will provide grounding to a bright red sweater and plaid pants outfit. Matisse also has the same boot in tiger, which I’d pair with an oversized sweater, a pencil skirt and tights. For days when a skirt is not practical, tuck a pair of black jeans into Target’s Women’s Tigris Boots with Memory Foam, and top off the look with a button-down and a grandpa cardigan, preferably one with elbow patches, for a vintage scholarly look that contrasts the edgier boot print.
For a more durable boot option, there’s Steve Madden’s Jones Bootie in cow print calf hair at Nordstrom Rack. With its chunky platform and front zip closure, you can quickly throw these boots on with barrel style jeans, like Banana Republic Factory’s Barrel Mid-Rise Jean and a Henley long john shirt. Again, you can lean into the nature of the cow print and pick up Dolce Vita’s Shania Cow Print Calf Hair Western Booties over at Dillards. Wear a western-style boot as intended with jeans, flannel, or chambray, or play against type and pair it with a black suit and a cable-knit half-zip. I’d experiment with menswear knits like Polo Ralph Lauren’s Cable Knit Cotton Quarter-Zip Sweater in cream or camel, mixing the preppy with the cowboy.
A factor to keep in mind when shopping for or styling animal-print boots is that the pattern makes it a statement accessory. Look for boots with minimalist silhouettes. You don’t need over-the-knee rises or crazy high heels. Chelsea boots, booties, ankle boots with block heels and pull-on or zip-up closures will bring enough texture and visual interest to your winter looks. That being said, if you already have and love a knee-high cheetah boot with a stiletto heel and pointy toe, by all means wear them with dresses, skirts, and wide-leg jeans.
