The Style Matrix Shows Us How to Wear Animal Print for Work, Weekends, and Date Night

And we show you how to re-create the amazing outfits.
By Sarah Zlotnick

Comments () | Published July 10, 2012

If you follow this blog, even on the semi-reg, you know we have a big thing for bright colors (see here, here, and here). But that doesn’t mean we can’t appreciate a good neutral combo now and then—especially when it involves an awesome jungle-inspired print. Right now, we love the way Sanaa Ansari Khan rocks them for every sort of occasion. A law school graduate turned fashion designer currently living in Alexandria (the leopard maxi you’ll see below is from her line, Haute Heritage), she blogs fashion inspiration and personal outfit posts at the Style Matrix. After spending far too long scrolling through her site, we rounded up our favorite ways she rocks leopard and tribal prints, then whipped up summer-ready ensembles directly inspired by her posts.

Pair a statement shift with architectural jewelry and you’re guaranteed to get noticed on the job—for all the right reasons. Office a bit on the conservative side? Opt for closed-toe wedges, tone down the jewelry, and make sure to stick with a high neckline. 

Bess printed shift dress, $305 at L.K. Bennett; Alexander Wang Emil tote, $975 at Neiman Marcus; Dior Lady cat-eye sunglasses, $295 at Saks Fifth Avenue; Noir Jaipur necklace, $250 at Endless; Vince Camuto black bangle, $38 at Macy’s; Samma Open Close bracelet, $414 at La Garconne; and Marais black open wedge, $124 at Bonadrag. 

Swap the heels for flat sandals and this breezy tee-and-maxi combo is ready for a patio brunch or shopping in Georgetown with your girlfriends. Bonus points for color-blocking with your skirt and clutch. 

Silk-chiffon feather maxi skirt, $396 at Rag & Bone; ikat cotton T-shirt, $39.50 at J.Crew; Calvin Klein Bobbi wedge sandal, $91.16 at Endless; Tribal beaded necklace, $88 at BCBG; and Proenza Schouler PS1 coral zip wallet, $345 at Ssense.

Warm-weather-proof this sultry date look by swapping out the leather jacket for a slim-fit sleeveless boyfriend blazer. Add multi-tonal heels and a boxy neon clutch, and voilà!—you’re date-night sexy without sacrificing trendiness. 

Pan animal maxi dress, $60 at Tobi; Remi & Reid plated skinny belt, $29 at Urban Outfitters; Chalayan long vest, $257.25 at the Outnet; Marcel platform sandal, $295 at BCBG; DVF Tonda clutch, $207 at Cusp; and Tory Burch column ring, $95 at Shopbop.