Sunday, March 15

Animal Print Trends to Know for 2026: Cow, Snake, and Zebra


For a print that’s supposedly a form of camouflage, leopard sure can be spotted almost anywhere these days. While I’m far from over it (see: my roundup of leopard print bags, shoes, coats, dresses, and more), I do want to call attention to other animal prints that are just as chic, if not more, than mainstream leopard. Welcome to the stage: zebra, snake, and cow prints.

So, the time has come for you to choose which print is your spirit animal for the season, at least if you’ve seen enough leopard. No need to visit the zoo—it’s already a jungle out there. Ahead, we’ve picked our favorite bags, shoes, and clothes from each print for you to incorporate into your wardrobe, stat.


Snake

Fashionable individual wearing a matching patterned outfit on a city street

Francesca Babbi

Snake print brings the edge. You naturally demand respect when wearing it, and frankly, it wards off those who would otherwise try to walk all over you and think they won’t get bit. Reptilian prints and embossed leathers were also all over the spring/summer 2026 runways, though croc-embossed pieces and python have always been a favorite among exotics lovers.

Japan Sneakers

Adidas Originals Japan Sneakers

Snake-Effect Nylon Sneakers

Miu Miu Snake-Effect Nylon Sneakers

Snake-Effect Leather Sneakers

Dries Van Noten Snake-Effect Leather Sneakers

Exotic skins and prints were all over spring/summer 2026 runways, from subtle nods at Amiri and chic accents at Marine Serre to absolute snake-mania at Michael Kors. Want to make a power move on your next chic outing? Wear a pair of fierce snakeskin sneakers.

Snake-Print Cashmere Cardigan

Frame Snake-Print Cashmere Cardigan

The Hustler Flood Snake Jeans

Mother The Hustler Flood Snake Jeans

Now 56% Off

Adalaide Snake-Printed Denim Midi Skirt

Gabriela Hearst Adalaide Snake-Printed Denim Midi Skirt

This is where the true pros come into play. Snake print clothing is not for the weak, but it is a good way to feel even stronger. Whether you go soft in a cardigan or complete-boss in a trench coat, wear it with confidence, and you’re bound to receive plenty of compliments.

Small Le Teckel Genuine Snakeskin East/West Shoulder Bag

Alaïa Small Le Teckel Genuine Snakeskin East/West Shoulder Bag

Small Altay Leather & Snakeskin Embossed Leather Shoulder Bag

Isabel Marant Small Altay Leather & Snakeskin Embossed Leather Shoulder Bag

Small Nessa Snakeskin Embossed Leather Shoulder Bag

Ree Projects Small Nessa Snakeskin Embossed Leather Shoulder Bag

Maybe you need to shed something that’s not for you anymore (don’t worry…we all do). Why not reflect that in your wardrobe? Snakeskin bags, whether real or printed, are a great way to enter this world of edgy expression because they can be fun and flirty, but still tough. There’s also just plenty to choose from.


Zebra

Person walking on a street in a fashionable outfit

Valentina Valdinoci

I’ll admit I’m a little biased. While I’ve found myself wearing way more leopard print than I ever thought I would, I’ve been a zebra devotee for way longer. I’ve been hauling a zebra shag rug from apartment to apartment for years. And if you don’t believe me when I tell you this is a reigning print, refer to the spring/summer 2026 runways of Valentino, The Attico, Kenzo, and Kiko Kostadinov, who all showcased the joys of the safari animal’s stripes. Zebra print has a playfulness that balances tacky with tasteful. There’s usually no in-between, but that’s just the fun of it. If you’re bold enough to wear zebra print, you’ve got spunk, and if you know how to wear it while staying elevated, you’ve got something even better: attitude.

Almond-Toe Bow Flats

Vivaia Almond-Toe Bow Flats

Now 16% Off

Horsebit Ballet Flat

Gucci Horsebit Ballet Flat

One of my biggest sartorial regrets is not grabbing a pair of pony hair zebra boots (yes, my size) from a closet sale years ago, and it does feel like a hole was left in my wardrobe. Luckily, there are plenty of other options for you to choose from rather than making the same mistake I did. Go chic with a heeled mule or ballet flats.

Featherweight Cashmere Sweater

J.Crew Featherweight Cashmere Sweater

Now 10% Off

Nalani Maxi Skirt

Superdown Nalani Maxi Skirt

Zebra-Print Cotton-Blend Coat

Rotate Zebra-Print Cotton-Blend Coat

I always feel a sense of giddiness when I see someone wearing a gorgeous piece of zebra clothing, followed by jealousy…because I want it. Whether it’s a cashmere sweater, long coat, or your favorite maxi skirt, zebra is as versatile as it is bold.

Hannah Shoulder Bag

Reformation Hannah Shoulder Bag

Lena Raffia Clutch in Zebra Raffia

Staud Lena Raffia Clutch in Zebra Raffia

Believe it or not, a vintage zebra bag was the inspiration for this roundup, and really for my obsession with zebra in the first place. The pony hair is becoming a bit worn, and she’s definitely been spilled on a few too many times, but a zebra bag will always go with your outfit, no matter what you’re wearing. I’ve worn clashing colors, all-black, loud prints, and even leopard print with my zebra bag. It always turns out to be a look. Thank you, zebra bag <3


Cow

street style february 2024 new york fashion week

Daniel Zuchnik//Getty Images

Now, for the silly sister. If you think of zebra print as Charli XCX and snake print as Chappell Roan, then cow print (non-derogatory) is definitely Sabrina Carpenter. Sweet with some sass, unintimidating yet exclusive, cow print is having a moment. If you’re thinking of the cheap, cartoon-y cow prints of children’s books, think again. Cow print fashion has evolved into something that can be chic, authentic-looking, and flattering: just look at the Instagram account @databutmakeitfashion, which declared cow print the next big pattern of the season.

Maryana Calf Hair Boots

Schutz Maryana Calf Hair Boots

Victoria Cow-Print Pumps

Le Monde Beryl Victoria Cow-Print Pumps

Darling Boots

Jeffrey Campbell Darling Boots

Cow print or pony hair shoes can be a subtle take on the trend or a full statement. There are all kinds of styles you can choose from, from kitten heels to boots.

Vafel Cow Print Faux Fur Jacket

Dries Van Noten Vafel Cow Print Faux Fur Jacket

Halter Slip Midi Dress

Abercrombie & Fitch Halter Slip Midi Dress

Cow-Print Pencil Skirt

Tod’s Cow-Print Pencil Skirt

Sure, no one wants to look like a cow, but dressing like one is very much in. Whether you go more abstract or literal, the key is to find a super chic version of the print. Pro tip: Go for more browns and creams rather than black and white.

Cow Leather Shoulder Bag

Mango Cow Leather Shoulder Bag

Cowhide Backpack/Shoulder Bag

Owen Barry Cowhide Backpack/Shoulder Bag

Now 12% Off

You’ve seen the gorgeous cowhide rugs popular in interior design. Now, meet cowhide fashion. Cow print is often an unexpected choice in personal style, but if you can rock it, you’re automatically the best-dressed at the function. Not necessarily as edgy as zebra or snake, this one can be worn anywhere, anytime—and if we’re talking bags, it’s incredibly versatile. From backpacks to shoulder bags, they all look good in the vaguely chic print.





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