Top Mistakes to Avoid When Wearing Animal Print Tops (And How to Fix Them Like a Pro)

Animal print tops? They’re bold, iconic, and literally everywhere—from designer runways to your favorite influencer’s mirror selfie. But let’s be honest—if styled wrong, they can go from “fierce” to “fashion fail” real quick. 🙈

If you’ve ever thrown on a leopard print top and thought, “Hmm, something feels off,” you’re not alone. The truth is, animal print is a statement—and like any statement piece, it needs a bit of finesse to shine.

Let’s break down the top styling mistakes people make with animal print tops—and how you can fix them to serve main character energy every single time. 💅

1. Choosing the Wrong Animal Print Pattern for Your Body Type

Not all prints are created equal. The scale of the pattern matters—big time.

• 🚫 Mistake: Going for oversized prints that swallow your frame
  ✅ Fix: If you’re petite or want a more balanced silhouette, opt for smaller or medium-sized prints. Think tiny leopard spots or subtle zebra stripes. They’re still fab, just more wearable.
• 🚫 Mistake: Choosing micro-prints when you want a bold look
  ✅ Fix: Want to turn heads? Larger, bolder prints will do the trick. And if you’re wearing a small-print top, level it up with statement accessories like chunky hoops or bold heels.

2. Pairing Animal Print with the Wrong Bottoms or Accessories

Animal print already brings drama—you don’t need your whole outfit competing for the spotlight. 👀

• 🚫 Mistake: Mixing too many patterns or bold colors
  ✅ Fix: Keep the focus on your print. Pair it with neutral-colored bottoms like black flared trousers or beige high-rise pants from our Trousers Collection. Keep accessories minimal—think gold hoops, nude heels, or a sleek belt.
• 🚫 Mistake: Going OTT with jewelry
  ✅ Fix: Let the print speak. Choose one statement accessory at a time. A clean look is always more polished.

3. Ignoring Fit and Fabric

Even the trendiest top can fall flat if the fit is off or the fabric looks cheap.

• 🚫 Mistake: Wearing tops that are too tight or too baggy
  ✅ Fix: Aim for that perfect in-between—a tailored or comfy-fit top that hugs your curves without clinging. For a flattering silhouette, tuck your top into high-waisted pants or skirts.
• 🚫 Mistake: Settling for stiff, low-quality fabrics
  ✅ Fix: Soft, flowy fabrics like cotton, satin, or stretch blends always win. They fall better, feel better, and look luxe without trying too hard.

👉 Need inspo? Check out our animal print collection featuring easy-to-style pieces that flatter every body type.

4. Messing Up Color Coordination

Animal prints already bring texture and pattern—so your color choices need to balance, not battle.

• 🚫 Mistake: Clashing colors or too much going on
  ✅ Fix: Pair your top with solid basics—black, white, beige, or camel tones are foolproof. This lets the print pop without overwhelming the look.
• 🚫 Mistake: Ignoring monochrome magic
  ✅ Fix: Monochrome styling is the ultimate chic hack. Try a leopard print top with tan trousers or a zebra print with white-on-white. Sleek, simple, scroll-stopping.

5. Wearing Animal Print at the Wrong Time or Place

Yes, fashion is freedom—but it’s also about reading the room. 👀

• 🚫 Mistake: Wearing a casual animal print crop top to a formal event
  ✅ Fix: Elevate the look. Add tailored pants, a neutral blazer, and minimalist heels. Suddenly, your wild top is boardroom-ready.
• 🚫 Mistake: Showing too much skin when it’s not the vibe
  ✅ Fix: Know your crowd. For work or formal occasions, choose modest necklines and longer sleeves. For brunch or casual hangouts, you can play with cropped styles—just keep it tasteful.

💡 Bonus: IG & Pinterest-Ready Styling Tip

Tuck your leopard print top into beige cargo pants, throw on white sneakers and tiny gold hoops. Snap a mirror selfie. Add a caption like:

“Feeling fierce but make it comfy 🐆 #BoheeBabe”

Tag @boheewohee and get featured!

Conclusion: Turn the Wild Into Wow ✨

Animal print isn’t hard—it just needs styling confidence. Avoid common mistakes like choosing the wrong pattern scale, mixing clashing colors, or ignoring fit and fabrics. Balance is key. When you style it right, animal print tops become your go-to statement piece for every season.

So go ahead—embrace the wild side. With the right outfit combo, you’ll look chic, feel confident, and definitely stand out.

🔥 Ready to turn heads?
Explore our latest animal print tops and create your boldest look yet. Fashion fortune favors the fearless, babe.