Leopard will forever remain the fashion lover’s go-to animal print, but this season has seen the spotted fur meet with some strong competition, with the likes of snakeskin, tiger and zebra attempting to dethrone the classic style.
Now, the trend for Western-inspired wear has seen a new print enter the fashion fight and it’s already convinced a number of celebrities to change their spots.
We are, of course, talking about cow print.
A flashy, trashy motif most of us associate with Alabama from Quentin Tarantino’s 1993 classic True Romance, cow hide has seen a coming of age and is having a real moment among style savvy A-listers.
This week, Meghan Markle visited Smart Works – one of her newly announced patronages – wearing a characteristically chic outfit consisting of a cap-sleeved maternity dress by Hatch and a camel coat by Oscar de la Renta.
However, it was the Duchess of Sussex’s choice of accessories that really got people talking.
To accompany her elegant ensemble, Markle chose a pair of heels from Gianvito Rossi, which not only featured PVC sides but also black and white cow print.
Last month, fashion designer Victoria Beckham also made a case for cowhide, sharing her latest look on her Instagram stories.
The 44-year-old sported a white shirt and matching asymmetrical skirt, which were both decorated with digitally printed cowhide alongside the caption: “Swipe up to shop my favourite print from my new collection.”
The pieces are currently available on Beckham’s website alongside a midi dress and cross-body bag in the same style.
It’s a bold pattern but don’t let that put you off giving it a go.
The neutral colouring makes it easy to incorporate into your current wardrobe.
Just make sure to wear one piece at a time and team it with something understated to avoid looking like you’ve roamed a little too far from your home on the range.
For example, if you were to invest in a statement cow print coat, like this shearling option from Petar Petrov, we’d suggest wearing an all-black ensemble underneath. Think a lightweight roll neck knit tucked into a pair of mom jeans and slick sock boots.
Wearing the print on a smart blouse, like this one from Mango, allows you to have fun with workwear too. The colours remain neutral and won’t look out of place worn with a pair of tailored trousers and chunky brogues.
Alternatively, inject some print into your outfit with accessories like a showstopping bag, shoes or a belt.
This way, you can dip your toe into the trend without having to splash too much cash or the fear of looking OTT.
