Animal print accessories are set to be everywhere in 2026 – here’s every key piece and pattern

4th March 2026

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When it comes to animal print, you’d be forgiven for thinking that leopard is the fashion set’s only chosen choice of motif – but not in 2026. In fact, while those distinctive spots are undoubtedly having a moment once again, it’s the more unexpected animal patterns that are cropping up across the high street thanks to a recent smattering of reptilian and mammalian prints on the runways.

Whether it’s the evolving ‘Bambi-core’ aesthetic – spearheaded by Tory Burch’s Autumn/Winter ’25 show and pushed home by the likes of Sofia Grainge – or the tiger prints peppered all over Alaia’s current ready-to-wear collection, this year’s animal prints are exotic, eclectic… and everywhere. Perhaps the most obvious examples of this were both Sergio Hudson’s SS26 and AW26 presentations, which exhibited everything from zebra to leopard, snake and croc textures – while Khaite’s Resort 2026 collection offered a similar mish-mash of patterns.

And while some purveyors of the trend are going all in with statement coats or head-to-toe clashing looks, the easiest way to dabble in this year’s animal print trend is with carefully curated accessories. Time to choose your spirit animal.

Deer print

If leopard print’s your usual go-to when it comes to animal motifs, deer print is her softer little sister – characterised by small, varying spots on a caramel base. Practically polka-dot-adjacent, Bambi print can be easily incorporated with neutral outfit bases as a pop of personality. Loewe has recently introduced a couple of deer-print shearling bags with supple leather linings, while & Other Stories’ textured shoulder bag is sure to be a sell-out.

Zebra print

While undoubtedly loud and proud, zebra print has had something of a makeover for 2026 – thanks to chic reinterpretations within the resort collections of Ferragamo and Khaite. On the high street, it’s zebra fever across separates, accessories and footwear; John Lewis’ leather tote nods at Khaite’s runway version, while Rouje’s ultra-slim belt offers a decidedly subtler way to tap into the trend.

Snake print

Wondering how to wear snake print in 2026? Joseph covered all bases with its AW26 collection, showing both head-to-toe looks as well as a scattering of accessories. Radley’s floppy ‘Fleet Street’ clutch bag, made in Leather Working Group-certified snake-embossed leather, is the perfect size for tucking under the crook of your arm just like the fashion set – or perhaps you’ll dip a toe in Cos’ python-inspired loafers.

Tiger print

If a floor-sweeping Alaïa coat and matching heels à la Rihanna isn’t within your fashion comfort zone (fair), you could always opt for one of the fashion house’s many tiger print accessories for 2026 – the criss-cross ballet pumps being a personal favourite. Alternatively, Anonymous Copenhagen’s tiger-print knee boots make just enough of a statement.

Cow print

A continuation of a sub-trend from recent years, cow print is yet another animalic pattern doing the rounds. Perhaps considered the most campy and fun of all the animal prints, designers including Brandon Maxwell have proven cow print can be classic – while over on the street style scene, tastemakers have been experimenting with the pattern in lots of playful ways. Adidas’ beloved Sambas were one of the first to get the cow print treatment, but you can also trial the trend with a pony hair belt like this Reiss number

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