For fashion-forward brides, stepping away from traditional archetypes often means stripping back: streamlined silhouettes, understated styling and minimal fuss. For others, it’s an opportunity to make a statement in an altogether more unexpected way. Enter: animal print.

From leopard accessories at Prada to cow print at Marni, animal print is everywhere once again. Leopard, in particular, has long transcended its status as a brash statement or passing trend. Its earthy palette has earned it a reputation among fashion insiders as something of a wardrobe neutral, meaning it works as well with denim and tailoring as it does with a white shirt.

So, can it work for bridal too?

We think so. Against bridal white, a flash of leopard offers an easy way to add something original and unexpected to your look without taking away from the dress itself. The trick, of course, is all in the styling to avoid things tipping into novelty.

For the wedding day itself, we suggest keeping silhouettes sleek and necklines unfussy and letting a simple accessory or shoe do the work. Think a leopard-print pump peeking from the hem of a classic gown. 

Once you move beyond the main dress and into evening dresses, rehearsal dinners and civil ceremony looks, you can be a little bolder. Leopard-print jewellery, pony-hair mules or a cow-print baguette bag can all inject personality into a look. Don’t be afraid to be playful, but stick to just one animal-print piece at a time to balance things out and keep your outfit feeling effortless.

Below, our styling team selects the coolest ways to inject some animal print into your bridal wardrobe.