I Will Always Love Leopard Print, But This Chic Alternative Is On My Radar For Spring

Stepping out into the bustling streets of London can sometimes feel like your average day on the Serengeti, with fashion people dressed in clashing prints, colours and patterns, fighting it out for the enviable title of best dressed. In recent months, I've been noticing a particular print stealthily rising in the style stakes, and I suspect it will take the crown of spring's biggest trend. It is, of course, zebra print, and it's about to knock the reigning leopard print off its top spot.

Thanks to its dazzling pattern and "colourless" palette, both minimalists and maximalists alike are enjoying its versatility, pairing it with monochrome outfits or even teaming it with bold colours for a truly head-turning vibe. Some bold dressers are even wearing it head-to-toe, mixing and matching their clothing and accessories in various styles of zebra to double down on its impact. From the city streets to the runways (shout out Khaite, Ganni, Schiaparelli and The Attico!), it's undeniably everywhere.

It's also a pattern ushering in a new "loud luxury" era. Gone are the days when fashion people wanted to dress quietly, inconspicuously and as pared-back as possible. Instead, in 2026, I foresee eye-catching styles, bold patterns and "ugly" colours taking over, which I'm putting down to a desire to dress up and show off, thoroughly embracing the ostentatious.

Ready to give it a try in 2026? I've hunted down the seven best zebra-print items available to shop now, from outerwear to dresses, going-out tops and shoes, with a few styling tips to help you give main character energy this spring. Go wild!

The 7 Chicest Ways To Wear Zebra-Print for Spring 2026

1. Dresses

Style Notes: Go all-out, just like Danielle, and wear an entire dress utilising the head-turning pattern. She keeps things chic, sleek and in the same colour story, with bright, white peep-toe pumps, a glossy black leather clutch and silver jewellery. This vibe is spot (striped?!) on for evening events, dinner dates and holiday dressing.

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2. Tops

Style Notes: Looking for a way to wear this trend from day-to-night? Pinch Joanna’s look, consisting of a classic black blazer, white tailored shorts, heeled sandals and a white shoulder bag, complete with a long-sleeve, sheer zebra top. The black and white mix will never date, and will take you from desk to dinner in a heartbeat.

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3. Trousers

Style Notes: Level up your trouser game, just like Camille Charrière, with a pair of satin-like pants in a distinctive striped pattern. She teams hers with a simple white tee and glitzy pointed heels, but throw on a faux fur coat and a luxe leather handbag to take this look from brunch meeting to cocktails with your girls. Quite Carrie Bradshaw-coded, no?

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4. Bags

Style Notes: Tease your way into the zebra-print trend with a bag which you can mix and match to any look, day or night. Tinsley pairs her bag with an eclectic ‘fit consisting of a green croc-effect trench, a grey jumper and trousers, plus silver trainers and mixed metal jewellery. It’s a look that is both city-proof and chic, and lets the bag take centre stage.

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5. Skirts

Style Notes: Pencil skirts are on the rise, figuratively, and this outfit tells me why. Sofisticated, pulled-together, but thoroughly fashion-forward, Débora makes the case for the knee-length, straight-cute skirt getting the zebra-print memo in 2026, pairing hers with high-shine black pumps, a simple merino jumper and a black structured coat. Finishing touches of a lacy bag, string of pearls and Hepburn-esque sunglasses give this fit a timeless polish.

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6. Coats & Jackets

Style Notes: If you do dare, invest in a zebra-print coat this spring season. The striking print in outerwear form is not for the weak, but will no doubt inject a level of confidence into your everyday ‘fits that you just can’t deny. Jeanette gives her stripy coat a sporty-chic spin, teaming it with a black sweatshirt, white T-shirt, black tailored trousers and Puma Speedcats. Drape it over your going-out looks, too, for a trail-blazing take on evening dressing.

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7. Shoes

Style Notes: So much to unpack, but first, shoes! Christie Tyler knows the power of a good animal print, and favours sling-back, pointed-toe zebra beauties, paired with barely-there tights. She doesn't hold back, teaming the heels with a like-for-like jacket and mini skirt. This look is made for fancy dinner reservations, fashion parties and swanning around hotel bars. Simply put, j'obsessed!

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