Some like it hot

Once upon a time, animal print was worn only by the brassy, the tacky and the blousy – peroxide blonde barmaids from the pint-pulling school of Bet Lynch.

But those days are long gone. In recent years, from zebra patterns to leopard looks, animal print has gone mainstream. Not only that, it's gone upmarket, too – a little bit of animal is sexy and wild, but also glamorous and super-stylish.

It's easy to see why its popularity keeps on growing; the patterns can be used to disguise figure flaws and the distinctive mottled browns and nudes of many animal print designs are both eye-catching and flattering to most skin tones (although a golden tan really is the best backdrop).

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Animal-print accessorises and co-ordinates go well. Actually, there's very little that it doesn't go with, but if you want to go for a strong Glamazon look (that's glamorous and Amazonian – see what we did there?), try it teamed with gold ethnic-style and brightly painted wood bangles and beads, shoes and bags. Mix in studs and fringing and sequins and embellishment.

At its simplest, take one leopard print maxi dress (See H&M, which has one for 14.99) and team with gold studded belt and flat gladiator sandals for a jaw-droppingly simple yet totally glam outfit that will take you from beach to barbecue.

Or you can mix it up a bit – try a turquoise swimsuit or embellished top, teamed with leopard print hat or scarf, safari shorts and jacket for a safari look that works as well sight-seeing on holiday as it does summer window-shopping in the city. Add lots of ethnic jewellery and beads, so you jangle.

This season, animal print comes in a variety of colours, often with prints that include greens, pinks and blues. Don't be afraid to mix animal prints with floral prints, as well as bold, block colour, black, white and nudes.

If you just want to add an injection of animal print, look out for bags, scarves and this season hats – a leopard print trilby is a must-have.